The local automotive ecosystem is gearing towards greener alternatives, spurred by the customised energy efficient vehicle (EVV) incentives, in line with the government’s move towards establishing Malaysia as an EEV hub.
The hybrid vehicle tax exemption, which ended in 2015, was replaced with a more flexible tax model based on merit to vehicle manufacturers, allowing more participation among automotive manufacturers to introduce their EEV models.
Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has recently brought in two new hybrid sports Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) models in its stable — the new City Hybrid and new Jazz Hybrid — and it is fully optimistic that they will take the market by storm.
The Japanese marque believes with the new hybrid models, it would reap the opportunity to commercialise EEVs in the country.
Malaysia is the only country outside Japan to introduce this new power train in a Honda City, which is touted to be the most advanced hybrid technology from the company. As of June, the Sport Hybrid i-DCD sold about 865,000 units in Japan.
The New City Hybrid is the second hybrid model introduced this year, after the new Jazz Hybrid and is the fifth new model in Honda Malaysia’s product line-up for 2017.
With more than 100,000 units of the fourth-generation City sold in Malaysia, Honda’s best-selling model - the City is B-segment sedan that Malaysians favours due to its value-added features and long-term reliability.
Carmaker’s latest offerings marked its first step in capturing bigger slices of the hybrid market, while strengthening the City’s leading position in the B-segment vehicle category,
According to Honda Malaysia, the new City Hybrid is targeted to those who opt for advanced technology and it would not cannibalise other models in its lineup.
It worth noting that the government is pushing towards the commercialisation of the EEV in the local market and the company foresees consumers’ behaviour begin to shift towards green mobility.
The complete knock-down (CKD) City Hybrid offers advanced technology with sporty drive, is priced at RM89,200 (without insurance), making it an attractive sedan that is packed with value-for-money features.
Under the hood, the new City Hybrid is powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine, which is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with integrated high power motor, delivering a combined power output 137hp and 170Nm torque.
Average fuel consumption is rated at 3.9-litre/100km. The City Sport Hybrid i-DCD is also fitted with a Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery, which is 20 per cent more compact than Nickel batteries and delivers 1.5 times higher energy output.
The new Li-ion battery powers up the electric driven compressor on its own, ensuring the car’s air-conditioning system functions normally, even if the car is at complete halt in full electric mode.
On full electric mode, the car is capable of being driven up to 80kph before the internal combustion engine steps in. While at lower speeds between 40kph and 50kph, the car can run in fully electric mode capped at 2km.
The seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) delivers instant shift response for quick acceleration, and the gear employs the Shift-by-Wire Gear electronic gear shifting system.
The advanced transmission allows for a smoother drive with reduced clutch slip. The seven-speed dual clutches make shorter gear changes and is quicker for a sportier drive.
The overall drive is smooth and comfortable with the combined dual power sources from the combustion engine and electric motor.
The acceleration is responsive. The vehicle, which has with a dual clutch transmission, is fitted with paddle shifters for a more direct driving experience.
The car is sprung by MacPherson front-struts and torsion beam suspension at the rear, which provides a comfortable ride and nimble handling.
In terms of braking system, the new City Hybrid is equipped with an Electric Servo Brake System - an integrated electronic control unit that allows greater battery recharge rate when braking while enhancing braking comfort.
The new power train is capable of switch off when idling to reduce fuel consumption, and the fully electric compressor minimises the load on the engine, giving the air conditioning the ability to cool when idle stop is activated.
The City Hybrid is capable of running in full electric mode, depending on the amount of power in the Li-ion battery to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions.
The City Sport Hybrid starts in full electric mode and upon acceleration; the petrol engine will support the system and recharges the battery during braking.
It measures at 4,442mm in length and 1,694mm in width. The sedan has a 135mm ground clearance and 2,600mm of wheelbase.
Safety features include four airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), emergency stop signal (ESS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), hill start assist, multi-angle reverse camera and vehicle stability assist (VSA).
Interior wise, we were surprised that the new City Hybrid maintains its non-hybrid boot space at 536-litre, despite having the intelligent power unit (IPU) battery placed underneath it.
The interior sits five-adult comfortably as it has ample leg and head rooms.
The hybrid variant comes with an advanced 3D Meter Design (Multi-Information Display) including energy flow, sport meter, fuel economy, drive info, customisation and ECO display.
The New City Hybrid is also packaged with a 6.8-inch display audio, touch panel air-conditioning, daytime running lights, LED taillights, and 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels, as well as halogen headlights.
Meanwhile, warranty for the New City Hybrid is maintained at five-year with unlimited mileage at 10,000 km service intervals, applicable at any of the 91 Honda authorised dealers nationwide.
Additionally, the New City Hybrid is available with a eight-year warranty for its Li-ion battery, on top of its standard warranty. The Li-ion battery replacement is available for RM5,513, making it the cheapest among other carmakers.
The car does not require special servicing and is serviced like other Honda non-hybrid models.
The new City Hybrid is a pleasant car to drive in cities and on highways, while being economical to run.
It offers adequate amount of power whenever is needed, leveraging on its hybrid drivetrain — a good substitute for bigger capacity engines.