Honda Malaysia has finally launched the City RS e:HEV. The hybrid model made its debut alongside the petrol version back when the fifth-gen City made its debut in October last year. However, its market launch, which was originally scheduled for January, was pushed further owing to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The Honda City hybrid has been introduced as the flagship version and costs RM 105,950, on-road without insurance and sales tax exemption. At this price point, the hybrid version turns out to be RM 19,000 costlier than the most expensive petrol variant.
Powering the Honda City hybrid model is an
intelligent multi-mode drive (i-MMD) powertrain that has replaced the i-DCD.
The new generation system comprises a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC
four-cylinder engine that churns out 98 PS and 127 Nm, and comes mated to two
motors. Essentially, the internal combustion engine acts as a generator with
assistance from an integrated electric motor that also acts as a starter.
The second motor, which is larger, outputs
108 PS and 253 Nm. Also, the engine can offer a direct drive at high speeds as in
high-performance conditions, it turns out to be more efficient than the motor.
If the company figures are to be believed, the electric-hybrid setup is capable
of enabling the City to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds and hit a
top speed of 173 km/h. The fuel consumption is rated at 26.5 km/l.
The Honda City hybrid features a bespoke
styling pack that comprises gloss-black front grille, carbon-pattern trim on
front and rear diffuser, new foglamp garnish, new mirror covers and a ducktail
spoiler in a gloss-black finish. The City hybrid rides on dual-tone 16-inch
alloy wheels (185/55 tyres) and even benefits from rear disc brakes. The
standard equipment list consists of automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime
running lights, LED rear lights, keyless entry with push start, single-zone
auto air-conditioning, rear air-con vents, steering audio buttons and an
8.0-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
with an eight-speaker audio system.
Additionally, the RS e:HEV version
benefits from a 7.0-inch digital meter panel with hybrid-specific displays,
“Ultrasuede” seats, deceleration selector paddle for i-MMD, red stitching on
leather steering wheel, gear lever console, centre tunnel and dashboard, and
aluminium sport pedals. Safety features on offer include six airbags, VSA, hill
start assist, emergency stop signal and the automaker’s LaneWatch left-side
camera. The Honda City hybrid even benefits from various driver-assist and
safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation
Braking System (autonomous emergency braking, or AEB), Forward Collision
Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation
(RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High-Beam (AHB).
The Malaysia-spec Honda City Hybrid (RS
e:HEV) is on sale with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and five
no-labour-fee services. There's also a separate eight-year, unlimited-kilometre
warranty on the lithium-ion battery. The new model is on sale in three colour
options - Modern Steel Metallic, Passion Red Pearl and Platinum White Pearl.
