KUALA LUMPUR: After two and a half years since its initial launch in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia has introduced the updated Honda City Hatchback. This new version brings a blend of aesthetic and functional enhancements that elevate the vehicle’s appeal. Also just like the City Sedan, a RS Petrol variant has been introduced. Honda Malaysia sold more than 21,500 units in Q1 2024, an increase of 23% compared to Q1 2023 for the City hatchback, so it's safe to say it's quite an important model.

Pricing 

The updated Honda City Hatchback offers subtle yet meaningful improvements that enhance its market competitiveness. With a refreshed exterior, upgraded safety features, and consistent powertrain options, it continues to be a strong choice in the compact hatchback segment. As expected, prices have increased due to the new features, and the prices are listed down below:

e:HEV - RM112,900

RS - RM100,900

V - RM95,900

E - RM90,900

S - 85,900

Refreshed Exterior Design

The facelifted Honda City Hatchback features a sleeker exterior design with smoother lines, offering a look that is reminiscent of its bigger brother, the Civic. The front bumper is now slightly extended with a sharper lip, and the RS e:HEV model includes redesigned foglamp covers for a more refined appearance. The new grille also appears wider than the previous version.

At the rear, the e:HEV sports a new bumper with a more aggressive diffuser. The RS e:HEV variant also gets new wheels, finished in 16" Berlina Black, adding to its sporty character. The colour palette remains unchanged, offering Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Meteoroid Grey Pearl. Crystal Black Pearl has been discontinued! 

Interior Enhancements

The interior upgrades for the Honda City Hatchback facelift follows the enhancements seen in the City sedan facelift. These include new connectivity features such as USB-C ports at the rear and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay via the 8-inch infotainment screen. Both Petrol RS and e:HEV RS are fitted with 8-inch Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Connectivity, in addition to 7” TFT Meter Cluster.

Additionally, standard variants are also equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display, carried forward from the previous model. The RS variants also feature updated upholstery combining red stitching, perforated leather and synthetic leather materials.

Advanced Safety Features

A major upgrade for the Honda City Hatchback is the inclusion of Low-Speed Follow (LSF) in the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, along with the Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) feature. These additions are part of the Honda Sensing suite, which is now available across all variants, though LSF remains exclusive to the top-spec hybrid RS e:HEV.

Other safety features include the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

All variants are equipped with safety features such as six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock. The Multi-Angle Reverse Camera with Hi-Resolution are fitted in all variants except for S variant. Additionally, the V and RS variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch to enhance vision for blind spot.

The New City Hatchback RS variants are equipped with smartphone application integration named Honda CONNECT for Safety, Security and Convenience. To provide further value, Honda CONNECT is now available as an optional accessory for S, E and V variants.

Engine Options

The facelift retains the same powertrain options: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine producing 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque paired with a CVT, and a 1.5-liter dual-motor hybrid engine in the RS e:HEV variant, delivering a combined torque of 253 Nm with an e-CVT gearbox.

As usual, the Honda City Hatchback is offered with a 5 year warranty with unlimited mileage and free labour service applicable up to five times within 100,000km or five years. For the Hybrid, there's an eight year lithium ion battery warranty with unlimited mileage.

If you feel like the standard exterior's look isn't sufficient, Honda Malaysia also offers the Modula body kit starting from RM2.6k, which adds on front under spoiler, rear under spoiler, tailgate spoiler, side under spoiler, exhaust pipe finisher, front fender garnish, black emblem and sports pedal. 

In conclusion, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift brings a modernized look and advanced features, ensuring it remains a top contender in the compact hatchback market. With improved safety systems, enhanced interior connectivity, and reliable performance, Honda Malaysia's latest offering is well-equipped to meet the needs of today’s drivers.

Also Read:  2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift now open for booking - New front and rear look, same powertrains