SHAH ALAM: Honda Malaysia has launched its facelifted 2026 City sedan in four variants, revising not just its looks but also bringing added value to new owners.
The base S Grade has been dropped, meaning the entry-level variant is now the E Grade that's priced on-the-road without insurance at RM89,900, while the V Grade goes for RM94,900, the RS at RM99,900 and finally the range-topping e:HEV RS at RM111,900.
Warranty has also been revised from the usual five years to now an eight-year unlimited mileage coverage, and since Sept 1, all new Honda (petrol and hybrid) now fall under this coverage.
The e:HEV RS is supported by Honda Malaysia’s 10-Year Hybrid Battery Warranty with unlimited mileage.
While there are four colour options for buyers to choose from, such as Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Stellar Diamond Pearl and a new Blazing Red Pearl, a new Special City Reward Programme has just been introduced.
Under the new programme, it prioritises the first 2,400 customers to receive their new cars, especially for new and existing Honda customers, those upgrading from a national car, as well as government servants.
In terms of powertrain, a familiar 1.5-litre (1,498cc) naturally aspirated DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine producing 121PS and 145Nm of torque, mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission sending drive to the front wheels has been maintained.
This includes the range-topping e:HEV RS variant that uses a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle unit for better thermal and fuel efficiency while providing 98PS and 127Nm, which acts as a generator for the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive system.
This is further supplemented by an electric motor producing 109PS and an instantaneous 253Nm of torque via an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission, drawing power from a 1.0kWh lithium-ion hybrid battery pack, which reduces the initial 519-litre boot capacity to 410 litres.
Aside from this, the major change in the looks department and is also standard across all variants, is a new connected front bi-LED headlight and rear light cluster design that visually differentiates it from the outgoing City.
Also included is Honda's LaneWatch system.
For wheels, the 15-inch Shark Gray two-tone alloys for the E variant have been retained while introducing new 16-inch alloys for the V variant in Shark Gray.
The RS and e:HEV RS also receive a newly designed set of 16-inch alloy wheels in a combination of Berlina Black and Dark Clear.
Inside, the cabin seems to be a familiar setting for the E variant, but moving up to the V variant means getting a 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an ambient lighting system, automatic retractable door mirrors and a 10.0-inch display audio system.
Moving up to the RS variant means adding a multi-view rear camera system, automatic wipers, an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, and Honda Connect telematics.
Exclusive to the e:HEV RS is a wireless charger.
Standard safety equipment is comprehensive, featuring the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance systems comprising Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam System, and Lead Car Departure Notification System (only for e:HEV RS).
These have been paired alongside the usual inclusion of six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution, and Hill Start Assist.
Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Narushi Yazaki said the City has established a strong presence in Malaysia for more than two decades.
"The City has been thoughtfully refreshed for today’s urban lifestyles, with a sportier and more youthful design complemented by enhanced technologies that bring greater convenience and confidence to every drive," he said.
Yazaki added that City e:HEV RS is also backed by Honda’s long-standing experience in hybrid technology, where it combines fuel efficiency with driving enjoyment to give customers the best of both worlds.
"For Honda, this is what electrification should deliver - efficiency, practicality, and most importantly, the Joy of Driving,” he said.
The launch of the facelifted City was held in conjunction with a One Car One Litre test held at the Setia City Convention Centre to showcase how far a City is able to go on just one litre of petrol over a 500m urban loop.
Although the target was to achieve more than 27km or 54 laps in less than three hours, the City e:HEV RS concluded the test in two hours and 26 minutes and covered 35km.
The launch was held on the same Sept 24 date where Honda as a company, was founded 78 years ago in 1948 by Soichiro Honda.
