All-New Honda City Goes to The Top of The Class
Kuala Lumpur, 18 December 2008 – The all-new Honda City, launched today by Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd immediately goes to the top of the class for 1.5 litre capacity sedans; it comes with a class-leading 120PS of power and more importantly, a 5-speed automatic transmission.
At a time when its competitors are still fitted with 4-speed automatic gearboxes, the Honda City gets an immediate marketing edge. Its engine power is also the highest in its class. At the time of launch it is estimated that there are at least 3,000 bookings, and this list is growing by the minute.
Honda Malaysia took a step off the beaten path by introducing the all-new Honda City before any opening speeches; the CEO and Managing Director, Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto drove onto centre stage with Mr. Takeshi Nakamura, Chief Engineer of Honda R & D, accompanied by En Azman Idris, COO, and Vice-President Mr. Ikuo Kanazawa in the brand new Honda City.
In his speech that followed, Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto said that the Honda city has always been well received among customers here in Malaysia, particularly for its practical and economical features. Easy maneuverability, a spacious cabin, fuel efficiency and an affordable price were key to the success of the model. He emphasized that Honda has significantly enriched the current model’s specifications with qualities that surpasses customers’ expectations of a sedan in this class. Fujimoto further stated that Honda has successfully integrated and packaged style, performance and practicality in the all-new City, which, “comfortably caters for both work and leisure to the out-going or family-oriented Malaysian.”
Mr. Takeshi Nakamura explained that the new model’s exterior had adopted the concept of the ‘Arrowshot Form’ which originated from the idea of an energetic arrow strung on a bow, ready to be released. “The dynamic form and theme moved all the developing vectors in one direction and as a result, the design now features an imposing and ambitious look,” he said.
The 1.5 litre engine features an enhanced i-Vtec system. Producng 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, it is one of the most powerful engines that you can get in a car of this size and price. With the addition of a 5-speed automatic, the City offers more versatility in terms of gaps between gears, and overall fuel economy. The first and second gear ratios are selected to provide good get-up-and-go, while the fifth gear ratio is selected to provide high speeds at relatively low engine revolutions.
In the pursuit of fuel economy, the engine has features that improve oil retention, and reduce friction, while the overall weight has been reduced.
Interior space has increased by extending the wheelbase by 100mm. The driver now has a better chance of getting a good driving position with the tilt and reach-adjustable steering wheel, and driver seat height adjustment. In addition, there is a driver’s foot rest.
The all-new Honda City comes in two grades, both of which are well appointed. The lower grade model (S)is offered at RM 84,980 while the higher grade model (E) is offered at RM89,980
