Verdict
The Honda City Hatchback 1.5 e:HEV RS costs RM12,000 more at RM112,900, yet both reach 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and share the same 1,163 kg kerb weight, 289-litre boot and six-airbag Honda Sensing package. Its case is the hybrid system: a 108 hp motor with 253 Nm and adaptive cruise control with Low Speed Follow. The petrol RS is RM100,900, has 119 hp, 145 Nm and a higher 193 km/h top speed. For most buyers, the petrol is the rational pick; pay extra only if the hybrid’s motor torque and low-speed-follow function matter to you.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 RS Petrol if RM12,000 saved and a 193 km/h top speed matter more than hybrid motor assistance.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 e:HEV RS if you want the 108 hp/253 Nm motor and adaptive cruise control with Low Speed Follow.
Key differences
- Price: RM100,900 vs RM112,900, a RM12,000 gap.
- Powertrain output: petrol has 119 hp and 145 Nm; e:HEV has a 97 hp petrol engine plus a 108 hp/253 Nm motor.
- Fuel system: Petrol runs on petrol; e:HEV uses petrol hybrid/REV with one motor and a 1.3 kWh battery.
- Transmission: petrol uses a CVT automatic; e:HEV uses an eCVT automatic.
- Top speed: 193 km/h for the petrol vs 177 km/h for the e:HEV.
- Cruise control: adaptive cruise control vs adaptive cruise control with Low Speed Follow.
1.5 RS Petrol
- RM12,000 lower purchase price.
- Higher 119 hp output and 193 km/h top speed.
- Full-size spare tyre.
- Misses the e:HEV's 108 hp, 253 Nm electric motor.
- Adaptive cruise control lacks Low Speed Follow.
1.5 e:HEV RS
- 108 hp motor produces 253 Nm.
- Adaptive cruise control includes Low Speed Follow.
- Hybrid system includes a 1.3 kWh battery.
- Costs RM12,000 more.
- Lower 177 km/h top speed versus 193 km/h.
- Gets a tyre repair kit instead of a full-size spare tyre.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,900✓ | RM112,900 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 119 hp at 6,600 rpm✓ | 97 hp at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm✓ | 127 Nm at 4,300 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 89.5 mm | 73 mm × 89.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 108 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 253 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 1.3 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | EarthDreams Technology CVT with G-Design Shift | EarthDreams Technology CVT with G-Design Shift |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | Honda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.7 seconds | 10.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h✓ | 177 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,369 mm | 4,369 mm |
| Width | 1,748 mm | 1,748 mm |
| Height | 1,488 mm | 1,488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Weight | 1,163 kg | 1,163 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 289 litres | 289 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/55R16 | 185/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/55R16 | 185/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full size | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes R57 | Toyo Proxes R57 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Display Audio with Bluetooth, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Eight speakers | 8" Display Audio with Bluetooth, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Eight speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360 Degree Camera | Yes, with 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
1.5 RS Petrol vs 1.5 e:HEV RS FAQ
Is the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 RS Petrol or Honda City Hatchback 1.5 e:HEV RS better?
The 1.5 RS Petrol is the better-value choice because it costs RM12,000 less while matching the e:HEV's 10.7-second 0-100 km/h time, safety kit, boot space and dimensions. Choose the e:HEV RS for its 108 hp/253 Nm motor and Low Speed Follow.
What is the price difference?
The Honda City Hatchback 1.5 e:HEV RS costs RM112,900, which is RM12,000 more than the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 RS Petrol at RM100,900.
Does the e:HEV RS accelerate faster than the petrol RS?
No. Both variants are rated for 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds. The e:HEV RS adds a 108 hp electric motor producing 253 Nm, while the petrol RS has the higher 193 km/h top speed versus 177 km/h.
