Is Honda City Hatchback Still Worth Buying in 2025?

【PCauto】Honda City Hatchback has achieved cumulative sales of 28,700 units since its launch in December 2021, with annual sales reaching 10,300 units in 2023. Following the release of its facelifted model in May 2024, market response has been even more enthusiastic, securing 3,000 orders within just two months and achieving a 75% increase in average monthly sales compared with orders in 2023.

Is City Hatchback Still Worth Buying?

Although there isn’t news of a facelift for the City Hatchback, it doesn't mean the model has fallen behind. Let's first talk about the vehicle itself. The 2024 City Hatchback offers five variants to choose from: 1.5 S, 1.5 E, 1.5 V, 1.5L RS, and RS e:HEV, with prices ranging from RM85,900 to RM112,900, with the RS e:HEV being the most expensive.

City Hatchback performs well in safety features, as all five variants are equipped with Honda Sensing system, which includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking, working together with six airbags for comprehensive protection.

The powertrain remains dual-path, combining a 1.5L gasoline engine and a hybrid system. The hybrid version (RS e:HEV) combines a 1.5L engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 207 horsepower. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.7 seconds and achieves an impressive fuel consumption of 3.7L/100km (approximately 28.2km/L), making it a benchmark for efficiency in its class.

In terms of technology, all variants except the base 1.5 S feature an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity. The RS variant adds a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster and Honda Connect remote services for enhanced convenience.

Honda's Best-Selling Hybrid Model: City Hatchback RS e:HEV

Priced at RM112,900, the City Hatchback RS e:HEV accounts for 16% of Honda's total hybrid vehicle sales in Malaysia, making it the brand's best-selling hybrid model. With its outstanding fuel efficiency, rough calculations show that the RS e:HEV saves approximately RM1,800 in annual fuel costs compared with gasoline-powered models, effectively offsetting the price difference with the top-tier gasoline variant over a five-year ownership period.  

More importantly, the driving experience is improved by the smooth acceleration delivered through the synergy of the E-CVT transmission and electric motor, while the low-speed EV mode significantly reduces noise levels. Exclusive features such as an electronic parking brake, ACC low-speed follow function, and sport-tuned suspension further enhance comfort for urban commuting.

Purchasing Suggestions on City Hatchback

For users with an annual driving mileage exceeding 20,000 kilometers, the hybrid version offers significant long-term economic benefits, especially for those who frequently need long-distance driving.

For family users preferring practicality, the 1.5 V version (RM95,900) is worth considering, as it retains core safety and automatic air conditioning features while avoiding the lack of configuration in the entry-level version.

Young consumers who prefer sporty design may find the RS gasoline variant (RM100,900) more appealing with its exclusive styling package and paddle shifters. However, consumers must accept its higher fuel consumption compared with the hybrid version with a similar price.

It’s worth noting that Toyota is aggressively advancing its vehicle electrification, and the upcoming next-generation Yaris hybrid (with fuel consumption of 4.1L/100km) may soon be launched, potentially making the City Hatchback hybrid less competitive.  

Overall, City Hatchback’s core strengths lie in its mature hybrid technology, comprehensive safety configurations across the lineup, and endorsement of the Honda brand. If the current terminal discount of RM3,000 to RM5,000 can be maintained, the model will maintain its irreplaceable position in the RM90,000+ segment. However, for budget-sensitive consumers, it might be worth waiting for other brands’ facelifted models (such as the Toyota Yaris) before making a decision.