2023 Honda City 1.5L E Review

In Malaysia's B-segment sedan market, balanced durability and high configuration have always been the core considerations for family car buyers. As a popular contender in this segment, the 2023 Honda City 1.5L E enters the market with a 121PS naturally aspirated engine, 6 airbags complemented by a full suite of driver-assistance features, and a price tag of RM89,900. This review focuses on whether it can deliver practicality and ease of driving for daily commutes and family outings.

In terms of appearance, the City 1.5L E continues Honda's youthful design style. The front fascia features a large honeycomb grille, with chrome decorations connecting the two sides of the halogen headlights. Although it does not use LED headlights, the integration of the headlight assembly and the grille is high, providing good recognition. The side profile of the car showcases smooth lines, with a waistline running from the front to the rear, paired with 185/60 R15 tires for a harmonious overall proportion. The rear features horizontally designed LED tail lights with a clear visual effect when illuminated, while the small spoiler on the edge of the trunk adds a touch of sportiness. The overall design avoids excessive exaggeration, embodying an aesthetically pleasing and mainstream look.

Stepping inside, the interior is predominantly black, accentuated with silver trims. The upper area of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch plastic material, offering a pleasant tactile feel. At the center of the dashboard is an 8-inch display that supports the Sound Plus function, with smooth operation. Below it are physical air conditioning buttons, ensuring easier blind operation. In terms of features, keyless entry/start, automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, and a 220V power outlet are all included, meeting daily convenience needs. The seats are manually adjustable, with moderate cushion length and support, making them comfortable for long durations. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, and the trunk has a capacity of 519 liters, accommodating two 28-inch suitcases along with a few backpacks, sufficiently meeting household storage needs.

For performance, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine offers a maximum power output of 121PS, paired with a CVT transmission. During initial acceleration, the power output is smooth, and the throttle response is linear, making city driving and acceleration seamless. On highways, accelerating beyond 100 km/h delivers modest performance but is adequate for overtaking during family trips. The default driving mode is Normal Mode, and the steering wheel feels light and easy to operate, suitable even for women drivers. The suspension system features front MacPherson struts, effectively filtering most minor bumps when navigating Malaysia's common speed bumps or uneven roads. Rear passengers won’t feel significant bouncing, while body roll during cornering is controlled within reasonable limits, ensuring robust stability during driving.

In specific tests, the official combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.6L/100km, whereas our actual test, involving urban commuting with some highway usage, yielded a fuel consumption of approximately 6.2L/100km. Considering the car’s weight of over 1.1 tons, its fuel economy performance meets expectations. Regarding driver-assistance systems, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) performs well in maintaining distance from vehicles on the highway, and the lane departure warning and forward collision warning respond promptly, helping to reduce fatigue during long drives. In terms of noise control, the car interior stays quiet at speeds below 60 km/h, but wind and tire noise become progressively noticeable above 80 km/h. However, the noise levels remain acceptable and do not interfere with normal conversations.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Honda City 1.5L E stand out: First, it comes with comprehensive safety features, including 6 airbags and Honda SENSING functions (ACC, lane departure warning, etc.), placing it in the top tier among similarly priced B-segment cars. Second, its space is practical, with a 2600mm wheelbase ensuring rear legroom, a 519L trunk, and foldable rear seats to cater to family storage needs. Third, its fuel efficiency and warranty policy (5 years with unlimited mileage) reduce long-term ownership costs. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Toyota Vios 1.5G (RM95,500), the City 1.5L E is nearly RM6,000 less expensive while offering comparable features. When compared to the Proton Persona 1.6 Premium (RM79,800), it has an advantage in safety features and brand reliability.

This car is suitable for daily commuting and weekend family outings—it doesn’t offer extreme power but excels in smooth operation and ease of driving; the space isn’t enormous but is adequate for everyday family needs; and its features aren’t luxurious but cover all the practical essentials. In simple terms, the 2023 Honda City 1.5L E is a “well-rounded” family sedan that meets the core needs of family users with its balanced performance.