Honda City - Which variant to buy?

The City is Honda’s one of the best selling models not only in Malaysia but in various other markets as well. The current generation Honda City is the best-looking in all its iterations so far and soon there’s going to be a new 2020 model that is expected to be so much better and will replace the one that we have right now.

At present, there are four Honda City variants - 1.5L S, 1.5L E, 1.5L V, and 1.5L Hybrid. So which one should you buy? We’re going to help you with just that in this story.

So there are some common features and elements that you will find in all the variants. For example, the overall design of the car remains the same and so does the braking and suspension setup. Some of the key common features are-

• LED daytime running lights
• Shark fin antenna
• Auto retractable and power-adjustable door mirrors
• ECON button
• Black upholstery

Honda doesn’t like to compromise with the safety, that’s why most of the safety features of the Honda City are available across the board. These are-

• Dual front SRS airbags
• ABS
• EBD
• BA
• Vehicle stability assist
• Hill start assist
• Reverse sensor

If you look at the Honda City specs, you will notice that all the variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre engine. However, in case of the Hybrid variant, this engine is slightly retuned to gel with the electric motor.

	1.5L S	1.5L E	1.5L V	1.5L Hybrid
Engine	1.5-litre 4 Cylinders, 16 Valve, SOHC i-VTEC with Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Max Power	120 PS @ 6600 rpm			110 PS @ 6000 rpm
Max Power from Motor	-			30 PS @ 1313-2000 rpm
Combine Power	120 PS			137 PS
Max Torque	145 Nm @ 4600 rpm			134 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Max Torque from Motor	-			160 Nm @ 0-1313 rpm
Combined Torque	145 Nm			170 Nm
Transmission	CVT			7-speed DCT

 

So, with the key similar features out of the way, let’s see what make each variant special.

Honda City 1.5L S

This is the base model of the Honda City. It should be a perfect choice for someone who wants to own a City but has a limited budget. The 1.5L S has all the key features that we just discussed. It retails at RM 73,836.

Honda City 1.5L E

This one is slightly better than the base model. It gets chrome outside door handles for a premium look along with integrated side turn signals in the ORVMs. Honda also added a touch screen panel for AC controls. You also get paddle shifters along with front centre armrest and rear centre armrest. The audio system on the inside has also been updated to a 6.8-inch display. On the safety front, you get additional side airbags and a multi-angle reverse camera. The 1.5L E retails at RM 79,955.

Honda City 1.5L V

For a price of RM 86,983, you get LED headlamps, LED fog lights, and LED taillights on the outside. The interior gets a luxury treatment as the steering wheel, gear knob, and seats are wrapped with leather. For a more immersive audio experience, the 1.5L V gets 8 speakers instead of 4. And you will also get the side curtain airbag.

Honda City 1.5L Hybrid

This is the most expensive variant of the Honda City for obvious reasons. It is a hybrid car which retails at RM 92,172. While the hybrid capability of the car would woo in environment-friendly customers, it’s a bit of a let down that Honda had to cut down on some features to keep its price in check.

For example, the Hybrid variant loses out on LED fog lights, LED headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, even the seats are not of leather. The number of speakers is reduced to 4 and there is no side curtain airbag.

We think that the best variant of the City is the 1.5L V as it gets all the bells and whistles that the lower end variants and even the hybrid variant don’t get. However, if you have a soft spot for the Mother Earth, then you can consider the 1.5L hybrid.

Honda City price list-

Variant	Price
1.5L S	RM 73,836
1.5L E	RM 79,955
1.5L V	RM 86,983
1.5L Hybrid	RM 92,172

 

Also Read: Check out the Honda City Special Edition, priced at RM 76k