During the launch of the new facelifted Honda City, one of the messages that Honda was keen to talk about is the new and improved Honda Connect App. It has been around for a while already, but it is not at its most matured form.
You may or may not have heard of the Honda Connect App, but either way, it is one of those applications that is worth having for your Honda these days.
It if offered as standard on selected Honda models, but for those who want to purchase it, it costs RM1,500. But before you dismiss it as exorbitant, it is an application that is worth considering.
The Honda Connect App predominantly focuses on three areas:
Safety
Security
Convenience
Safety
Under the safety part, the application is designed to be able to alert you or a loved in the event of a collision. This is important especially if the driver is unconscious. The app will detect that a collision has happened and a call centre will be alerted. The operators from the call centre will first try to reach out to the driver of the vehicle, and if the person does not answer, the call centre will then try to reach out to a second number provided.
In the event that the second person too does not answer, the call centre will immediately dispatch emergency services to the last known location. This is especially helpful when driving in a remote area.
The app is also able to inform the driver in the event that the alarm goes off. Alarms are great theft deterrents, but chances are the owner of a car will not be able to hear the alarm if the car is parked in a basement car park or somewhere far off. This is where the Honda Connect App is quite good because it alerts the driver when the alarm goes off, giving the owner precious minutes to rush to the car to see why the alarm went off.
Besides that, the owner of the Honda is also able to set a speed limit of the car, and will be alerted if the car goes beyond the set threshold. Perfect for parents who do not want their children or loved ones to be speeding, or even companies who need to implement health and safety policies, thus assisting to promote safety.
Security
Ever wondered around a car park wondering where you parked your car? We have all been there. This is where the Honda Connect App is especially handy because it has a “Find My Car” feature that is able to assist you to find your parked car. This is also great if your child has taken your car without informing you. If you are a parent, you’re welcome on the tip, if you’re a child, you may not like this feature.
One of our favourite features is something called Geo Fencing Alert. This allows you to set a paremeter of a few hundred meters or a maximum of 160km. And if the car goes beyond the set parameter, the application will alert you. This is especially handy for companies that need to keep track on where their cars are going.
But on a personal level, there’s a feature called Emergency Call. This feature connects the phone to the national emergency number – 999 – and when pressed, will immediately call the emergency number. This is great in parking lots, shopping malls or even in dark alleys at night. You don’t even need to be walking to your car but can use it anytime you feel threatened.
Convenience
So the app is more than just safety, security and controlling measures, it also allows incredible ownership convenience. It allows the owner to check on the car’s status, such as fuel level, battery level and everything about the car that an owner needs to know.
One interesting feature though is the Remote Vehicle Control. This allows the owner to remote start or stop a car, which is great if you need to be away for a few weeks and don’t want the battery of your car going flat. Yes, you can start the car and warm it up even if you are in a different country.
Does your wife need to get something from the car, but you accidentally took the keys with you and the spare key is dead? Yes, you can remotely unlock your car and no this does not mean she can start the car and drive away.
These are just some of the many features that the app has to offer, and some of the more notable ones include being able to locate the closet petrol station, ATM and even book a service appointment.
with all of the features on offer, the RM1,500 asking price suddenly seems like a good deal as it is not just an application, but consider it an automotive personal assistant.
Just last month, Honda Malaysia announced that the City facelift was available for reservations at all Honda dealerships in Malaysia. And now, the covers are off, marking the official launching of the facelifted City.
Honda has sold more than 10,000 units in the first half of 2023, while the 5th generation City has sold more than 68,600 copies since its release. These numbers make it clear that Malaysians love the Honda City, and would select it over its competitors.
The City, which is Honda Malaysia’s best-selling model, will be introduced with a facelifted version that is now available for reservations at all Honda dealerships in Malaysia. The new City is anticipated to make its debut in Malaysia in Q3 2023.
Since its release, the 5th generation City has sold more than 68,600 copies, and in the first half of 2023, Honda has sold more than 10,000 units. This iconic Honda model has undoubtedly established itself as Malaysians’ pick in its market class.
When Honda Malaysia announced the flagship model for the new Honda City, mouths were left agape with the torque figures and good looks of the City RS e:HEV.
No surprises there because that’s what a flagship model is all about – a showmanship of what’s possible for a particular model by the manufacturer.
But more often than not, the second model in the line up would be equally as good, but with a different set of features and a watered down design. And a cheaper price tag.
Take the newly introduced and second in line to the City throne Honda City hatchback petrol, or officially known as the V variant, for instance.
It is expected to cost as much as the sedan variant, which puts it in the eighty something thousand league. And for that kind of money, you get a car that feels as well built as an early 2000s BMW. Which is a good thing.
But what’s not a good thing though is that we can’t show you photos of the interior until after it has been officially introduced. But we can tell you that it feels great and is similar to the City sedan.
The seats are more suited to comfort and luxury than the sportier ones in the RS. And that’s not a bad thing either because the seats are fantastic.
The drive took place at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), where Honda Malaysia was keen to show off the acceleration and handling of the two top of the line variants.
The acceleration test took place at Turn 10 of SIC – a shallow gradient uphill climb that flows into Turn 11. This was a great spot to test out the power delivery and handling of the City because Turns 12 and 13 are fast flowing corners that tend to upset the balance of a car.
No upsetting the balance of the City though. But of course we weren’t really pushing them as hard as you would on a track. We were told to keep on the slower side of 110km/h.
But just as mentioned in the previous article, handling was accurate and body movement was as minimal as an everyday car could muster.
I had jumped into the competing car before any of the new Hondas though. One that was provided to establish the baseline feel of what the competitors could do.
But you don’t bring a competitor car to your event unless you are sure you can mop the floor with it, and that’s what the petrol variant of the Honda City did.
The 1.5-litre engine that is powering the V variant produces a class leading 118hp and 145Nm of torque.
These figures are not exactly what you would call powerful, but in a lightweight car designed to move people and their belongings comfortably – it is not all that bad.
It is still capable of shoving you back into your seat, no matter how little.
Exterior wise, the V variant may not be as exciting to look at because it doesn’t have the glass piano black front grill, the blacked out wing and black door mirrors. In place you get a chrome grill and a very subdued overall design.
But just like the RS, the V variant too gets the all-important LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps and LED rear combi lights.
The V variant also gets 16-inch alloy wheels. Thought the wheel well looks like it could easily take on a set of 18 or 19-inch wheels. Modification ready perhaps?
Just like the RS, the V-variant also gets Honda’s famous ULTRA seats that first made its debut in the Jazz.
The ULTRA seats allow the seats to either be folded down in what Honda calls the Utility mode, folded up (Tall mode), lay flat (long mode) and even lay the front passenger seats flat (Refresh mode) for a total flat out format that mimics a daybed. Excellent for a weekend by the beach, if you are so inclined.
But the V-variant loses out on the Honda SENSING safety suite – but expect that to trickle down the line to other models as the City hatchback goes through its product life cycle. Or perhaps there would be a City 1.5L Hatchback V SENSING, just like how there is a City 1.5L V SENSING for the sedan model.
All in all, the Honda City hatchback has made an excellent case for itself.
Fans of the Jazz were left aghast when Honda Malaysia announced that the Jazz will be replaced with the City hatchback. But after driving it, the Jazz simply doesn’t make sense anymore when the City hatchback is able to offer so much more.
Honda Malaysia has not mentioned anything about the price though, but an introduction is due to take place any day now, and expect prices to be not that far off the sedan versions.
Honda Malaysia has a close relationship with the state of Melaka as its own assembly plant is located in the state at the Pegoh Industrial Park. The plant began operations in 2003 and assembles a wide range of models which also have a high degree of localisation.
One of the latest models is the all-new Honda City RS e:HEV which entered showrooms this year. Part of the new City range, the RS e:HEV is powered by a highly efficient 2-motor hybrid system with Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). With a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine as part of the powertrain, the e:HEV system can deliver an impressive 253 Nm of torque with 109 ps of power. It will certainly be a game-changer in its segment.
Recently, in connection with its association with Melaka, Honda Malaysia presented one unit of the City RS e:HEV to Invest Melaka Berhad (IMB). The presentation was in collaboration with SOCAR Mobility Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SOCAR) and in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM).
Commenting on the presentation, Sarly Adle Sarkum, President & COO of Honda Malaysia said: “We are delighted to be a part of the celebration by Invest Melaka Berhad and to be able to contribute to the development of our local automotive industry. Honda began operations at Pegoh Plant in Melaka over 17 years ago and currently has two production lines with a production capacity of up to 100,000 units of vehicles per year. We are committed to the Malaysian market and the growth of the automotive industry here. We would like to thank the Malaysian Government, the State Government of Melaka, Invest Melaka Berhad and all our valued customers for their continuous trust which enables Honda to be the company that society wants to exist. With the strong support received, we have recently celebrated our remarkable milestone of 1 millionth sales unit. Honda will continue to be committed in giving back to all Malaysians through various initiatives.”
Visit any authorised Honda dealer to view, test-drive or purchase the new City. To locate a showroom, visit www.honda.com.my or call Honda’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020.
When the fifth generation of the City was introduced in Malaysia last year, four variants were presented – but only three were in the showrooms. The fourth – which was the flagship City RS e:HEV – was not available then and was this eagerly awaited because it promised to be a game-changer in its segment (as some other Honda models have been in the past). In any case, even without the City RS, the other three variants sold briskly with more than 13,100 units already delivered, out of over 20,000 bookings received to date.
Now the City RS is starting to roll out of the Honda plant on Melaka and first deliveries are commencing to waiting customers. The price has also been announced as RM105,950.45 (excluding insurance and sales tax, the latter exemption only until June 30, 2021). Malaysia is the first country to have the variant, a reflection of the importance of this market to the Japanese carmaker.
“Today we are pleased to announce the official price for the All-New City RS e:HEV at with an overall package that is beyond the B-segment, complete with Next Generation Advanced Technology, Honda SENSING as well as Honda CONNECT, class-leading innovative features and a sporty exterior. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to our customers who have booked the RS e:HEV variant and waited patiently for the official price announcement,“ said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
Mr. Ishiyama said that the new City, being the leader in the non-national B-segment, was a strong contributor to Honda maintaining its No.1 position in the non-national segment for the sixth consecutive year.
Sportier exterior features
The exterior of the City RS is strongly differentiated from the other variants with the Gloss Black Grille and lower grille design as well as the diffuser integrated in the rear bumper. It also comes with a Gloss Black Bootlid Spoiler and the door mirror housings are finished Gloss Black as well.
Other standard equipment includes LED Headlights Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), Foglights and Taillights as well as Dual-Tone 16-inch Alloy Wheels.
2-motor hybrid system
The hybrid powertrain is something new too with a highly efficient 2-motor system working with the familiar 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. Referred to as the e:HEV system, it delivers up to 109 ps with a class-leading 253 Nm of torque, guaranteeing strong acceleration.
Besides the efficiency of the Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT), the City RS runs in three different driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive – depending on conditions. There are also Deceleration Selector Paddles that enable the driver to activate power regeneration and decelerate the car without stepping on the brake pedal.
Advanced infotainment features
Inside, there are high-quality textures and a sophisticated premium all around the spacious cabin. Displays include a 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) meter and an 8-inch colour touchscreen that is like a sophisticated ‘command centre’ from which the driver uses Honda CONNECT and other infotainment features. The system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to enable interfacing with compatible smartphones which means favourite and functional apps can be transferred and accessed from the dashboard.
In keeping with its sportier image, the City RS comes with Sport Pedal Pads and the Ultrasuede seats have red stitching (also used in other trim areas).
Smart telematics technology
The City RS e:HEV is the first model in Honda Malaysia’s range to offer innovative Honda CONNECT technology which is only just rolling out in a small number of markets globally. Again, like the e:HEV system, Honda has put Malaysia as one of the early markets to receive this new technology. Honda CONNECT utilizes smart telematics technology to bring connectivity to a whole new level for owners and provides services 24/7. With this technology, safety, security and convenience are enhanced for a more enjoyable ownership experience.
Honda SENSING
Honda SENSING, the brand’s suite of driver-assistance systems, is now present on all models but the number of sub-systems (all integrated) varies. In the case of the City RS, there are seven systems:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
All the systems use a camera with a wide field of view installed in the grille to scan the road ahead. The camera imagery of road markings, road edges and other vehicles is analysed by a computer and appropriate action is taken to avoid or prevent accidents.
Additionally, there is also Honda LaneWatch, an innovative blindspot monitoring system which uses a small camera installed in the left door mirror. When the left signal is activated, the camera starts showing the view along the left side of the car on the display screen. The advantage of this approach is that the driver does not have to turn the head as much as looking at the door mirror. Just a slight turn towards the middle of the dashboard will be enough and the display has clear images day and night.
Though not new in this market, the Remote Engine Start is a first-in-segment feature that City owners get. It allows starting the engine while away from the car and even activating the air-conditioner to cool down the interior – definitely what we need in Malaysia. Needless to say, there is keyless entry and you don’t need a key to start/stop the engine. This variant also comes with an Electric Parking Brake which engages with an almost effortless a lift of a small tab.
Consistent 5-Star record
The City has already been tested by ASEAN NCAP which gave it the maximum of 5 stars. In fact, for the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2020, the model received the safety organisation’s Excellent Award for Consistent 5-Star performance which has been achieved since the third generation.
Interested in getting one? If you don’t wish to go to a showroom, you can use the New Car Pre-Booking Online Platform at prebook.honda.com.my to pre-book the car. However, if you want to view and test-drive first, you can visit any authorised Honda dealer nationwide. Locations can be found at www.honda.com.my or by calling Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number 1-800-88-2020.
The Malaysian market is greatly appreciated by Honda Motor as this is one of the global markets where the brand enjoys a strong position. It has achieved this success for many years now because it understands that Malaysians like new and advanced technologies and features in their cars. This has led to Malaysia being the first market to launch a new product or technology outside Japan.
With the latest 5th generation Honda City RS e:HEV, Honda again gives Malaysian such an honour. This is the first time in the Asia & Oceania region that Honda is introducing its e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with an advanced 2-motor hybrid system using an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).
Another first for Malaysia
This follows other firsts by Honda Malaysia over the past 8 years. It was the first company to assemble hybrid cars locally (and the third country among Honda globally after Japan and USA) and the only country outside of Japan to introduce the Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent-Dual Clutch Drive) with the Jazz Hybrid and previous City Hybrid as well as the HR-V Hybrid.
Malaysia gets the honour of being first because this is where Honda sells the most hybrid models in its Asia & Oceania region. Over the past 5 years, 40% of its hybrid models sold in the region have been in Malaysia. So, as part of its plan to increase e:TECHNOLOGY, it is introducing the new City with i-MMD.
Hybrid technology advanced
Hybrid technology uses both an internal combustion engine, with a 1.5-litre displacement in the new City, and an electric motor. An Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) seamlessly manages power flows in three modes: EV Drive which is purely electric; Hybrid Drive which combines use of both engine and motor; and Engine Drive which draws power only from the engine.
The choice of modes depends on driving conditions as well as the available energy in the lithium-ion battery pack which is also continuously recharged while driving. EV Drive is usually used when starting off and cruising steadily, while Hybrid Drive optimizes running efficiency. Engine Drive will activate at higher speeds, during which time the battery pack will also be recharged.
An electric motor can generate maximum torque the moment the car starts moving off, and this means the driver has up to 253 Nm of torque available right away. This great amount of torque – highest in its class and even more than cars with bigger engines – is generated up to 3,000 rpm so acceleration remains strong. Overtaking can be done quickly and safely and with a system power output of 108 ps, the City can reach its top speed of 173 km/h very quickly.
For added efficiency, the i-MMD uses an Electric CVT to transmit power to the front wheels. The optimum ratio is computer-selected but the driver can manage deceleration more effectively with a Deceleration Selector Pedal, reducing the need to use the brakes.
Exclusive styling for the RS
Naturally, with such advanced technology, Honda Malaysia also wants the City RS to stand out more distinctly. This is achieved by giving exclusive styling features to the variant. The grille has a high-gloss Piano Black finish with the RS badge clearly identifying the variant. The slim LED headlights have an eye-catching design and incorporate LED Day Running Lights (DRLs) that give a specific lighting signature. The headlamps can be set to come on automatically whenever lighting conditions are dim, an added convenience.
At the rear, the LED combination lamps also create a distinct lighting signature that immediately identifies this as a special City variant. The wraparound design enables illumination to be spread over a wider range for driving safety.
Emphasizing the sportiness of the City RS is a slim Piano Black spoiler on the edge of the bootlid. Apart from the looks, this helps to manage airflow as it departs from the car body, reducing turbulence that causes drag.
As to be expected, the City RS gets its own exclusive lightweight alloy rims with a multi-spoke design. 16 inches in diameter and with a dual-tone finish, they are fitted with 185/55 tyres that have been chosen by Honda engineers for this car.
Premium look and feel within
The cabin, more spacious with the increased size of the new generation, has become more refined, with increased sophistication and a premium feel on every surface. Switchgear is placed within easy reach with the aim of allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road ahead. For example, the controls for adjusting the automatic air-conditioning system are rotary knobs which are easy to operate even without looking, while the Electric Parking Brake is easily operated with just a press or pull of a finger.
The icons on the full colour 8-inch display are also large, making selection easy. The infotainment system, which includes an 8-speaker surround-sound audio system, easily connects with compatible smartphones using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This allows favourite apps to be mirrored on the screen, from which they can be managed. With Waze or Google Maps accessible from the dashboard, driving will become easier as traffic conditions are visible and warnings can be heard too.
A 7-inch TFT screen is used for the instrument panel, giving sharp and clear displays in all lighting conditions. A tripcomputer provides driving information with a real-time fuel consumption bar to help the driver achieve economical motoring. The left dial shows power generation and also the chare level of the battery pack.
The premium image is enhanced by the upholstery for the seats – Ultrasuede, a synthetic ultra-microfibre fabric with a soft, elegant texture and feel. Red stitching and sports pedals with polished metal finish add a sporty touch.
For convenience, there’s keyless entry with pushbutton starting/stopping of the engine. The driver can also start the engine from outside the car using the key fob. This allows running of the air-conditioning system so that the cabin can be cooled down before entry – certainly a welcome feature in our climate!
Honda SENSING comes to the City
It’s not just powertrain technology that is advanced in the new City RS. The new model now has Honda SENSING assistance technologies to help the driver. There are seven systems, all of which use a wide-view camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. Images captured in real-time are analysed by the on-board computer to determine hazardous situations and conditions that have a risk of an accident.
When Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is on, the car will travel at a set cruising speed, However, when another vehicle is detected ahead, the speed will be adjusted so that a safe gap is maintained. If there is no longer a vehicle ahead, the set speed will be resumed automatically.
When ACC is not used, Honda SENSING will still monitor the road ahead and if there is a risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead, the driver will be alerted. Should no action be taken (like braking or slowing down), the system will take over and activate the brakes to reduce speed and stop the car. This will help in avoiding a collision in case the driver has lost concentration, and it can also help reduce damage and repair cost as the early deceleration will reduce the impact speed.
As the car is moving, Honda SENSING monitors the lines on the road and notes the position of the car within the lane. Should the driver become drowsy and not maintain full steering control, the car may start to move out of its lane. When this happens, the system will vibrate the steering wheel to alert the driver. In some cases, the system will also gently apply corrective force to steer the car back to the centre of the lane.
There is also the possibility of the car being driven too close to the edge of the road. Honda SENSING is also programmed to detect this and besides alerting the driver, will use steering control and even the brakes to correct the car’s movement.
Auto High Beam is another system in Honda SENSING which gives the driver maximum illumination of the road ahead when possible. Whenever there is no oncoming vehicle, the headlights will switch to the brighter and longer-range high beam, automatically dipping to low beam if a vehicle is detected. This will avoid blinding and irritating the other driver, contributing to safety.
While Honda SENSING is a new feature, exclusive to the City RS, other safety systems such as Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD and Hill-Start Assist are also present. Additionally, besides dual front SRS airbags, the City RS also has side and window curtain airbags for added protection during side collisions. There is also an Auto Brake Hold feature to make driving in a traffic jam less stressful.
Honda LaneWatch
For the first time, the City gets Honda LaneWatch, an innovative camera-based system which provides the driver with a real-time view of the blind spot along the left side of the car. The advantage of this system is that the driver does not need to turn the head so much to see the traffic situation (unlike having to turn a lot to see the door mirror). The LaneWatch display automatically comes on whenever the signal indicator is activated.
While LaneWatch provides a view of the left side, a Multi Angle Rear View Camera covers the back of the car. This helps the driver position the car properly in a parking bay by showing three different views – wide, normal and high-angle. Each view can be chosen at the touch of a button, appearing clearly on the display even at night when lighting conditions are low.
With so many safety systems to help the driver, plus the G-FORCE CONTROL (G-CON) body structure, it is not surprising that the City can score maximum points from ASEAN NCAP. The G-CON structure dissipates the energy of a collision before it can reach the occupants and cause serious injuries.
Joy of Buying and Owning
Honda Malaysia often talks about giving customers the Joy of Buying with its products, and complementing this would be the Joy of Owning. This comes in many ways that will give peace of mind to the owner. Reliability and durability are a given with any Honda, along with high quality of assembly. The warranty will be for a full 5 years as there is no limit on mileage, and a further 3 years for the hybrid battery pack.
The all-new Honda City RS e:HEV will be available in January 2021 but authorized Honda dealerships nationwide will be happy to accept a booking now. To locate a showroom nearest to you, visit www.honda.com.my or by calling 1-800-88-2020.