HONDA Malaysia certainly knows how to keep its B-segment powerhouse as current and relevant as possible.

It is easily the one Honda model that you've seen everywhere locally since 2001, which only shows its engaging appeal having stood the test of time.

One way the Japanese automaker has achieved this is by sportifying the City with an active style RS e:HEV option.

And much like the sedan version the 2024-2025 City Hatchback (HB) RS e:HEV has been refreshed ever so slightly to inject that little bit of added fun it needs to stay competitive.

Active Option

It might not be too obvious at a glance but the City HB has undergone a number of subtle improvements. 

Initially only available for the top-end e:HEV hybrid variant, the City HB line-up now includes a new petrol RS variant.

This expands the line-up to five variants: S, E, V, petrol RS and the e:HEV RS.

All of them are refreshed with a newly designed honeycomb front grille, front lower grille, LED front fog lights garnish and rear bumper lower garnish. 

The RS variants gain new Berlina Black 16-inch alloy wheels and a new side sill garnish.

The RS variants are also longer than the standard variants with a its refreshed exterior design measuring 4,369mm in length. The S, E and V variants are 4,350 mm in length.

Both RS variants' interior now feature a red-painted dashboard panel and Combi Leather seats with red stitching.

They are fitted with 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity in addition to 7-inch TFT Meter Cluster. Ultra Seat comes standard across all variants.

Paddle Shift is now standard in all petrol variants while the e:HEV RS variant is fitted with Deceleration Selector Paddle that enables the driver to engage on the paddles for power regeneration and to decelerate the vehicle.

Honda Sensing is now a standard safety feature for all variants with the suite encompassing Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Auto High Beam.

New to the suite for all variants is the Lead Car Departure Notification function while the e:HEV RS gets Low Speed Follow feature.

Performance-wise the City HB remains largely the same as before on paper.

The sole top hybrid variant houses a 1.5L e:HEV powertrain that produces 109PS and 253Nm of torque, while all petrol variants share a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC that delivers 121PS of maximum output and 145Nm of torque. 

All variants come with six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock function. The Multi-Angle Reverse Camera with Hi-Resolution are fitted in all variants except for S variant.

V and RS variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch while Honda Connect is now available as an optional accessory for the S, E and V variants.

Another that is new with the City HB is the Phoenix Orange Pearl exterior colour option. Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Grey and Lunar Silver Metallic (petrol only) is still available while the Platinum White Pearl comes at an additional RM300.

The variants are priced without insurance at RM85,900 (S), RM90,900 (E), RM95,900 (V), RM100,900 for the petrol RS and the e:HEV RS at RM112,900.

Boosted Experience

Given its long history, it is easy for many to dismiss the City's mass reach appeal as anything more than pricing.

In some ways that was probably the case in the first 10 years or so since the modern iteration of the model made its debut in Malaysia.

Much has changed in the industry since and demand for more than just a simple A-to-B getter is commonplace.

Still positioned in the B-segment category the City is not excluded from the trend. This also means its pricing has gradually elevated to reflect its new offerings.

Even more so when we're talking about the RS variants and specifically the RE e:HEV. But with all things considered there are reasons why the top variants make the best bet.

On its own just about everything in the new City HB reflects what you can expect from its pricier siblings so you're not missing out on the Honda experience.

Features are up to date with seamless Android Auto and Apply Carplay connectivity at its best as it has ever been with the City.

The refinement is subtle enough that it feels different even if it is all-City at heart. Going the HB route also means you get access to not only one of the hottest hatchbacks in the city but additional cargo room with the foldable Ultra Seats.

Drive performance is City-City HB standard though the little details give it a marginally updated experience. 

This is most prominent with the slightly longer and much sportier RS setup - slight more aggressive than ever with the latest refresh, too.

Also helps that the hybrid drive system remains a dream to have with the City HB.

Better acceleration with a slight power boost over the petrol engine makes it all the more fun for sure. The real deal is the 600-700km of fuel range per-tank is why you'll really want the RS e:HEV.

It is the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) petrol-electric hybrid system that still brings out the best in the City when paired to the RS' aesthetics. The combination means the B-segment machine is far from your run-of-the-mill choice.

Verdict

If you want the definitive Honda City HB experience then the top range RS e:HEV is the way to go.

The City HB is already as capable as a City has ever been and you'll be hard-pressed to find many negative deal breaking points if any.

This makes it the go-to safe choice where B-segment models are concerned since there’s nothing to worry over – if you’re missing out on features, design or performance with a budget.

That’s the major reason why the City remains beloved and has always been a popular B-segment choice for so years since it was first introduced. 

One area where most people are concerned with is variety with how commonplace the model may feel. This is where the updated RS look that goes along with the hatchback cutting, with its hybrid performance, takes that experience all the way up to eleven.

Addressing its only major weakness, compared to the standard petrol variant you're getting greater fuel efficiency with a marginal boost in power. The new RS styling is also where the City looks it’s most aggressive it has ever been.

Adding to the novelty is that it is currently, still the only B-segment hatchback hybrid in the market. Similarly this also makes it the most affordable hybrid currently.

The RS styling now does come in petrol for the more economic-conscious or for those who simply prefer the sportiest City variant that is the non-hybrid option.

Both RS' have similar styling, so you're not missing out in that area with the major difference of course being the engine system.

Still, personally the e:HEV variant is the superior pick by virtue of the hybrid's performance that just goes really well in changing the City HB's drive dynamics.

It isn't a must-have to appreciate the City HB for what it is of course, but it is certainly the most fun option if you're looking for the best City HB variant.