With more than 2.2 million units sold worldwide since its introduction in 2001, the highly-anticipated new Honda City has been officially launched in the Malaysian market today. Available in four variants, S, S+, E and V, the price of the new Honda City starts from RM75,800 (OTR with insurance) for the S, RM78,800 (OTR with insurance) for the S+, RM83,800 (OTR with insurance) for the E and RM90,800 (OTR with insurance) for the top of the line V.
The development of the new Honda City was based on the “Exciting H Design” concept. “H” represents the Human Centre that puts the focus on the driver and passengers. The “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” concept was the essence of the development.
The all-new Honda City looks very unique with sleeker and sportier body-lines. The platinum front grille and front and rear lights are in tandem to offer a perfect match. The sporty presence is enhanced by the shark fin antenna. The interior design is now more prominent with roomy rear cabin area and a larger rear storage space of 535-litres, which will meet the needs of all lifestyles, while its longer wheelbase over its predecessor allows for a more spacious interior, especially in terms of legroom.
The new Honda City is powered by a 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 118hp at 6,600 rpm and 145Nm of peak torque at 4,700 rpm, which is good for a top-speed of 190km/h (claimed), and a 0-100km/h time of less than 11 seconds. This petrol engine is mated to CVT gearbox developed under the Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology that provides instant response and the best fuel-efficiency.
The all-new Honda City, available in 5 new colours, comes equipped with a full range of standard safety features such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) in all variants. The advanced safety technology in the premium-class vehicle includes SIX airbags, plus a Multi-angle Rearview Camera with three-level adjustment. Oh, and get this, 8 cup-holders! Ride and handling comes by way of MacPherson struts up front and a Torsion Beam rear set-up, while stopping power is taken care of by ventilated discs in the front and drum brakes in the rear.
In terms of creature comforts, in addition to the futuristic ‘layered floating cockpit’ instrumentation design, the Honda City’s audio system has a 7-inch Advanced Touch Screen that supports a smartphone interface, plus an eight-speaker system for the best audio experience in the cabin. Apart from that, the new Honda City comes with an automatic air-conditioning system as well as rear air condition vents.
The triple gauges, illuminated by blue light, provides a Multi-information Display. Other features include a One-Push Ignition System, Honda Smart Entry System, and a Multi-function Steering Wheel that offers convenient fingertip control of a 7-speed Paddle Shift, Cruise Control, Audio Control Switch, and Handsfree Telephone Switch.
Those who want an even sportier look can opt for the Modulo kit as an add-on cost option (RM3,200). The Modulo package comprises foot lights, illuminated side step, trunk organiser, door visor, trunk tray, alloy pedals, side under spoiler (side skirts), rear spoiler and rear under spoiler (diffuser).
Honda City models are backed up by a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and the service interval is every 10,000 km to provide further convenience to customers.
At the official launch, Honda Malaysia also announced that the CKD hybrid variant will be added in the near future to expend their CKD hybrid line-up. More info will emerge soon! AF will also be getting the all-new City for a more comprehensive review very soon, so stay tuned!
