KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia has launched the latest City today with four variants on offer.
With the sales-tax exemption lasting until the end of the year, the locally-assembled City now costs (on-the-road without insurance) RM74,192 for the entry-level S variant, while the E variant is RM81,665 and the V variant is RM86,562.
On Jan 1, 2021, the S variant will cost RM76,800 instead, while the E variant will increase to RM84,800 and the V variant to RM89,800.
READ MORE: First drive of new Honda City
There are five colour options for the fifth-generation City namely Passion Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.
Colour choices for the RS variant is limited to Passion Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic.
The City has received the EEV (energy-efficient vehicle) status as well as the full five-star crash-test rating from ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP).
It is accompanied by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free labour service.
The price of the flagship City RS e:HEV variant would be revealed upon its arrival in Malaysia in January 2021.
Malaysia is the first country in the world to launch the hybrid City outside of Japan and the company says it targets to sell 3,000 units per month. This figure will be adjusted to 3,500 units once the RS variant arrives.
In standard form, the City powers its front wheels with a 1.5-litre (1,498cc) engine with 16-valves and dual-overhead cams that are managed by Honda's highly-acclaimed i-VTEC technology to optimise power delivery and efficiency.
The engine uses a continuously variable transmission to manage its output that's rated at 121PS at 6,600rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,300rpm.
This means it'll be able to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 10.2 seconds (10.4 seconds - V variant) before reaching a top speed of 196kph (195kph - V variant).
Fuel consumption is rated at 5.4 litres per 100km.
The City is equipped with an electric power steering system and boasts of a comfort-oriented suspension system that uses front MacPherson struts and rear Torsion beam to hold up its 4,553mm-long (+111mm), 1,748mm-wide (+54mm) and 1,467mm-tall (-10mm) body.
With a 2,600mm wheelbase, the 15-inch wheels are fitted with 185/60 series tyres that partially hide its front ventilated discs and rear drums.
The S comes fitted with projector headlights with halogen bulbs, LED daytime runners and external mirrors with integrated LED turn signals in matching body colour.
Rear-LED light clusters, a shark fin antenna as well as power-adjustable and retractable external mirrors complete the exterior goodies.
The cabin remains spacious despite a large 519-litre boot (-17 litres) and features keyless entry (front doors) with push-start button and an Econ driving mode button.
Analogue-digital combination instrument cluster, rear air vents, urethane-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel with audio controls and fabric upholstery make up the conveniences.
A four-speaker sound system with USB port and Bluetooth connectivity provides audio entertainment.
In terms of safety, it is equipped with the standard six airbags, Isofix points, driver/front passenger/rear seat belt reminders, anti-lock braking system and vehicle stability assist.
Electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, auto brake hold, hill start assist, emergency stop signal and two reverse parking sensors make up the safety equipment.
Moving up to the E variant, the door handles get chromed and its kerb weight increases from 1,125kg to 1,126kg by way of its added functions such as remote engine start, paddle shifters, cruise control and a single-zone automatic climate controls.
A colour 8.0-inch display is now on the dashboard that provides a total of two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the ability to display the visual feed of the multi-angle reverse camera.
The V variant will increase its heft to 1,135kg (kerb) which is why its 0 to 100kph sprint time and top speed drops down to 10.4 seconds and 195kph respectively.
Here, convenience levels increase drastically, with the addition of automatic LED headlights and LED front fog lamps for the exterior.
Inside, the number of airbags increases to six, while leather gets wrapped around the gear knob, steering wheel and seats before fitting in a total of eight speakers for the audio system.
The Honda Lane Watch Camera system is also a new addition.
Finally, the RS e:HEV that will arrive next year will power its front wheels with an electric motor producing 108PS from 3,500 to 8,000rpm and 253Nm of instant torque up to 3,000rpm.
The power source for the electric motor is a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery that is charged by a 1.5-litre engine operating on the Atkinson cycle.
This engine also takes over high-speed cruising duties with its performance of 98PS from 5,600 to 6,400rpm and 127Nm of torque from 4,500 to 5,000rpm.
Power is regulated by an electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) for this 1,246kg (kerb) B-segment sedan.
The reason for its significant weight gain is its hybrid system as well as the inclusions of a rear solid disc brake for the electric parking brake system.
The RS is visually identifiable via its larger 16-inch wheels wearing 185/55 series tyres, matching body colour door handles and a rear trunk boot lip.
The boot size is reduced to 409 litres as a result of the battery system taking up the bulk of the boot's underfloor section. In addition, the 15-inch spare wheel had to be ditched for a temporary tyre repair kit instead.
While everything looks identical among the stablemates, the front track of the RS has been increased by 2mm to 1,497mm over the other variants possibly for added stability. Rear track width remains the same at 1,483mm among all variants.
The cabin sports deceleration selector paddles for the steering wheel, a larger 7.0-inch TFT Meter Cluster for the driver, half-leather upholstery and sport pedals.
Here, the RS variant receives the full suite of safety features under the Japanese carmaker's Honda Sensing suite of advance driver aid system that includes forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beam system.
Those looking to personalise their City can look to the optional Modulo Package 1.0 costing an additional RM4,473 which includes a front under spoiler, rear under spoiler, side skirts, and a trunk spoiler.
The Urban Package 1.0 (RM1,899) slaps the City with door visors, illuminated side steps, foot light and sports pedals.
The Utility Package (RM1,073) includes a trunk tray, trunk organiser, reflective film, car cover and sun shades.
Those who opt for the Protection Package (RM3,007) means their car gets an Ultra Glass Body Coating, Ultra Window Coating and a wheel lock nut.
A Honda-recommended digital video recorder is also available for RM749 as well as seven window tint films starting with the Horizon Safety at RM1,478 and the Horizon Safety + at RM1,693.
The other options include Ray Barrier 4+ (RM1,666), Horizon Security Premium+ (RM2,293), Ray Barrier 6+ (RM2,263), Ray Barrier 4 Black Pearl (RM1,617) and Ray Barrier 6 Black Pearl (RM2,275).
For more information, log on to www.honda.com.my or call 1-800-88-2020.
Honda City (Gen 5) V
Honda City (Gen 5) E with Modulo kit
