Verdict
The Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S costs RM85,900, while the 1.5 E is RM90,900. That RM5,000 gap does not change the 119 hp, 145 Nm 1.5-litre petrol drivetrain, 10.7-second 0-100 km/h time or Honda Sensing safety suite. It buys useful everyday kit: automatic climate control, rear USB ports, an eight-speaker 8.0-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a multi-angle reverse camera. For a Malaysian buyer, the E is the more complete cabin; the S is the rational choice if those conveniences are not essential.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S if you want the same 119 hp powertrain and Honda Sensing for RM5,000 less.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 E if automatic climate control, smartphone-integrated Display Audio and a multi-angle reverse camera matter to you.
Key differences
- Price: RM85,900 versus RM90,900.
- Weight: 1,149 kg versus 1,151 kg.
- Front air-con: manual air-con versus single-zone automatic climate control.
- Power sockets: one front socket and one front USB versus one front socket, one front USB and two rear USB ports.
- Audio: radio with four speakers versus 8.0-inch Display Audio with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and eight speakers.
- Reverse camera: none versus multi-angle reverse camera.
1.5 S
- RM5,000 cheaper.
- Same 119 hp, 145 Nm petrol engine and CVT.
- Same six airbags, Honda Sensing and adaptive cruise control.
- Manual air-con instead of single-zone automatic climate control.
- No reverse camera.
- Four-speaker radio misses the E's 8.0-inch Display Audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
1.5 E
- Single-zone automatic climate control.
- 8.0-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and eight speakers.
- Multi-angle reverse camera and two rear USB ports.
- Costs RM5,000 more for unchanged performance and core safety equipment.
- 2 kg heavier at 1,151 kg versus 1,149 kg.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM85,900✓ | RM90,900 |
| 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 | 119 hp at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm | 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 89.5 mm | 73 mm × 89.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT 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 | 195 km/h | 195 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,350 mm | 4,350 mm |
| Width | 1,748 mm | 1,748 mm |
| Height | 1,488 mm | 1,488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Weight | 1,149 kg | 1,151 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 289 litres | 289 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/60R15 | 185/60R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/60R15 | 185/60R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Full size | Full size |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | Continental UltraContact UC6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front 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 | Radio with 4 Speakers | 8" Display Audio with Bluetooth, 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 |
| 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 Multi-angle |
| 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 S vs 1.5 E FAQ
Is the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S or Honda City Hatchback 1.5 E better?
The 1.5 E is better equipped, adding automatic climate control, rear USB ports, an 8.0-inch touchscreen audio system and a multi-angle reverse camera. The 1.5 S is better value if you can live without these items, because performance and safety kit are the same.
What is the price difference?
The Honda City Hatchback 1.5 E costs RM5,000 more than the 1.5 S.
Do the Honda City Hatchback 1.5 S and 1.5 E have the same performance?
Yes. Both use a 1,498 cc naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 119 hp and 145 Nm, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Both claim 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and a 195 km/h top speed.
