After India and Thailand, the 7th gen Honda City facelift has been introduce in Malaysia. As with the aforementioned markets, the Malaysian-spec City facelift gets visual enhancements and some equipment upgrades.
The 2023 Honda City facelift is offered in five variants namely S, E, V, RS, and e:HEV RS. It is backed by a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, free labor service (up to five times within 5 years/100,000 km), and an 8-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty for the hybrid model.
The refreshed City’s grille has undergone a makeover that includes a thinner chrome bar at the upper edge and an updated grille insert with black slats. The fog lamp enclosure openings on the front bumper have been modified, and the lower intake sports the same insert as the main grille.
For RS models, the grille receives a honeycomb mesh insert, while the chrome bar is finished in black. The bottom intake is particularly unique because it includes a mesh with a diamond pattern that is framed by extra trim that simulates air inlets. RS models also include a rear diffuser, a boot spoiler, side skirts, and significantly revised ‘RS’ emblems.
In terms of dimensions, the RS trims are now 36 mm longer at 4,589 mm while the S, E, and V are 27 mm longer, measuring 4,580 mm. Other measurements remain the same as before.
Inside, the new City facelift remains largely unchanged but gains a new interface for an 8-inch infotainment unit, 8 speakers, an enhanced multi-angle rearview camera, colored illumination for the automatic air conditioning, and a new USB Port (Type C) at the rear. Paddle shifters and remote engine start are now parts of the standard package, however, these upgrades are not available on the base S variant. Moreover, the RS trims exclusively get wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 7-inch TFT meter.
As for safety, the 2023 City facelift comes fitted with Honda SENSING safety features as standard, which include Lead Car Departure Notification, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, and Low-Speed Follow (e:HEV RS only). The standard safety kit comprises 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and a Walk Away Auto Lock. While the RS trims also get the Honda CONNECT system as standard.
No changes are there in terms of the engine or mechanical setup. As before, S, E, V, and RS variants are powered by the same 1.5L naturally-aspirated inline-four cylinder i-VTEC unit that makes 120 hp of power and 145 Nm of peak torque with power sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. The e:HEV RS hybrid variant continues to equip the same Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain with a 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine combined with two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack, and an e-CVT gearbox. The output levels are rated at 109 hp and 253 Nm.
Upon introducing the new City, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said:
“The popularity of the City is undeniable. Since it was introduced in 2002, there are now more than 423,000 City on Malaysian roads. The 5th Generation City which was introduced in 2020 further elevated the B-segment as Malaysia was the first country in the world to launch the e:HEV RS variant. To further offer our customers with value and feature offerings, the New City will be available in two RS variants, the e:HEV RS and Petrol RS, in which customers will have more options based on their needs and demands.”
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
