Honda City 2020 Review

The B-segment sedan market in Malaysia has always been the main battleground for family cars, as consumers value both space practicality and cost-effectiveness for daily use. The 2020 Honda City 1.5L S, as the entry-level version of the series, is positioned as a "well-balanced family car" with a price of less than RM 80,000, while continuing the reliable reputation of the City lineup. This time, we've gotten our hands on the actual car, and the main objective is to see if this entry-level model meets basic family user needs in terms of configuration, space, and driving experience, and whether it's worth being the first choice for budget-conscious buyers.

From the exterior, the design of the 2020 City 1.5L S retains the youthful style of the series. The front features Honda's signature chrome grille connecting the headlights on both sides, with halogen main headlights paired with LED daytime running lights. Although it lacks the full-LED headlights of the top version, the daytime running lights still have enough recognizability. The body side profile features smooth lines, with the waistline extending from the hood to the rear, giving the body a sleek appearance. The 15-inch tires are paired with multi-spoke rims, which are modest in design but align with the entry-level positioning. At the rear, the LED taillights are arranged horizontally, echoing the front design when lit, while the small spoiler on the trunk lid adds a touch of sportiness. Overall, the design avoids overly flashy elements, leaning towards a simple yet aesthetically pleasing style suitable for families.

Sitting inside, the interior adopts a dark tone, with extensive use of hard plastics in the materials. However, the gaps at the seams are well-controlled, avoiding a cheap feel. The center console layout is simple, and the multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment and phone answering, making it easy to operate. The instrument panel uses traditional electronic analog dials to display information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level, which are clear and easy to read. In terms of features, the entry-level model doesn't include a touchscreen infotainment system but retains a basic audio system with four speakers, which suffices for listening to radio or connecting to a phone via Bluetooth for everyday use. The front row features manual air conditioning, but rear air vents are standard, which significantly enhances the comfort of the rear passengers. The seats are made of fabric, offering decent support. The front seats have a manual adjustment range wide enough to accommodate most drivers' needs, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold, allowing for expanded trunk space.

Space utilization is one of City’s traditional strengths, with a 2,600mm wheelbase that belongs to the mainstream level in the B-segment. Even after the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, a passenger of 175cm will still have one fist of headroom; for a rear passenger of the same height, legroom reaches two fists, and headroom is roughly one fist, meaning even three passengers in the rear won’t feel too cramped. The trunk volume is 519L, which is sufficient for stowing a baby stroller or several suitcases, and folding down the rear seats can accommodate longer items. As for storage, the front center console box, door pockets, and cup holders are designed to be practical, providing places for phones and personal belongings.

When it comes to dynamic driving, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 121PS, with peak torque output at 4,300rpm, paired with a CVT gearbox. The power response during takeoff is relatively gentle, suitable for daily city driving; when pressing harder on the accelerator, the engine revs rise above 4,000rpm, delivering noticeable power for overtaking, though planning ahead is necessary. Overall, the power is adequate. It only offers a normal driving mode, with no sport mode, but the CVT transmission exhibits good smoothness, with virtually no shift shock. The steering wheel is light and responsive, making U-turns and parking very easy. The suspension uses McPherson struts in the front, offering decent shock absorption. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body experiences slight swaying but does not transmit excessive harsh vibrations. At high speeds, the car's stability is commendable, with no significant sense of wobbling even at 120km/h.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.4L/100km. We conducted an actual test on a route that was half urban and half highway, and the final fuel consumption was about 5.8L/100km, which meets expectations. For a family car, this level of fuel consumption can effectively reduce daily usage costs. Regarding noise control, the engine noise is minimal at low speeds. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, tire noise and wind noise gradually become noticeable, but still within an acceptable range and will not affect conversations inside the car.

In terms of safety features, the entry-level version comes standard with 4 airbags (driver, front passenger, front side airbags), ABS anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist. Rear parking sensors are also standard. Although there is no reversing camera, the sensitivity of the sensors is sufficient, making daily parking not a problem. The 5-year unlimited mileage warranty policy is an advantage in its class, allowing consumers to have more peace of mind.

Compared to models in the same class, such as the Toyota Vios or Nissan Almera, the 2020 Honda City 1.5L S stands out in terms of space and fuel efficiency. Although its configurations are not as rich as the mid-to-high-end versions, at the entry-level price, it retains practical features such as rear air vents and keyless entry. Its value for money is notable. It is suitable for families with a budget of around RM70,000 to RM80,000, who value space, fuel economy, and reliability, especially for those who often need to transport people or goods.

Overall, the 2020 Honda City 1.5L S is a family car with no significant shortcomings. It does not offer overly fancy features but focuses on providing the space, fuel economy, and basic safety configurations that family users need the most. If you are looking for a reliable, practical, and low-maintenance daily commuter car, this entry-level City is worth considering.