KUALA LUMPUR: Can the 5th Generation Honda City outrace its competitors?
While no price was given, Honda Malaysia has announced that the car is now open for booking as it targets a 2020 fourth quarter launch.
The B-segment sedan comes with two engine options: a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC powertrain, and the star 1.5L Naturally Aspirated (N/A) "Road Sailing" variant (RS) powered by the new "intelligent Multi-Mode Drive" (i-MMD) system - previously only available in Honda's line-up of large class models.
Globally known as e:HEV, the i-MMD's performance was showcased in a bold advertisement which pitted the new City against rivals Toyota Vios, Mazda 2, and Nissan Almera with the former coming out on top with its high torque performance of 253Nm.
The company has also claimed that its acceleration can perform better than a C-segment and equivalent to a D-segment or a 2.5L N/A engine torque though no elaboration was given to which models these were.
"The launch of the All-New City RS with new powertrain in Malaysia will be the world premiere and being introduced for the first time ahead of other countries," said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toichi Ishiyama.
"We believe that this new model will excite the market with its advanced styling and engineering as Honda continues to lead the way in pioneering benchmarks and introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology that is ahead of its time.
"The City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features. Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2001, the model has an accumulated total sales of 351,000 units with the most sought-after 4th Generation City which was launched in 2014 contributing more than 205,000 units and upholding its No.1 position in the B-segment as of June 2020," he added.
The exterior design features new LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) as well as new LED taillights.
A dual tone aesthetic with its new Black Door Mirror and 16-inch aluminium wheels are visible to the RS variant.
The Honda LaneWatch is also present in all variants, with the RS having a new first-in-segment Electric Parking Brake (EPB) replacing the traditional handbrake lever with just a lift of a button.
In conjunction with the government's Penjana sales tax exemption scheme, Honda Malaysia is offering new car buyers with a RM1,000 Service Voucher (one-year validity, Terms and Conditions apply) under the "All-New City Special Early Booking Programme" for customers who book the new City starting from today until its official launch.
A nationwide tour with the new City will start Aug 24.