The new Honda City facelift launched – redefining the segment

HONDA MALAYSIA INTRODUCES THE NEW CITY THAT FURTHER ELEVATES B-SEGMENT BENCHMARK –

To be a market leader is not to sit by idly; more often than not they have to continuously innovate and push the envelop of the norm otherwise they will be overtaken by others. Honda Malaysia has redefine the B-segment with the launch of the new City. Previous four variants merged into three variants of S, E and V in New City – Price remains the same for E and V variants while the S is slightly lower than previous S+ variant – Honda Malaysia targets to sell 2,000 units of New City per month –

The New City will be equipped with C-segment features and remained at B-segment price Setia Alam, 2 March 2017 Ð Honda Malaysia continues its momentum of elevating the benchmark in the automotive market with the introduction of the New City today that is set to excite Malaysians with this B-segment leader equipped with C-segment features.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Katsuto Hayashi said, “The New City comes with a lot of value-added features without price increase and I am proud to have kept our word to provide Malaysians with the New City that has C-segment features at B-segment price. I am confident that these three variants will be able to attract more upgraders and replacement car buyers.

Since the launch of the 4th Generation City in March 2014, the City has been the leader in the B-segment Sedan category with more than 100,000 units on Malaysian roads, equivalent to almost 40% of Honda Malaysia’s sales in three years.

For the highest specification which is the V variant, value-added C-segment features such as LED Headlights with LED DRL, LED Front Fog Lights, LED Taillights and Ducktail Spoiler integrated with LED Brake Lights are made available.

 

Performance

The New City maintains Honda’s signature 1.5L i-VTEC engine capable of producing 120PS @ 6,600rpm and a maximum torque of 145Nm of torque @ 4,600rpm. The engine is mated to the advanced Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology to provide the ideal balance of driving performance and fuel efficiency.

 

The interior of the New City is developed under Honda’s Man Maximum, Machine Minimum design principle that maximizes space for driver, passenger and goods.

This top variant, V spec also comes with Leather Seats and 8 Speakers, which give an overall premium sedan feeling. The Paddle Shift and Cruise Control enhance the enjoyment of driving of the New City while the Multi-Angle Reverse Camera provides more convenience to New City owners.

 

 

When it comes to space, few manufacturers can beat Honda. The 536 litre trunk space is not only bigger than C-segment models, but also on par with some D-segment sedans. In terms of practicality, the New City’s 60:40 foldable rear seats provide convenience to owners on different occasions and make the New City a sedan with hatchback utility.

 

Safety

 

To reinforce City’s position at the forefront of its segment in terms of safety, Honda Malaysia has made available Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) safety features standard across all variants. On top of that, Smart Entry with Push Start Button, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Auto Retractable Door Mirrors and Dual Tone Alloy Wheels have been made standard across all variants as well.

Six Airbags will give New City owners peace of mind when on the road. All in all, owners of the New City will now be able to enjoy features of a C-segment sedan in their trendsetting B-segment sedan. All these new features are in addition to the outstanding comfort, spaciousness and thoughtful functionalities of the 4th Generation City.

 

Specifications

I think few sites have done a better job than Paul Tan in highlighting the spec-to-spec comparison HERE. Paul’s team highlights the new changes among the variants compared to the previous model;-

S-spec

• Reflector halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights (new)
• Shark fin antenna (new)
• 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels, 175/65R15 tyres (new)
• Keyless entry, push-button start (new)
• Auto-retractable power-folding door mirrors (new)
• Advanced multi-info display (new)
• Integrated radio/CD head unit, Bluetooth connectivity, four speakers (new)
• Steering wheel audio controls (new)
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats (new)
• Vehicle Stability Control (new)
• Hill Start Assist (new)
• Emergency Stop Signal (new)

E-spec

• Cruise control (new)
• Paddle shifters (new)
• Touch-panel single-zone automatic climate control (new)
• Double-DIN 6.8-inch touchscreen head unit, HDMI port, twin rear power sockets (new)
• Rear smartphone pockets (new)
• Reverse camera (new)
• Four airbags (new, front and side)

V-spec

• LED headlights (new)
• LED fog lights (new)
• LED combination tail lights (new)
• Ducktail spoiler with integrated third brake light (new)
• 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, 185/55R16 tyres (new)
• Leather seat upholstery (new)

*Please visit Paultan 2017-honda-city-facelift-spec-by-spec-comparison for a complete listing of spec differences.

 

Ownership and Maintenance

The price for the E and V variants remain the same at RM84,600 and RM92,000 respectively; while the price for the S variant is reduced by RM1,000 from the previous S+ variant price to RM78,300 even with more safety offerings and advanced features. To add a touch of sportiness and individuality, Honda Malaysia is offering the Honda Genuine Accessories Package for the New City which is priced starting from RM820. The New City is available in 5 colours of Lunar Silver Metallic, Dark Ruby Red Pearl, Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

The warranty for the New City will be maintained at 5 years with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals at any of the 88 Honda dealers nationwide.

Apart from that, Honda Malaysia is rewarding Honda customers, especially New City owners, in their 3S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts) Promotion whereby Honda customers get to enjoy 2 years of free service (parts & labour)*. The 3S Promotion is also applicable for all new Honda cars registered via the 88 authorised Honda dealers from 1 March 2017 until 30 April 2017.

In conclusion, I think it’s great that Honda has upped the ante by bringing specifications that was previously C-segment or higher down to the B-segment, making the City a much more complete vehicle to keep long term. These features will increase competition and the result will only benefit the consumers.