Honda Malaysia continues with its run-up to the launch of the all-new Honda City with further information about its features. This time, the company has revealed that the 5th generation of the popular B-segment model will come with what is claims to be the most complete advanced safety features in the segment.
This will be with enhanced Honda SENSING – already available in the CR-V, Civic and Accord – which consists of seven active safety systems. Developed by Honda to meet the objective of ‘Safety for Everyone’ so that there will be a collision-free mobile society, Honda SENSING alerts and assists drivers during various driving situations.
Comprehensive suite of safety systems
The Honda SENSING suite is available in various compositions, depending on the model and market. For the Malaysian market, the new City RS i-MMD seems to get a very comprehensive suite which consists of the following:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Auto High-Beam (AHB)
Many of the systems rely on a front wide-view camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to scan the road ahead. The imagery captured is analysed by the on-board computer to identify lane markings and the presence of vehicles ahead.
Adaptive Cruise Control, for instance, will adjust the set cruising speed to ensure there is a safe gap with the vehicle ahead. So even if the cruising speed is set at 110 km/h but the vehicle in front is travelling at 100 km/h, the system will slow down the City. If the vehicle ahead moves aside, then the speed will return to the set speed.
“The All-New City RS i-MMD offers first in segment features such as Remote Engine Start, Honda LaneWatch and Electric Parking Brake. We are now raising the benchmark further to introduce a most complete Honda SENSING feature in its segment which was previously only available in the C, D and SUV segment. I believe the upcoming 5th Generation All-New City will excite Malaysians with its advanced safety technology and class-leading features,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
New technology at Melaka plant
Mr. Ishiyama said that several technology enhancements have been implemented at the Melaka assembly plant. These include new inner frame welding to enhance body rigidity and the use of new spray polyurethane foam to reduce body noise and vibration. He claimed that the assembly process is on par with the technology at Honda’s factories in Japan.
Honda Malaysia is also the first and only car manufacturer in the country to assemble an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) from individual lithium-ion battery components to form a complete power unit for use in hybrid models.
The new City is larger than its predecessor with increases of 111 mm in overall length and 54 mm in overall width, moving its body size closer to a C-segment sedan rather than the B-segment that it is in.
4 variants to choose from
Four variants will be offered for the new generation, led by the RS with an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain. This delivers maximum torque of 253 Nm, highest in its class and comparable to a D-segment engine. Customers can also choose to have a new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine if they prefer something more conventional.
The top RS version will come with a Remote Engine Start feature, the first in its segment to have such a convenience feature. The driver will be able to start the car’s engine from a distance and even activate the air-conditioning system. Passengers at the back will also have cool air brought to them with the additional vents.
Bookings for the All-New City were accepted from August 14, 2020 and those who have booked early receive a RM1,000 Service Voucher. “We organised a nationwide tour where people could view the All-New City RS i-MMD up close. We are delighted to receive high interest and positive feedback from the public and bookings have been very encouraging,” Mr. Ishiyama said, adding that the nationwide tour will be ongoing until the cars launch.
New colour for Civic and BR-V
Meanwhile, Honda Malaysia has also introduced the new colour option of Platinum White Pearl for the Civic and BR-V. This new finish replaces the White Orchid Pearl colour that has been available for some time.
