Honda City Review: All Variants and Years Available

Honda City Review: Pros and Cons

The Honda City is one of Malaysia's most popular B-segment sedans, prized for its spacious cabin, strong resale value and Honda's reputation for dependable long-term ownership. The range spans four petrol variants and a fuel-efficient e:HEV hybrid, giving buyers a clear choice between value, features and economy. This review covers the model's key strengths and weaknesses for the Malaysian context, from cabin space and safety to fuel economy and driving character. Pros and cons reflect editorial assessment against official specifications.

Quick Verdict Snapshot

Body / segmentB-segment Sedan
Engine1.5L i-VTEC Petrol / 1.5L e:HEV Hybrid
Seats5
TransmissionCVT / e-CVT
Best forSmall families and daily commuters wanting a spacious, reliable and efficient sedan

The City combines a roomy cabin, a large boot, strong resale value and an efficient hybrid option, making it one of the most well-rounded B-segment sedans in Malaysia.

Specs That Support the Pros

SpecValue
Peak power121 PS (petrol) / 109 PS motor (hybrid)
Peak torque145 Nm (petrol) / 253 Nm (hybrid motor)
Fuel economy~3.6 L/100 km (hybrid)
Wheelbase (cabin space)2,600 mm
Fuel tank40 L

Spacious cabin, big 519 L petrol boot and efficient hybrid, but firmer entry variants and smaller hybrid boot.

Alternatives & Current Availability

Competing Models to Consider

AlternativeBodyWhy consider it
Toyota ViosB-segment SedanRenowned reliability and low running costs, now with a hybrid option, though less rear space than the City.
Proton S70C-segment SedanMore space, more power and more equipment for the money, though with a shorter reliability track record.
Nissan AlmeraB-segment SedanTurbocharged performance and a comfortable ride at a competitive price, but a smaller model range and dealer network.
Toyota Vios HybridB-segment SedanA direct hybrid rival to the City e:HEV, offering strong efficiency and Toyota reliability for economy-focused buyers.

Alternatives reflect common Malaysian cross-shopping in and around the City price range; specifications vary by variant.

Pros of the Honda City

  1. Spacious cabin with generous head, shoulder and legroom for the class.
  2. Large 519-litre boot on petrol variants, among the biggest in the segment.
  3. Efficient e:HEV hybrid option returning around 3.6 L/100 km.
  4. Strong resale value and Honda’s reputation for reliability.
  5. Honda SENSING safety suite available from the V variant upward.

Cons of the Honda City

  1. Base S and E variants miss the Honda SENSING safety suite.
  2. Hybrid e:HEV RS has a smaller 409-litre boot due to the battery.
  3. Naturally-aspirated petrol engine feels less punchy than turbo rivals.
  4. Higher variants command a price premium over some rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Honda City a good car in Malaysia?
Yes. The Honda City is one of the most popular B-segment sedans in Malaysia, valued for its spacious cabin, big boot, strong resale value and an efficient hybrid option.
Is the Honda City fuel efficient?
The petrol variants are efficient for their class, and the e:HEV RS hybrid is especially economical at around 3.6 L/100 km, giving a long range from its 40-litre tank.
How big is the Honda City boot?
The petrol S, E and V variants have a 519-litre boot, among the largest in the class, while the e:HEV RS hybrid offers 409 litres because the battery sits under the floor.
What are the main disadvantages of the Honda City?
The base S and E miss the Honda SENSING safety suite, the naturally-aspirated engine feels less punchy than turbo rivals, and the hybrid has a smaller boot than the petrol variants.
Which Honda City variant should I buy?
The E offers strong petrol value, the V adds Honda SENSING safety, the RS is the most equipped petrol, and the e:HEV RS is the pick for the best fuel economy and refinement.