With a budget of 90k, should I choose the Proton S70 or the Honda City?

【PCauto】Frankly speaking, the RM 80k to RM 90k price segment used to be rather uneventful.

Most people didn't even have to think about it; they simply walked into a Honda showroom and signed for a City to drive home. It was simple, worry-free, and retained its value, much like a default option in life.

At that time, the City was the default choice in this price bracket. Choosing it meant no one would say you were wrong, and you didn’t even need to compare it with others.

However, the launch of the new Proton S70 disrupted this tranquility. Nowadays, the City and S70 are frequently displayed and sold side by side.

Many buyers who were initially set on purchasing a City are now hesitating—a hesitation that is both understandable and practical.

People are now comparing the Proton S70 and Honda City side by side—not to compare horsepower figures, but because they previously considered it natural to spend RM 90k on a B-segment (small) car.

Now the S70 tells you that with the same amount of money, you can afford a C-segment (mid-sized) chassis and dimensions.

Appearance and Dimensions: Has the S70 already won half the battle with its visual advantage?

Many car buyers actually don't look at specifications; they look at presence.

When placing the S70 and City side by side, the most intuitive feeling is not which one looks better, but the sense of class.

After all, the S70 is fundamentally built on a C-segment platform. Its body is wider, and its track is broader. This horizontal visual tension makes it look more stable, more like a bigger car.

In contrast, although the City has added some sports kits in its later facelift, its narrow and elongated proportions still reveal its identity as a B-Segment family car.

Then there is the very practical issue of pricing.

The top-tier price of the Proton S70 is still less than RM 95k. For the same amount of money, or even less, what you're getting includes larger alloy wheels and a wider body.

Positioned within the RM 85k to RM 110k range, the Honda City's price tag unlocks a driving experience—one focused squarely on refinement and a mature character.

The design of the City follows a mature and steady route, projecting a clear image of a practical family car. At a glance, people can judge your budget, much like a decent uniform—appropriate but not standout. The S70, on the other hand, accurately taps into the psychology of wanting both face and substance.

Therefore, when it comes to the first visual impression, the S70 has indeed won half the battle. It uses its advantage in size to deal a dimensional blow, making the City seem a bit less cost-effective.

Interior, Features, and Space: Which One Feels More Like a Higher-Class Car?

If the exterior is for others to see, then the interior is what you face every day.

S70's interior materials are more premium

The interior of the S70 can easily create the illusion of a car worth over RM 120k. Its large screen, integrated center console, and extensive use of soft-touch materials deliver a level of technological sophistication rarely found in the RM 90k price segment.

Looking back at the City, its interior seems a bit plain and simple. Although the 2025 model has made some tweaks in detail, the overall design still reflects that standard and straightforward Japanese style.

Knobs are knobs, buttons are buttons. Although this design is completely easy to use and convenient for blind operation, compared to the screen setup in the S70, the interior of the City indeed feels a bit like a remnant of the past era.

In terms of configuration, the S70 is a true material-stacking maniac

360-degree panoramic imaging, a very comprehensive ADAS safety assistance system—these are almost standard features in the mid-to-high configurations of the S70, making its cost performance so impressive that there’s nothing to criticize.

The City competes with the S70's feature list by now offering 360-degree panoramic imaging in its 2025 model. Yet, the industry benchmark is still widely considered to be the finely-tuned Honda Sensing system, whose proven accuracy and smooth operation provide many drivers with an enhanced sense of trust compared to the S70's system.

However, the issue is that ordinary users comparing vehicles in the showroom are more easily drawn to the flashy feature list of the S70, overlooking the tuning expertise behind the system.

The space performance of the City remains strong

As a direct application of Honda’s “MM philosophy” (Man maximum, Machine minimum), the City delivers deeply satisfying space efficiency. The transition from the front to the rear seats alone offers an instantly surprising sense of spaciousness.

This exemplifies Honda's mastery of space. While appearing a class smaller externally than the S70, the City offers astonishingly generous legroom, rivaling or even surpassing many higher-end cars. Three adults can sit in the rear without feeling cramped.

In stark contrast, the S70's interior—despite its C-segment pedigree—can only be described as adequate, lacking this transformative sense of spaciousness.

This is particularly evident in the rear seats, where the pursuit of a streamlined design compromises headroom and overall openness compared to the City.

If you prioritize personal enjoyment and appreciate a tech-savvy interior, the S70 will make you feel your money is well spent.

If you often need to take family along, especially if the rear seats are frequently occupied, the spaciousness of the City is something the S70 is hard-pressed to offer.

Power and Fuel Efficiency: The Thrill of Turbo vs. Honda’s Philosophy of Peace of Mind

If the interior and space are meant for the family, then power and fuel efficiency are the aspects you face daily when it comes to bills and mood. The personalities of these two cars are entirely different the moment you step on the accelerator.

The Direct Thrill of the Proton S70

The S70 is equipped with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged engine across all models. Don’t be put off by the three cylinders; with the support of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), its power burst in the same price range is hard to match. The engine delivers a maximum power of 150 PS and a peak torque of 226 Nm.

Its advantage lies in the low-end torque delivery (with peak torque available from 1750 rpm), giving you that sense of confidence when accelerating on highways or starting at traffic lights, something the naturally aspirated engine in the City cannot provide.

This setup is very pleasing for those who enjoy driving. You’ll feel the car has its own personality; it’s willing to accelerate with you, and overtaking doesn’t require you to floor the gas pedal just to hear the engine screaming.

However, this comes with a trade-off in fuel consumption. If you usually have a heavy foot or often get stuck in city traffic, the S70's actual fuel consumption of 8-10L/100km will undoubtedly cause more concern compared to your friends who drive a City.

The Ultimate Smoothness and Self-Discipline of the Honda City

In contrast, the City takes a different route. Whether it’s the pure gasoline version or the top-spec e:HEV hybrid, its essence is all about smoothness.

The 1.5L NA version can produce 121 PS horsepower and 145 Nm torque.

The e:HEV RS version's motor output reaches up to 109 PS / 253 Nm, combined with the engine's 98 PS horsepower, achieving 0-100km/h in just 9.9 seconds.

The City's philosophy is clear: it may not seek to excite you, but it guarantees a fatigue-free driving experience. Especially the hybrid version, the sense of tranquility when starting and the smooth power transition actually feels more premium than the S70.

Most importantly, the City is nearly unbeatable in fuel efficiency. The pure gasoline version easily achieves 5.6L/100km, while the e:HEV can even reach around 3.6L/100km. This sense of fuel-saving reassurance is the biggest comfort for those using it as a commuting tool.

Chassis Architecture and Driving Orientation: Which focuses more on driving, and which leans more towards practicality?

Horsepower determines how fast you can go on a straight road, while the chassis determines whether the car offers enough driving pleasure.

S70 retains that classic European car flavor

Proton has always carried Lotus tuning DNA, and even though it now utilizes Geely's foundation, the persistence in handling has been retained. The chassis solidity of the S70 is highly competitive at the 90k price range.

On the highway, the S70 instills confidence with remarkable body stability and a planted, “stick-to-the-road” feel that encourages a heavier right foot. Its suspension is tuned for resilience—firm enough to communicate the road surface with clarity, yet compliant enough to avoid being harsh.

City is trying to make driving as easy and comfortable as possible

In contrast, Honda's positioning for the City is very clear: this car is built to serve daily life, not for spirited driving.

The City's chassis tuning is distinctly oriented toward comfort and ease of use. In environments filled with potholes and speed bumps, City's suspension handles them very smoothly. Its steering is very light, so even when reversing in narrow parking lots, you won't feel strained.

You just need to sit inside, hold the steering wheel, and City will do its best to filter out external noise and road vibrations. During long city drives, the fatigue brought by City will clearly be less than that of the S70.

This leads to a telling contrast. For drivers who relish control and the occasional burst of speed on open roads, the S70's higher handling limits and stability are inherently more engaging.

Conversely, if your daily routine involves slogging through hours of traffic or chauffeuring sensitive passengers, the City's intuitive and forgiving nature feels less like driving and more like a form of quiet consideration.

Long-term usage costs: Why does City remain a top seller?

When the new car smell fades and you're in the third year of your loan payments, the real differences between the two cars begin to reflect on your bank statements.

This explains why, despite the S70's compelling value proposition, the City continues to lead in sales. Because, for many, buying a car is less about the thrill and more about reliability.

The reason why Honda City has thrived in Malaysia for so many years is not due to its specs, but rather its nearly terrifying level of reputational inertia.

Honda's long-term ownership strengths are two-fold. First is robust value retention: five years on, the City's solid resale value can significantly bolster the down payment for your next car.

Second is unparalleled serviceability: with a vast maintenance network across Malaysia and parts readily available even at local workshops, it offers unmatched peace of mind for years to come.

Especially the e:HEV or the traditional i-VTEC, their fuel efficiency is extremely stable under various road conditionss, and it won't give you any "surprises" even if you occasionally press the accelerator harder.

In comparison, the S70's promises are very tempting: enjoying a better life for less money.

For many young buyers, the S70 represents a different currency: a more advanced chassis, better features, and stronger power today. While five-year resale value is a future concern, the “hard truth” they often choose to fund is the immediate thrill of driving.

With the same RM 90k, the enjoyment you get from the S70 might require RM 110k or more to achieve with the City.

Summary and Car Purchase Advice: Which One Suits You Better?

Thus, the S70 and the City embody more than just cars; they represent two divergent roads for the Malaysian driver. One is paved with present-day excitement and value, the other with proven reassurance and legacy. The real question, therefore, isn't which car is better, but which path aligns with your own journey and priorities.

The Proton S70 resembles a rule-breaking challenger; it forces its way into the B-Segment price range with a C-Segment stature, turning the once calm market upside down.

And Honda City is more like a seasoned veteran; it doesn’t compete with you on explosive power in the moment, but rather, on its heritage and that deeply ingrained sense of trust.

The Proton S70 allows many buyers, who were previously limited to basic cars, to experience a higher level of driving refinement for the first time. This form of “dimensionality reduction” indeed gives it great popularity and cost-effectiveness in the current market.

However, Honda City still firmly holds its moat. What it relies on is not a dazzling list of features, but the time and trust built by countless Malaysian car owners over decades with accumulated mileage.

If you are a young buyer seeking immediate excitement, the S70 will deliver in spades; but if long-term stability is your priority, the City remains the unrivaled choice.