Honda Malaysia Launches 2024 City Hatchback Facelift
Honda Malaysia has launched the Honda City Hatchback facelift which now includes a petrol option for its range-topping RS variant. This addition completes the sporty hybrid and petrol offerings for this popular hatchback model, bringing the total number of variants to five i.e. City 1.5 S, 1.5 E, 1.5 V, 1.5 RS and 1.5 e:HEV RS.
The Honda City Hatchback has received several enhancements to its exterior to present a sportier look. New are the honeycomb grille, lower grille, LED front fog lights garnish, and rear bumper lower garnish. The RS variants also add new Berlina Black 16″ alloy wheels and side sill garnish.
Due to these changes, the petrol RS and e:HEV RS variants now measure 4,369 mm in length, while the S, E, and V variants are 4,350 mm, representing an increase of 20 mm and 5 mm respectively over the preceding model.
Staying true to its commitment to fuel efficiency and performance, the refreshed City Hatchback hybrid is powered by a 1.5L e:HEV powertrain producing 109 PS (108 hp) and 253 Nm of torque. The e:HEV RS variant is also equipped with a Deceleration Selector Paddle for power regeneration and vehicle deceleration. Meanwhile, the petrol variant features a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 121 PS (119 hp) and 145 Nm of torque, with paddle shifters now standard across all petrol variants for a more engaging driving experience. All gearboxes are CVT, with the e:HEV using an E-CVT.
The interior of the City Hatchback has been upgraded, particularly in the RS variants which now boast a striking red-painted dashboard panel and sporty Combi Leather seats with red stitching. Both the petrol RS and e:HEV RS variants come with an 8″ Display Audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7″ TFT meter cluster (4.2″ TFT for non RS) . The E & V variants get wired CarPlay and Auto support while the S has a basic audio system. The practical and spacious ULTRA Seat remains standard across all variants.
The City Hatchback range now comes equipped with an upgraded Honda SENSING as a standard feature which has a wider view front camera. Included now is Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) as standard to the safety suite. The complete suite of Honda SENSING features includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB). The Low Speed Follow (LSF) which works with ACC however, is exclusive to the e:HEV RS. Additionally, all variants are equipped with 6 airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock. Further, all but the S variant feature a Multi-Angle Reverse Camera, and the V and RS variants include Honda LaneWatch for enhanced blind spot visibility.
The RS variants also offer the Honda CONNECT smartphone application for enhanced safety, security, and convenience. This is also now available as an option for the S, E, and V variants.
“In the first quarter of 2024, we have achieved sales of more than 21,500 units which is an increase of 23% compared to first quarter of 2023. This positive achievement is a good start of the year for Honda. Today, we are excited to introduce the new City Hatchback. With more than 28,700 units of the City Hatchback on Malaysian roads since 2021, we are confident that this refreshed model will surpass customers’ expectations. We are thrilled to offer customers a RS variant with petrol powertrain,” said Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
The retail prices are:
- City S : RM85,900
- City E : RM90,900
- City V : RM95,900
- City RS : RM100,900
- City e:HEV RS : RM112,900
Prices quoted are on-the-road without insurance for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia. Ownership is covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with 5x free labour service (within 100,000 km or 5 years). Meanwhile the lithium ion battery is covered by an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty.