KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia's City Hatchback is here and the latest battle for the B-hatchback segment officially begins.
Split between four variants of two engine types much like the launch of last year's City sedans, the Hatchback comes in petrol 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine and the top-end hybrid 1.5L Sports intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) thats coupled with Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT).
For those wondering yes, the car according to Honda replaces the locally discontinued Jazz. The company is banking on a larger and more powerful model to capture the segment. It may be slightly pricier but the Japanese automaker believes the move makes sense from a cost and competitive perspective.
The City Hatchback also has enhanced body rigidity, through Honda Research and Development's (R&D) engineering, by 6 per cent compared to the Jazz to attain high-rigidity frame for collision safety. Its A and B pillars is filled with polyurethane spray foam in addition to the variable thickness sound absorber fitted under the engine compartment to reduce cabin noise and vibration.
It also offers the Jazz's popular Ultra Seats for rear space adaptability. This allows for 4 modes of configuration (Utility, Long, Tall or Refresh mode) to open up the standard 289 litres of boot space into 820 litres with the seats down.
According to Honda, the City Hatchback's body is actually lighter than the sedan variant made heavier due to the Ultra Seats.
RS e:HEV
Following a similar launch trend unfortunately is that the top range hybrid RS e:HEV has once again had its official pricing delayed until the following year.
Exclusive to the RS e:HEV variant is its the sporty badge, two-toned body colour expression design from the gloss black - front grill, solid wing and door mirrors. Uniquely shaped areas include the lower grill, fog garnish and rear bumper.
Cabin features a 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) meter and first-in-segment features for like Rear Air Conditioning Ventilation and Electric Parking Brake (EPB).
Performance wise, the RS e:HEV variant's i-MMD with e-CVT delivers 109PS and segment leading 253Nm of torque that's equivalent to a D-segment Naturally Aspirated engine torque performance. The 2-motor hybrid system regulates between three modes of driving: EV, Hybrid and Engine drive modes, that will switch alternately in accordance to driver's driving conditions.
Becuase it carries the full suite of the driver assistance safety system Honda Sensing, the RS e:HEV variant has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).
The variant also comes with Auto Brake Hold (ABH) and telematics system Honda Connect which includes vehicle diagnostics, remote applications, security applications, vehicle tracking and support services.
V, E and S
Though not as much features, the petrol variants (V, E and S) aren't to be passed over. The V variant especially shares quite a number of features with the RS e:HEV, if not offer something close.
Its performance is no less impressive with its powertrain produces a highest-in-segment 121PS and a maximum torque of 145Nm.
Both the RS e:HEV and V variants feature LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED front fog lights, tailgate spoiler, LED rear combi lights, and comes fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels.
The interior of the RS e:HEV variant is fitted with sporty red-stitched Ultrasuede seats while the V variant's interior is trimmed with leather seats.
RS e:HEV, V and E variants are furnished with an 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity as well as Auto Air-Conditioning Panel and Lower Pocket 2 USB Ports for extra convenience.
All three variants of RS e:HEV, V and E come with Remote Engine Start feature, allowing owners to remotely turn on the engine and air-conditioning before entering the car.
Honda LaneWatch is also present in the RSe:HEV and V variants. The camera based safety technology monitors incoming cars from the left and reduce blind spots using live visual in the infotainment system.
Standard safety features include: Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rear Seat ISOFIX I SIZE Type and Rear Seatbelt Reminder.
Like the RS e:HEV, the V variant is equipped with 6 airbags.
The V, E, and S variants are priced at RM87,860, RM83,080, RM75,670 (prices with Sales Tax Exemption) respectively. Official price of the RS e:HEV variant will only be made available in early 2022 closer to the delivery period.
New colours introduced by Honda Malaysia for the car are Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Gray Metallic. Other colour options available are Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
Honda Malaysia targets to sell 1,000 units of the City Hatchback monthly. It currently already has 2,000 bookings.