New Honda City Hatchback: Variants explained - Which one should you choose?

First introduced in late 2021, the Honda City Hatchback has received its second facelift in the Malaysian market. The update adds refreshed styling, improved connectivity, and comprehensive safety tech, making it a compelling choice in the compact car segment. 

The upgraded Honda City Hatchback is offered in three variants, V, RS, and e:HEV RS, with the S and E trims now discontinued, simplifying the model lineup and positioning the hatchback higher in the market. 

Here, we compare the new City Hatchback variants in detail to help prospective buyers make an informed decision.

2026 Honda City Hatchback: Price

Variants	Price (on the road, excluding insurance)
City Hatchback V	RM 95,900
City Hatchback RS	RM 100,900
City Hatchback e:HEV RS	RM 112,900

The new City Hatchback price starts from RM 95,900  and goes up to RM 112,900 (on the road, without insurance). Included in the price is an eight-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five free labour services, valid for five years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first. The hybrid variant also gets a separate ten-year, unlimited-mileage warranty covering the hybrid components and battery.

2026 Honda City Hatchback: Dimensions and capacities

Specs	V	RS	e:HEV RS
Length	4,362 mm	4,372 mm	4,372 mm
Width	1,748 mm	1,748 mm	1,748 mm
Height	1,488 mm	1,488 mm	1,488 mm
Wheelbase	2,600 mm	2,600 mm	2,600 mm
Curb weight	1,148 kg	1,152 kg	1,254 kg
Boot capacity	289 litres	289 litres	289 litres

In terms of dimensions, all the variants of the hatchback are almost the same, promising identical cabin and boot space. However, when it comes to the weight, the hybrid variant is almost 100 kg heavier than the petrol variants as it uses a hybrid drivetrain comprising an electric motor, generator, and hybrid power electronics and associated hardware.

2026 Honda City Hatchback: Engine and performance

Specs	V	RS	e:HEV RS
Engine	1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine	1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine	1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a front-mounted electric motor
Max power	121 PS at 6,600 rpm	121 PS at 6,600 rpm	Engine - 98 PS at 5,600 - 6,400 rpm Motor - 109 PS at 3,500 - 8,000 rpm
Max torque	145 Nm at 4,300 rpm	145 Nm at 4,300 rpm	Engine - 127 Nm at 4,500 - 5,000 rpm Motor - 253 Nm at 0 - 3,000 rpm
Transmission	CVT	CVT	e-CVT
Drive system	FWD	FWD	FWD
0-100 kmph	10.7 secs	10.7 secs	9.4 secs
Top speed	195 kmph	194 kmph	178 kmph
Fuel consumption	5.6  litres per 100 km	5.5  litres per 100 km	3.7  litres per 100 km

Speaking of powertrain configuration, the V and RS variants are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates a maximum power of 121 PS and a peak torque of 145 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission, enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in 10.7 seconds and attain a top speed of approx 195 kmph.

The top-spec e:HEV RS variant, on the other hand, uses a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and an electric drive motor rated at 109 PS and 253 Nm. It runs from zero to 100 kmph in 9.4 seconds (1.3 seconds quicker than petrol trims) and clocks a top speed of 178 kmph, slightly less than petrol models. 

The V and RS variants offer a fuel efficiency of 5.6 litres per 100 km, while the electrified version provides better mileage at 3.7 litres per 100 km, despite the extra weight.

2026 Honda City Hatchback: Features

Here’s a detailed comparison of the new City Hatchback variant-wise features:

Features	V	RS (over V)	e:HEV RS (over RS)
Exterior	Automatic Bi-LED headlights  LED tail lights Front LED DRL light bar  Shark fin antenna Body-coloured handles  Auto retractable powered side mirrors  16-inch alloy wheels in Shark Grey	Automatic windshield wipers  Black door handles 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels in Berlina Black and Dark Clear
Interior	7-inch TFT display 10-inch centre infotainment unit Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Ambient lighting Single auto air-conditioning system 4 speakers  Leather upholstery Signature Ultra Seats  Remote engine start Walk away door lock Smart entry with push start button Paddle shifters  Auto-dimming rear view mirror	Sports pedal	Smartphone wireless charging pad Deceleration Selector Paddle
Safety	Dual Front SRS Airbags  Side Airbags  Side Curtain Airbags  Vehicle Stability Assist  Anti-lock Braking System Electronic Brake Distribution Hill Start Assist Emergency Stop Signal  Reverse Sensors  Reverse Camera  Honda LaneWatch Camera Forward Collision Warning Collision Mitigation Braking System Lane Keep Assist System Lane Departure Warning Road Departure Mitigation  Adaptive Cruise Control Low Speed Follow Auto High Beam  Lead Car Departure Notification	Multi-View Camera System  Honda CONNECT	Low-speed follow Auto Brake Hold

All the variants of the hatchback are well-equipped with a wide range of modern features like a 7-inch TFT display, 9-inch infotainment unit, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic air-conditioning system, leather upholstery and interior lighting. The top-spec e:HEV RS trim comes with a few exclusive bits such as auto brake hold and a wireless charging pad.

Which Honda City Hatchback variant should you choose?

The choice depends on what matters most to you - 

• If you want an affordable, practical hatchback with essential features and the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, choose the City Hatchback V.
• If you prefer sportier styling and extra convenience features, go for the City Hatchback RS.
• If you want a hybrid mobility option from an established brand like Honda, offering better fuel efficiency and a smooth driving experience, pick the City Hatchback e:HEV RS.

Also read: Hyundai Stargazer vs Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Veloz - Which MPV should you choose?