Thailand to debut 2021 Honda City Hatchback e:HEV this month; i-MMD hybrid like Malaysia's City RS

Reports out of Thailand suggests that the hybrid 2021 Honda City Hatchback e:HEV will be making its debut this month over in the Land of Smiles.

If the name is familiar, it's because the new suffix on the City Hatchback's name indicates that it'll be sharing the same Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system that's found in Malaysia's Honda City RS, and in a variant of Thailand's City sedan.

To recap, this full-hybrid powertrain encompasses a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine (98 PS, 127 Nm) and an electric traction motor (109 PS, 253 Nm).

Also read: Review: Driving the world's first 2020 Honda City RS with i-MMD in Malaysia

Currently, Thailand's Yaris-thrashing City Hatchback is powered by a 1.0-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder mill that's exclusive to them because it qualifies for lower excise duties under the country's stringent EcoCar II policy.

Also read: Here’s why the all-new 2020 Honda City RS with i-MMD doesn’t need a gearbox

For the rest of the region that has the model - like Indonesia, and more recently the Philippines - no such rules apply, which means the City Hatchback gets a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine instead.

Also read: Has the 2021 Honda City Hatchback already won the cool factor against the Yaris?

The same is expected for Malaysia as well. Upon its introduction here, it's almost certain that it'll get the same 121 PS / 145 Nm four-cylinder engine that's currently seeing duty in the regular City sedan, while (perhaps) the City Hatchback RS will employ the hybrid system.

Also read: 

Malaysia-bound 2021 Honda City Hatchback - All your questions answered

Review: Here's what the Thai media says of the 2021 Honda City Hatchback