2022 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S Review

Recently, there have been many choices in the B-segment hatchback market in Malaysia. For consumers who value both the reliability of joint-venture brands and cost-effective configurations, selecting a car often requires balance. The 2022 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S, as the main variant of this series, not only continues the practicality genes of the City series but also brings several highlights in terms of safety and intelligent configurations. Through this static experience and dynamic test drive, let’s see if it can meet the dual requirements of family users and young consumers.

From a distance, the design of the City Hatchback 1.5 S is quite dynamic, with overall lines running from the front to the rear, avoiding the bulky feel of traditional hatchbacks. At the front, the iconic Honda chrome trim connects the LED headlights on both sides, with a lens design inside the light assembly giving it high recognition. Additionally, the standard automatic headlights and daytime running lights are very convenient for daily use. The body’s side profile features a waistline extending from the fender to the taillights, complemented by 16-inch tires (specifications: 185/55 R16), creating a well-proportioned look. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged LED taillights, and the black trim on the lower section of the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. However, the most practical features are the standard rear parking sensors and reversing camera, ensuring peace of mind for new drivers when parking.

Sitting inside, the interior layout immediately catches the eye—designed to be driver-focused, the center console is intuitive to operate. The steering wheel is multifunctional, with the left side controlling audio and phone functions and the right side for adjusting the dash display. Although made of plastic, it feels solid to hold. The instrument panel is a traditional self-illuminating analog design, clearly showing information such as RPM, speed, and fuel levels. It is straightforward without being overly fancy, which makes it practical. The center console features an 8-inch touchscreen supporting the Sound Plus function, paired with eight speakers, and the audio quality ranks above average in its class when playing music. In terms of seats, the front seats are manually adjustable. Although lacking electric adjustment, the backrest and cushion provide good support, making long rides comfortable. The rear seats can be split 60:40 and folded down, with a "Tip-up Base" feature, which when folded creates an almost flat surface with the trunk. The basic volume of 289L is sufficient for everyday grocery bags or suitcases, and folding it down can accommodate larger items. Thoughtful configurations include single-zone automatic air conditioning, keyless entry/start, and a 220V power outlet in the front, which is very convenient for charging laptops or other devices.

For the powertrain, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers 121PS and reaches its maximum torque at 4300rpm (specific torque figure not indicated, but adequate during actual driving). It is paired with a CVT transmission. When starting, the throttle response is quite linear, without the abruptness found in turbocharged models. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 10.7 seconds. For daily urban commutes, following traffic or overtaking is smooth and doesn’t feel sluggish—especially in the commonly used speed range of 30-80km/h. Pressing the throttle harder causes the transmission to simulate gear shifts, producing a relatively smooth power output. There are two driving modes: Normal and ECON. In ECON mode, the throttle becomes gentler, making it suitable for saving fuel in congested city roads, while Normal mode leans more towards flexibility in everyday driving.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most minor bumps when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring a relatively smooth experience for rear passengers. The steering wheel has moderate weight, with little slack, and the body roll is well-controlled during cornering without any obvious swaying. Regarding fuel efficiency, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km. In our test on mixed road conditions—urban congested roads (approximately 30% idle time) and highways (approximately 70% cruising at 80-100km/h)—the actual fuel consumption was around 6.2L/100km. Considering the vehicle's weight of over 1.2 tons, this is still reasonable performance.

One of the highlights of the City Hatchback 1.5 S is its safety features—it comes standard with 6 airbags (front dual airbags, side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags), ABS, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and engine start-stop. Among the B-segment models at the same price point, these safety features are considered quite comprehensive. In terms of noise control, tire and engine noise are not obvious during low-speed city driving. When driving at 110km/h on the highway, wind noise becomes slightly more noticeable but remains within an acceptable range, not affecting normal conversations inside the vehicle.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2022 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S is its “balance”—it has no particularly obvious weaknesses, but it fulfills daily needs in terms of space, safety, and features. Compared to other cars in the same class, such as the Toyota Yaris or Mazda 2, it offers more airbags, better trunk expandability, and a more advantageous configuration with the 8-inch touchscreen and 8 speakers. While the engine performance is not the strongest, it is completely sufficient for family use.

This vehicle is best suited for family users who prioritize practicality or young professionals just starting their careers. It offers both economical daily commuting and the capability to handle occasional family outings. If your budget is around 80,000 MYR and you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and well-equipped hatchback from a joint venture brand, the City Hatchback 1.5 S is worth considering.