The Honda City nameplate has long been synonymous with reliability, practicality, and value. But with the City Hatchback RS e:HEV, Honda has elevated that reputation to a new level of maturity.
This is no longer the entry-level runabout many Malaysians remember from the 2000s — it’s a sophisticated, technology-laden compact that blends efficiency with urban agility, designed to meet the demands of modern Malaysian motorists.
Introduced as the top-of-the-line variant of the City Hatchback range, the RS e:HEV represents the brand’s hybrid expertise distilled into a compact, sporty package. It’s stylish, well-equipped, and smartly engineered — a car that feels grown-up in both design and execution.
Design
From the outside, the City Hatchback RS e:HEV exudes a confident and athletic stance. The RS styling package brings gloss-black accents, LED headlights, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, giving it a sportier edge compared to its petrol siblings.
The hatchback body style itself lends it a youthful appeal, but the detailing — from the streamlined silhouette to the subtle chrome and gloss touches — suggests a car that has matured gracefully.
Compared to the Toyota Yaris, its main rival, the City looks slightly more upscale and better resolved visually. The Yaris still carries some of its playful character, but the Honda now gives off the vibe of a car that’s ready to move up a class. It’s the kind of hatch that wouldn’t look out of place in a premium condo carpark or a corporate basement lot.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood lies Honda’s 1.5-litre i-MMD hybrid system, a setup derived from the company’s long-running hybrid experience. It pairs a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, managed through an e-CVT transmission. The result is a combined torque figure of 253 Nm, delivered almost instantaneously.
In practice, this gives the City Hatchback RS e:HEV a surprising level of punch. From a standstill, it surges forward with an eagerness that’s uncharacteristic for a B-segment hatchback. The electric motor handles most low-speed driving, providing that instant torque and buttery-smooth acceleration that petrol cars simply can’t replicate. Only when you’re cruising or accelerating harder does the petrol engine step in — and when it does, the transition is barely perceptible.
The 0-100 km/h time of roughly 9.7 seconds might not sound blistering, but the real-world responsiveness is what impresses. In congested city traffic or quick lane changes, it feels more effortless than its numbers suggest. This is where it leaves the Toyota Yaris trailing as the Yaris’ conventional 1.5-litre petrol engine (107 PS, 140 Nm) feels competent but nowhere near as urgent or refined in everyday driving.
On highways, the hybrid system operates more like a traditional engine, with the petrol motor taking the lead and the electric drive assisting when needed. Under sustained acceleration, you’ll hear the engine working harder, a common trait of e-CVT hybrids.
It’s not loud or unpleasant, but keen drivers may notice the lack of traditional gear “steps.” Still, the overall balance of refinement, torque, and efficiency makes it one of the most polished powertrains in this segment.
Fuel Efficiency and Ownership
Honda claims a fuel economy of around 3.6 L/100 km (27–28 km/L), though real-world figures typically fall closer to the low-20s depending on driving style. For urban commuting — where hybrids truly shine — owners can easily achieve figures that are 30–40% better than equivalent petrol variants.
With fuel prices creeping upward, the hybrid premium of around RM20,000 over the petrol-powered City Hatchback V variant starts to make sense over time. Assuming an average annual mileage of 20,000 km, and a difference of about RM0.25 per km in fuel cost savings, the hybrid’s extra cost could be offset in five to six years — sooner if petrol prices rise further.
Honda also includes an 8-year, unlimited-mileage warranty for the hybrid battery, easing long-term ownership concerns. Combined with Honda’s reputation for reliability and a well-established service network, the RS e:HEV feels like a safe bet for those planning to keep their car long term.
Cabin Experience and Features
Step inside, and the maturity theme continues. The Ultrasuede seats, with red stitching, immediately convey a premium vibe. The driving position feels natural, visibility is good, and the 7-inch TFT instrument display integrates neatly with the central touchscreen infotainment system.
There’s also a sense of substance to how everything feels — the switchgear, the materials, even the way the doors close with a reassuring thud.
One of the standout features is Honda’s Ultra Seats, which can be configured in multiple ways (Utility, Long, Tall, and Refresh modes). This system, inherited from the Jazz, makes the City Hatchback exceptionally versatile for a compact car — allowing owners to carry tall plants, bicycles, or even use the cabin for quick rest stops. While the boot space is smaller than the City sedan, the flexible seating more than compensates for it.
The RS e:HEV also comes fully equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and auto high beam.
It’s rare to see such a complete package in this segment, especially when the Yaris and other competitors like the Mazda2 or Perodua Myvi offer only partial equivalents, if at all.
Rear passengers will appreciate the rear air-conditioning vents — another feature missing in some rivals — as well as good legroom and headroom. Cabin refinement is also commendable; at cruising speeds, road and wind noise are well suppressed, reinforcing the car’s “grown-up” character.
Handling and Ride
The City Hatchback RS e:HEV strikes a fine balance between agility and comfort. The steering is light yet accurate, making urban manoeuvres effortless, while the suspension tuning absorbs most bumps without fuss. It’s not a hot hatch by any means, but it’s composed and predictable in corners, with a stable feel at higher speeds.
Compared to the Toyota Yaris, which leans slightly more towards comfort and light steering, the Honda feels more refined and stable — especially on uneven or fast-flowing roads. The ride quality is firm but never harsh, and it manages to maintain its composure even on less-than-perfect Malaysian tarmac.
Competitors
In Malaysia, the City Hatchback RS e:HEV occupies a unique niche. It’s positioned above mainstream petrol hatchbacks like the Yaris, Mazda2, and Myvi, yet below fully electric or larger hybrids. Its RM107,783 price tag puts it near the top of the B-segment, but what you get in return is a car that feels like it belongs in the next class up.
Against the Yaris, the Honda wins in performance, technology, and interior flexibility. The Yaris counters with slightly lower prices and Toyota’s traditionally strong resale value.
The Mazda2 on the other hand offers sharper handling and European-style design, but lacks interior space and hybrid efficiency. The Myvi, while unbeatable for affordability and practicality, simply cannot match the Honda’s refinement or equipment list.
Verdict
That being said, the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV represents how far the City nameplate has evolved. Once an affordable starter car, it’s now a symbol of Honda’s hybrid expertise and a demonstration of how mature a compact hatchback can be. It combines the efficiency of electrification with the everyday usability that Malaysians have always loved about the City.
For urban dwellers, professionals, or small families who want something efficient, stylish, and future-ready, the City Hatchback RS e:HEV stands as one of the most well-rounded options in the market. It’s not just another hatchback — it’s a confident statement that the City has truly come of age.
