Honda Malaysia launches the new City

Honda Malaysia has officially unveiled the new City after it began receiving bookings about a month ago. The car that has been leading the segment is a facelift mind you. It receives numerous improvements and upgrades inside out. The company claims the new City brings C-segment features with B-segment pricing.

Speaking of which, the company has also managed to retain the price of the previous City and even slash down the base price. The price starts at RM78,300 for the S variant, which is a whole RM1,000 lesser from the previous S+ variant. Meanwhile, the E and the range-topping V are priced at RM84,600 and RM92,000 respectively, similar to the previous City.

Advanced and Energetic Design

The new City gets a fresher appearance with what the company calls as ‘Advanced and Energetic Design’. The front fascia is defined by the new LED DRLs which are standard across the range and a new single-bar grille. Headlights are halogen units for the S and E while the V variant gets full-LED headlights with LED fog lights, a first in its class.

At the rear, there’s halogen units for the S and E variants tail lights and LED guide lights for the V variant, similar to the front. The new City can also be distinguished by its third brake light that is now integrated into the ducktail spoiler and a new redesigned rear bumper. As for the wheels, the B-segment sedan rides on either 15-inch alloys (S and E only) or 16-inch alloys (V only). All variants are equipped with shark fin antenna and auto retractable and power adjustable side mirrors with turning lights (E and V only).

The new City comes with five colours, namely Lunar Silver Metallic, Dark Ruby Pearl, Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

Human Maximum, Machine Minimum Interior

Designing the interior with ‘ Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ concept means that the new City prioritizes cabin space for its occupants. Standard kit on the new City are Smart Entry with Push-Start button, ECON button, advanced multi-information meter, 8 cupholders, steering-mounted audio control, one-touch signal, height-adjustable driver’s seat, 60:40 foldable rear seats and trunk release remote.

The interior of the S and E variants are equipped with fabric seats with fabric upholstery and urethane steering wheel and gear knob. The V variant’s interior on the other hand is all leather for its seats, upholstery, steering and gear knob. There’s also soft padded instrument panel for the range-topping V variant.

However, other equipment like rear ventilation air-con, touch panel auto air-con, steering-mounted cruise control, paddle-shifters and front centre arm rests are absent on the S variant and only features on the two upper trims.

Efficient Powertrain

Powering the new City is the familiar 1.5-litre four-cylinder SOHC engine with i-VTEC. The engine that is similarly found on the previous City produces 120 hp at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. It is mated to the company’s Earth Dreams CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission). The powertrain is the sole option for the new City.

Infotainment and Audio

The infotainment features in the new City is served by a 6.8-inch display audio system for E and V and the standard unit for the base S. Elsewhere, the new City comes with hands-free telephone connectivity, USB port, and auto volume by speed. There’s four speakers for the S and E variants while the V gets four more.

Safety

Honda has not compromised on safety with the new facelifted City and it is a good thing to learn that this segment is getting better safety equipment. The car receives dual front SRS airbags, front and rear seatbelts with 3-point ELR, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, reverse sensor and ISOFIX as standard. The E and V variants are further equipped with side airbags and multi-angle reverse camera.

To add certain degree of sportiness and individuality, the new City comes with optional accessories where customers can fit Modulo Package, Urban Package or Utility Package with starting price of RM820. The warranty from the previous City consisting of 5-years with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals are retained.

Honda aims to sell around 2,000 units of the new City per month. According to Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Katsuto Hayashi, the company is now on track for its 100,000 unit target for 2017 with BR-V’s bookings reaching 8,500 units by March 2.

For more information on the new City or to book a test drive, customers may visit any of the 88 authorised Honda dealers nationwide or call Honda’s toll-free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my