2017 Honda City Sets New Benchmark for B Segment in Malaysia

Setia Alam, 2 March 2017 – Honda Malaysia launched its latest Honda City, upgraded for 2017, and appears to have set a new benchmark for B-segment cars in Malaysia. Built on Honda Malaysia’s approach of providing “C-segment features for B-segment price”, the new City offers an almost irresistible package for the would-be buyer.

In addition to the spacious design that allows for more cabin space and a massive 536 litre boot space that can be augmented by split and folding rear seats, and a host of features found in more expensive cars.

With EEV status granted to the Honda City, Honda has managed to retain its existing price level while upgrading the specifications of its variants. The new City now comes in three variants, the S, E and V grades.

All variants share a common drive train – 1.5 litre iVTEC SOHC engine producing 120PS @ 6,600 rpm, and 145Nm of torque @4,600 rpm. This engine is shared with the Jazz and the BR-V. Drive is to the front wheels through a 7-speed CVT, and steering is EPS (Electric Power Steering).

Honda Malaysia’s product strategy insofar as the new City is concerned is to upgrade the existing grades to the next higher grade – i.e., the new S grade gets the previous E grade features, while the E grade gets the previous V grade features, and the new V grade gets new features on top of all the other features present in the S and V grades.

The V grade City redefines the standards for B-Segment cars with new features usually found in more expensive or higher segment cars – this includes LED tail lights, LED front fog lights and LED front headlights. Also in the V grade are paddle shifters, leather interior, and reverse camera.

Aesthetically, there are a few cosmetic changes, but the LED lights and the LED DRL’s really would make an impact in the evening. The S and E grades get Halogen headlights and LED DRL’s while the V grade gets LED lights in addition to the LED DRL’s. Similarly at the rear end, the V grade gets LED guide lights. The top grade gets 16-inch alloy wheels while the other two get 15-inch alloys.

The interior of the City is revamped with two-tone panels, and decorative rings around the air vents, while the V grade gets leather trim. A 6.8 inch display audio with bluetooth connectivity is available for the E and V grades, and the V gets a total of 8 speakers compared to the normal 4-speaker setup of the E and S. In addition, the V gets a reverse camera.

All grades get smart entry, keyless start and auto retractable power adjustable door mirrors. The E and V grades get touch panel auto air-conditioning and rear vents. The multi-information combination meter is common to all three grades, as is the steering wheel audio control. However only the E and V grades get cruise control and paddle shifters.

Honda does not compromise on safety for its cars, and common to all three are the basics that include dual Front SRS airbags, ABS braking system with EBD and BA, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Reverse sensor. The E and V variants get side airbags, and the V gets in addition to all this, side curtain bags.

The new City selling prices are as follows:-

Grade S RM87,300
Grade E RM84,600
Grade V RM92,000

All prices are for P Malaysia and OTR with insurance, inclusive of 6 percent GST.