Honda's Toyota Yaris-beating, sales-chart dominating hatchback now comes in a new flavour with the launch of the hybrid 2021 Honda City Hatchback e:HEV over in Thailand.

The big update: i-MMD full-hybrid

Debuting in the fantastic Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic shade (a new option on the model), the suffix behind its name indicates the biggest addition of this variant - its full-hybrid powertrain, similar to the one found in Malaysia's Honda City RS.

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

Called the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD), this dual-motor setup pairs an electric traction motor to a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. Here's the specs in full:

This brings the available powertrain options in Thailand to two, with the other being the 1.0-litre VTEC turbo mill. That EcoCar II compliant three-potter makes 122 PS and 173 Nm.

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

Exterior and interior

Apart from the gleaming colour and new powertrain, the rest of the car is pretty similar to its pure-petrol RS counterpart. It's got LED lights front and back, gloss black accents, and dark-grey 16-inch wheels.

The familiar interior still keeps its combination suede/fabric/leather upholstery, coming with all the trimmings that are found in the regular RS including red stitching, as well as gloss black and chrome details peppered throughout.

Also read: 77% of Japanese see the Honda City Hatchback as successor to G1 Civic

Beyond those, features extend to things like a push start button, the ULTRA seats, and more importantly, Apple CarPlay support on its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Honda Connect vehicle telematics system is bundled in as well, exclusive only to this variant.

Key differences seperating this City Hatchback e:HEV and the petrol variants are the semi-digital instrument cluster, the deceleration selector paddles, which allows control of the car's regenerative braking system, and the electric parking brake (EPB).

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

Honda Sensing makes an appearance

As the new range-topper, the City Hatchback e:HEV is the only variant that comes with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite. Much like its sedan stablemate, it comes with these features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning (RDM, LDW)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Auto High Beam (AHB)

Passive safety fittings include 6 airbags, ISOFIX tethers, anti-lock braking system, and also stability control.

Also read: From foggy roads to congested cities, Honda Civic’s Sensing is one of the best

Honda City Hatchback price

This hybrid variant is the dearest of the lot, with prices starting from THB 849,000 (~ RM 110k). The rest of the petrol-powered range varies between THB 599,000 to THB 749,000 (~ RM 79k - RM 98k).

Closer to home, the 2021 Honda City Hatchback has been earmarked for Malaysia. Upon its eventual launch, the range is expected to use the same 1.5-litre mill found in our current City sedan, while this hybrid variant could join as its corresponding RS variant.

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