2023 Honda City 1.5 S Review

The B-segment sedan market has always been the preferred segment for Malaysian families and young commuters, as consumers seek practicality for daily use alongside balanced configurations and fuel efficiency. The 2023 Honda City 1.5 S, as a popular model in this segment, attracts significant attention with its RM 84,900 price tag and standard features such as six airbags and adaptive cruise control (ACC). This time, through a test drive, we will focus on assessing its space performance, power response, and daily practicality to see if it satisfies the core needs of most users.

In terms of appearance, the 2023 City 1.5 S continues Honda’s family design language, maintaining an overall style that leans towards stability with a sense of refinement in its details. The front adopts a large trapezoidal grille accented with chrome trim, connected to halogen headlights on both sides, visually extending the width of the front end. The side profile features smooth lines, with a length of 4580mm and a wheelbase of 2600mm, both of which are mainstream in this segment. The 15-inch wheels paired with 185/60 R15 tires have a moderate design that suits its family-oriented positioning. At the rear, the LED light cluster incorporates a through-type design that is highly recognizable when illuminated. A chrome strip under the boot lid adds a touch of refinement. On the whole, the exterior design is not overly aggressive and is more aligned with the aesthetic preferences of most users.

Inside the car, the interior adopts a symmetrical layout. The center console is predominantly made of hard plastic, but its seams are well-crafted, and its texture aligns with expectations for this price range. The 8-inch central display serves as a visual focal point, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and basic entertainment functions, with simple and user-friendly operations. In terms of configurations, the 1.5 S version comes standard with keyless entry/start, paddle shifters, rear air conditioning vents, and a 220V power outlet. These features are highly practical for daily use—for instance, rear passengers can charge their devices at any time, and paddle shifters can add fun during long drives. The seats are manually adjustable, with adequate support in the front seat cushions. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, increasing trunk space. In its standard mode, the trunk offers a capacity of 519 liters, enough to fit two 28-inch suitcases and some miscellaneous items, meeting the needs of family trips.

Space performance is one of City’s strengths. The 2600mm wheelbase provides ample legroom in the rear. A 175cm passenger sitting in the back has about two fists of space between their knees and the front seat, with one fist of headroom remaining, making the space feel non-constrictive. As for storage space, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water and some small items. The central armrest box has moderate depth, and the rear door panels also feature storage compartments, making overall storage capacity sufficient for daily use.

Regarding power, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 121PS, paired with a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive. During actual driving, the power response at the start is relatively gentle, suitable for smooth urban commutes. When you press the accelerator firmly, the engine speed rises above 3000 rpm, at which point the power sees a noticeable surge, providing enough confidence for overtaking. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 10.2 seconds, which is above average for naturally aspirated models in this segment. There are two driving modes to choose from: Eco and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission maintains higher RPM for more active power response, but fuel consumption slightly increases.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has good precision with minimal play, providing clear feedback during daily lane changes or turns. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most minor shocks when navigating speed bumps or bumpy city roads, ensuring rear-seat passengers won't feel significant jolts. The body roll is kept within a reasonable range during cornering, without any sense of looseness. The braking system consists of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes. The brake pedal feels linear, with moderate braking force in the initial stage, and the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking. As for fuel consumption, we drove 50km each on congested urban roads and highways, achieving an average fuel consumption of about 6.2L/100km, which is slightly higher than the official 5.6L. However, considering the use of air conditioning and frequent stops during actual driving, this result is still quite reasonable.

In terms of ride comfort, the vehicle performs well in noise control. Wind and tire noise are not overly noticeable during high-speed driving and do not hinder conversations among passengers in the cabin. The seat padding strikes a good balance between softness and firmness, ensuring long-lasting comfort without fatigue. It's worth mentioning the ACC adaptive cruise control function, which, when activated on highways, can automatically follow other cars, reducing fatigue during long-distance drives. This feature is a highlight of the 1.5 S version and is relatively rare in vehicles at this price point.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Honda City 1.5 S lie in its balanced features, spacious interior, and economical fuel efficiency. Compared to the similarly positioned Toyota Vios 1.5 G (priced at RM 89,600), the City 1.5 S is more affordable while also offering rear air vents, a 220V power outlet, and curtain airbags as part of its six-airbag system, which enhances its value for money. It is suitable for families focused on practicality — low fuel consumption for daily commutes, ample space for family outings, and sufficient amenities. It is also favorable for young commuters as features like keyless entry and the central control screen cater to basic tech needs.

Overall, the 2023 Honda City 1.5 S is a well-rounded family sedan with no obvious shortcomings. With its high value for money and balanced performance, it holds a solid position in the B-segment sedan market and is a reliable choice for most consumers.