The City RS e:HEV is now available for purchase in Malaysia, according to Honda. When the fifth-generation City made its local debut in October last year, the hybrid was introduced alongside the petrol models and was set to go on sale in January. Nevertheless, its launch to the market was delayed, and it wasn't until yesterday that the company insinuated at its launch today when it introduced its Honda Connect vehicle telematics system.
First and foremost, there's the price, which the company promised would be revealed when the car went on sale last year. The top-of-the-line City RS e:HEV costs RM105,950 on the road without insurance, but with a sales tax exemption that lasts until June 30.
This makes the Road Sailing version more than RM19,561 more expensive than the top-spec petrol version, the V. The E and S petrol models, priced at RM81,664 and RM74,191 respectively, are the other variants in the four-model City series available locally.
A quick rundown of what can be found on the RS. An exclusive styling kit includes a gloss black front grille with honeycomb mesh, carbon-pattern detailing on the front lip and rear diffuser, sporty front fog lamp garnish, gloss black mirror covers, and a gloss black ducktail bumper.
Auto LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, and LED rear lights are also used as standard equipment. Keyless entry with push start, single-zone auto air conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents, steering audio controls, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen head console with (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto communication, as well as an eight-speaker audio system, were remain standard.
A7.0-inch digital metre screen with hybrid-specific displays, part leather and “Ultrasuede” seats, red stitching (steering wheel, gear lever section, centre tunnel and dashboard), an i-MMD deceleration selector paddle, and aluminium sport pedals are all exclusive to the RS. In addition, the RS is the only model with a black headliner and an auto-brake hold option.
The intelligent multi-mode drive (i-MMD) powertrain replaces the previous generation i-DCD in the RS. A 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with 98 PS and 127 Nm, as well as two motors, cover the configuration. With the aid of an integral electric motor that also serves as a starter, the engine primarily operates as a generator.
The wheels are driven by a larger second motor that produces 108 PS and 253 Nm. However, since the engine is more powerful than the motor at high speeds, it can have direct drive. The car has a 0-100 km/h time of 9.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 173 km/h, with a fuel consumption of 3.77 litres per 100 km, or 26.5 km/l.
Six airbags, VSA, hill start assist, emergency stop warning, safety wise and the automaker's LaneWatch left-side camera are included in the RS's safety features. It's also the only City variant with Honda Sensing, which marks Honda's first foray into the segment in Malaysia.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (autonomous emergency braking, or AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High-Beam are among the driver assist and active protection features available (AHB).
Despite the absence of the Low Speed Follow (LSF) feature, the City's Sensing suite now includes a broader view camera to help recognise road borders, as well as pedestrian and bicycle detection.
The RS is also the first Honda model to offer Honda Connect locally. The vehicle telematics system provides users with access to a range of protection, security, and convenience features through a dedicated mobile app for Android and iOS devices. This encourages owners to stay attached to their vehicles at all times.
Modern Steel Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, and Platinum White Pearl are the three exterior colours available for the City RS e:HEV. The vehicle has a five-year unlimited mileage guarantee and five times free labour, while the hybrid's lithium-ion battery has an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty on its own.