More information about Malaysian-spec 2020 City out now

KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new Honda City is one of the biggest, most prominent launches of the year. The booking for the sedan opened a while back, with its arrival scheduled for Q4 2020. Recently, Honda Malaysia previewed the 5th-gen model and revealed a few of its highlighting features.

Also Read: 2020 Honda City teaser launched, likely to hit the Malaysian market soon

What excites us the most is that Malaysia is the first country to receive the City with a two-motor Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system. At present, the said system is only available in Jazz. This new system is part of the company's next-generation hybrid vehicles named the e-HEV, it's Honda's latest global brand for hybrid electric cars. Unlike conventional hybrids, where the motor assists the engine, in e-HEV, the power plant makes electricity, which then assists the electric motor. Thus, resulting in crisp acceleration and smooth ride.

So, in this case, the 98 PS/127 Nm 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine does not power the sedan; instead, it acts as a generator with the help of an integrated motor. The second motor does the job of moving the car, and it thumps out 109 PS and 253 Nm (more torque than Toyota Camry). It is important to note that all this torque is produced at 0 rpm, like all battery EVs. Since the electric motor handles the duty of moving the car, the i-MMD system does away with the gearbox. However, at higher speeds, the engine can provide direct drive, as it's more efficient than the motor. The mill uses a single-speed transmission and lock-up clutch for the process.

In Malaysia, the hybrid trim will be offered in the form of a range-topping RS variant. On offer will also be a petrol-only trim powered by a new twin-cam 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally-aspirated engine that in neighboring countries makes 121 PS and 145 Nm. It is coupled with a CVT.

The new City will come with a Honda Sensing Safety suite. This we can predict from the camera sitting on top of the windscreen of the displayed pre-production model. The one available in Jazz internationally includes lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. We are currently not sure if Honda Sensing suite will be an RS-only limited feature or will feature in the petrol-model as well. The sedan will also get rear discs instead of drums, but again will it be a hybrid-only feature or not, we don't know.

We have near to zero information about the car's interior and price. Like all of you, we are eager to know more about the 5th-gen City.

Also Read: Buy or Hold: Wait for 2020 Honda City or buy the now available Nissan Almera?