Honda City Hatchback 2024 Review

The B-segment hatchback market has always been a key choice for Malaysian family users and young consumers. Balanced space, agile handling, and reasonable price are the core demands. As the entry-level version of the series, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S is priced at RM 85,900 and includes advanced features as standard, such as 6 airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, and active safety systems. This value-for-money package has left many consumers wondering: Can the entry-level version truly meet daily usage needs? This time, we will verify its core value through a static experience and dynamic test drive.

From the exterior, the 1.5 S maintains the youthful style of the City Hatchback family. The front fascia features Honda's signature chrome strip connecting the halogen headlights. The lower bumper has simple lines without excessive sporty decorations, but the addition of LED daytime running lights enhances its recognition. The side profile features smooth lines, with a fastback design extending from the A-pillar to the rear, giving the car a more compact look. The 185/60 R15 tire dimensions lean towards practicality but are proportionally well-balanced with the body. At the rear, the halogen tail lamp assembly adopts a horizontal layout, and rear fog lights and reverse sensors come as standard. The overall design has no obvious flaws, aligning well with the positioning of an entry-level model.

Inside, the 1.5 S interior is predominantly black, with a dashboard made of hard plastic material but neatly crafted, without any sense of cheapness. A multifunction steering wheel comes as standard, with ACC cruise control and voice control buttons on the left side and audio adjustments on the right. The operation logic is clear. The instrument panel is an electroluminescent analog type, displaying information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level clearly enough. The center console features a Standard Audio system. Although it doesn't support touch control, it provides Bluetooth connectivity, which is sufficient for daily music and calls. The seats are upholstered in fabric, with manual adjustments at the front. They offer good support, ensuring comfort during long rides.

In terms of space performance, the 1.5 S has a wheelbase of 2600mm, and rear legroom is above average for this class. A 175cm tall passenger seated in the rear would still have two fists of space between their knees and the front seats. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, increasing the trunk capacity from 289L when folded down. This makes it convenient to accommodate strollers or suitcases. Storage space is well-designed; the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, and the center armrest box and glove compartment offer sufficient space for daily use. The rear seats are equipped with two USB ports and air-conditioned vents (though the front air conditioning is manual, the rear vent has independent airflow adjustment), which caters to the needs of rear passengers.

As for performance, the 1.5 S is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, generating a maximum power of 89kW (121PS) and a peak torque of 145N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During startup, the power response is smooth, with no noticeable lag. The acceleration performance in the speed range of 30-80km/h is adequate. For daily commutes, overtaking doesn't require heavy throttle input. When switched to S mode, the transmission maintains higher RPMs, resulting in more direct power output, but the ability to accelerate again at high speed (above 100km/h) seems somewhat lackluster. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 10.7 seconds, meeting the expectations of a family car.

The handling and chassis performance are commendable. The steering wheel is light and precise, making U-turns or parking in daily use very agile. The combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension filters out minor bumps on urban roads quite well, and there is no obvious stiffness when passing over speed bumps. The stability of the vehicle at high speeds is good, and there is no feeling of floating even at 120 km/h. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km. During the actual test drive, fuel consumption in city driving was about 6.2L/100km, while on highways it was around 5.0L/100km, demonstrating excellent fuel efficiency.

As for driving comfort, the 1.5 S does a good job at noise control. At speeds below 80 km/h, wind and tire noise are not significant, and only when the engine revs exceed 3000 RPM will a slight noise enter the cabin. The fabric material of the seats is breathable, making it not too stuffy to sit on during summer. The manual air conditioning cools effectively. Although it lacks automatic temperature control, it is still very convenient to adjust.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S lies in its "entry-level yet well-equipped" safety features–6 airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, ACC cruise control, etc. These features are not commonly found in entry-level models of the same segment. Compared with competitors like the Toyota Yaris 1.5 G (RM 89,600), the price of the 1.5 S is lower, and its safety features are more extensive. Although it lacks the 8-inch touchscreen and automatic air conditioning of higher-end versions, its basic functions are complete, and its space and fuel consumption performance meet the needs of family usage.

This car is suitable for family users who value cost-effectiveness and safety features, especially those with a budget between RM 80,000-90,000 who need a reliable daily commuter that also accommodates family outings. For younger users, its appearance is stylish enough, and its agile handling can meet the needs of occasional weekend trips.

In summary, although the 2024 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S is an entry-level version, it does not cut back on the core features, making it highly cost-effective. If you do not need too many fancy functions and are just looking for a safe, fuel-efficient, and spacious hatchback for family use, it would be a great choice.