Review: Honda City Hatchback e:HEV RS - Malaysia's ultimate town car?

Let’s get straight to the point — the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV might just be the best town car and daily driver you can buy in Malaysia right now. Bold statement? Absolutely.

But after spending time in one, weaving through the chaos of morning traffic, sliding into tight parking bays, zooming out of junctions before that BMW behind you flashes its high beams, and cruising home in peace — it's hard to disagree.

This little electrified hatch has figured out the formula for Malaysian urban life. It’s not just a good car. It’s a clever car. Let’s dive into why.

A Car That Shrinks the City

First off, size matters. In this case, the Honda City Hatchback’s compact dimensions (4,369 mm long and 1,748 mm wide) are absolutely spot-on for city living.

It feels just right — not too big that you feel like a lorry driver trying to reverse into an SS15 café parking lot, but not too small that it feels like a tin can on wheels.

The turning radius is a tight 5.0 metres, so U-turns are a breeze — crucial when you miss your turning and Waze decides to test your patience.

Parking? You’ll love it. With the reverse sensors and multi-angle reverse camera, even the tightest parking basement feels like child’s play.

And I’ll be honest — I was never really a Honda City fan, mostly because of the sedan. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it, it’s just... not my thing.

The image never clicked. It always felt a bit too much like an aunty’s car. The same goes for the Honda Jazz, which this hatchback effectively replaces.

But this — the City Hatchback — has the right image. It looks sporty, aggressive, and way more youthful. It’s got that city-smart attitude that actually lives up to its name.

After-Work Zen Mode

We all know Malaysian traffic can turn even the most cheerful soul into a grumpy zombie. But here’s the thing — the City Hatchback e:HEV is ridiculously refined. Once the door shuts, even though it does need some force to do so, it’s like the city melts away.

The cabin is quiet, the ride is supple, and the electric motor makes your acceleration buttery smooth. After a full day of work, this thing doesn’t wear you out.

In fact, it’s almost therapeutic. The seats are supportive, wrapped in a tasteful combination of leather and soft-touch materials. The driving position is one of the best in its class — fully adjustable, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring.

Tall, short, thin, makan-nasi-lemak-everyday-sized — everyone fits.

Even the small things feel premium. The leather steering wheel and gear knob, the paddle shifters, and even the 7-inch TFT meter display — it all adds to the sense that Honda didn’t just phone this one in.

The Secret Sauce: That Hybrid Powertrain

Now here’s where the City Hatchback RS e:HEV earns its “RS” badge. Under the hood, it’s got a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine paired with an electric motor — working together to produce a combined output of 109 PS and a hefty 253 Nm of torque from zero revs. That’s torque monster territory for a small hatch.

So what does that mean in real life? Instant zoom. You don’t have to wait for the engine to wind up — tap the accelerator and off you go. Perfect for those quick darts through tight gaps, or to escape that abang in the Myvi with two stickers and no chill.

0–100 km/h takes 9.7 seconds — respectable — but it’s how it feels off the line and around corners that really impresses. On Malaysian roads, where agility counts more than outright speed, this hybrid setup is a gem.

The e-CVT gearbox is buttery, and even lets you “fake downshift” with the deceleration paddles for some added control.

Ride Like a Champ, Zoom Like a Boss

Let’s talk ride and handling. This is where the City Hatchback RS e:HEV walks a fine line beautifully. No, it’s not a hot hatch, and no, it won’t set your pants on fire on Karak. But man, does it balance comfort and confidence like a champ.

The MacPherson front and torsion beam rear suspension do a fantastic job ironing out Malaysia’s typical road imperfections — potholes, patched-up tar, random speed bumps in residential areas that don’t follow any standard — all taken in stride.

And yet, there’s a sporty tautness that keeps it from feeling floaty.

It’s not the sharpest car to steer — the electric power steering is tuned more for ease than feedback — but it’s precise enough. Most importantly, it makes the car feel planted and predictable, which is exactly what you want in a daily driver. Easy to pilot, easy to trust.

700km on One Tank?! Yes, It can

With a 40-litre fuel tank and real-world fuel consumption of around 3.7L/100km, this car gives you an easy 700 km range. That’s KL to Penang and back with some juice to spare.

That alone should get every Grab driver, young professional, and daily commuter leaning in a little closer.

Thanks to Honda’s efficient e:HEV system, most of your city drives are handled by the electric motor, only switching to the petrol engine when necessary.

That means smoother drives, less fuel burned, and fewer stops at the petrol station — aka more money for your next bubble tea fix.

Smart Features, Honda Safety Sensing, and More

This being the top RS e:HEV variant, it’s fully loaded. Remote engine start? Yes. Walk-away auto lock? Thank you. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Absolutely. The Honda SENSING suite is here too — with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more.

The only thing it doesn’t have is Low Speed Follow, which would’ve been nice in our crawling traffic. But hey, you can’t have everything.

Interior practicality is top-notch too — ULTRA Seats mean you can fold the rear seats flat or flip up the base for tall item storage. Whether it’s durian, a potted plant, or that oversized Shopee parcel, this car can make it work. 

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate these ULTRA Seats — they’re genius and unmistakably Honda. We’re so glad this clever feature has made its way from the Honda Jazz into the City Hatchback.

It completely shatters the notion that a small car is useless when it comes to hauling stuff, especially after an IKEA spree when your boot is overflowing with Scandinavian ambition.

Not Quite Perfect, But Close

Now, to be fair — there are a few things we’d nitpick.

• The 8-inch infotainment screen could really use a higher resolution. In 2025, it feels a bit basic. It works has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but doesn't wow.
  
  
• The centre armrest? Let’s just say it’s more of a symbolic gesture than an actual armrest. Low, short, and more useful as a small storage space than for actual arm resting.
  
  
• The steering? While it's light and easy — perfect for daily traffic jams and tight maneuvers — it’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. Enthusiasts looking for something with a more direct, fast-reacting feel might find it a touch too relaxed. It gets the job done, but don’t expect hot hatch precision when you chuck it into a corner.
• Visually, there’s one more thing we wish Honda had done better — the stance. The wheels sit a bit tucked in, noticeably recessed from the edge of the body. It gives the car a slightly conservative look, when it could’ve looked so much more planted and athletic if the wheels sat flush with the arches. Sure, it’s a small problem — easily fixed with a set of spacers if you’re into that sort of thing — but we can’t help but wish it came right from the factory with that sportier, more confident stance

But honestly? These are small gripes in what is otherwise a stellar package.

Verdict: The Everyday Hero We Need

We all know the difference between want and need. Sure, we want a Mercedes-Benz A-Class — who doesn’t? The badge, the flair, the flex. But what most of us actually need is the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV.

This is one of those rare cars that truly gets the Malaysian lifestyle. It’s compact but practical. It’s fast enough but frugal.

It’s easy to drive, refined enough to feel premium, and loaded with tech and safety. It’s the kind of car you get into every morning and think, “Yep, this was a good decision.”

At around RM110k, it isn’t cheap — but in return, you get long-term savings on fuel, low running costs, and the peace of mind that comes with Honda reliability and strong resale value.

In a sea of soulless crossovers, budget beaters, and overpriced compacts, the City Hatchback RS e:HEV stands out as a smart, stylish, and sensible choice. It might just be the best real-world daily driver on sale today.

Stylish, efficient, and endlessly usable — the City Hatchback RS e:HEV is the urban hero every Malaysian town needs.

Honda City Hatchback e:HEV RS Specifications

Drivetrain: 1.5L DOHC i‑VTEC Atkinson Cycle Hybrid (e:HEV system)
Max Power Output: 109 PS (Electric Motor) + 98 PS (Engine)
Max Torque: 253 Nm (Electric Motor) + 127 Nm (Engine)
Transmission: Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e‑CVT)
Seats: 5
Safety Features: 6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain), Honda SENSING: Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Auto High Beam, Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist,Emergency Stop Signal.