Here’s what the facelifted Honda City has changed versus the 2020 model.
The Honda City facelift model was launched last Friday, giving Malaysia an update to its favourite non-national B-segment sedan. The new City model carries the same two powertrain options forward – a 1.5L 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC petrol with an CVT or a 1.5L 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson cycle e:HEV hybrid powertrain with an e-CVT.
That being said, there are plenty of changes to talk about. Let’s begin with the overall change to the design which adds overall length to both non-RS and RS models.
Inside, the seats have been redesigned for better ergonomics.
Change To City Variant Mix And Honda Sensing
As before, the City is offered in S, E, V and RS grades with increasing levels of equipment. The change now is that the RS grade can be paired with the petrol powertrain or the hybrid powertrain, in the pre-facelift model, it was reserved only for the hybrid model. Honda Malaysia has also deleted the V Sensing grade now that there’s a petrol RS grade. It was also dropped as Honda Sensing ADAS is now a standard feature on all grades.
While Honda Sensing has been made available as standard, the e:HEV has been given one additional exclusive Honda Sensing feature called Low Speed Follow (LSF). LSF is used in in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control function and allows the City e:HEV RS to come to a stop and then resume driving again, following the flow of traffic. This takes the strain off the driver, but they still need to monitor road conditions and hold on the steering wheel. The reason why this system is not present on the petrol models is because the hybrid model has an electric parking brake system with Auto Brake Hold, which is what operates the LSF function.
Upgrades To Each Grade Level
The biggest upgrade is to the Honda City S, E and V models, which now all look like very viable options in the market. What’s more, the wiring for the Honda Connect telematics system is all in place and can be optioned in for RM1,500 (limited time promo) at the dealership on all non-RS models.
Even the most value-oriented City S now comes with 6 airbags, Honda Sensing, automatic headlamps and a multi-angle reverse camera. This is a very acceptable base model package as it doesn’t compromise on safety features. The price rises from RM74,191 in 2020 to RM84,900 in 2023 with these changes.
The City E grade now has 2 additional USB Type-C charging ports at the rear, making it more appealing to use as a family car. What’s more, the audio system is a lot more complete here. The new 8″ infotainment unit features a better touch interface and display. On the E Grade there are 8 speakers in total to go along with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, plus an additional USB port for the front occupants. The E Grade also adds an Auto Air conditioner function. The knobs here glow blue when the temperature is decreased and red when the temperature is increased. The price rises from RM81,664 in 2020 to RM89,900 in 2023.
The City V grade now has rear disc brakes and a new 16” wheel design too on top of the black leather upholstery upgrade and existing addition of LED headlights and Honda LaneWatch. The price rises from RM86,561 to RM94,900 in 2023.
The new Honda City RS Petrol and e:HEV models now give Malaysian customers the option of which flagship to choose from. Both models gave an updated RS exterior and interior kit. There are new RS bumpers, diffuser and badges along with a new honeycomb pattern for the grille. Gloss black finishing has been applied to the wing mirrors, lid spoiler, and grille. A new 16” dual-tone wheel design has been included here as well. Inside, the headliner is black and there’s a new red trim piece to differentiate the RS from non-RS models. The interior is now fully-leather wrapped too, instead of being a combination of leather and ultrasuede. Honda Connect is equipped on the RS models.
The e:HEV RS models come with an additional Low Speed Follow function, as mentioned previously. Its price has risen from RM105,950 in 2020 to RM111,900 in 2023.
