With the launch of the facelifted 2023 Honda City sedan earlier this month, the model's variant count has also went up by one – the RS petrol variant is the latest to join the line-up.

With five variants in total now, it will take some thinking before you settle on your pick. This article aims to make that simpler for you by highlighting what's different and similar across variants.

City 1.5 S: Not as bare as you think, a good Honda starter pack

The base variant of the City (at RM 84,600) now is no longer a fully kosong-spec affair, as it comes with Honda Sensing from the outset. It's the full bevy of features too, including adaptive cruise control, and it's great that Honda has included that in a car at this price point.

It's also got 6 airbags too – same like any other pricier variants, another plus point for buyers with less than RM 90k to spare.

Also read: Sensing as standard, new RS petrol variant: 2023 Honda City facelift launched in Malaysia, from RM 85k

Under the hood is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill, making 121 PS and 145 Nm, with power directed to the front wheels via a CVT. This is shared with all the variants except the RS e:HEV, which uses a different hybrid powertrain.

On the outside however, it gets halogen headlights and 15-inch wheels. Inside, there's fabric seats and manual air-conditioning, but note too that the City 1.5 S is the only variant without Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Who should buy: Those looking for a no-frills car that won't break the bank, like retirees or those living outside of big cities and rarely travel interstate.

City 1.5 E: Better connectivity

Going up the price scale slightly, but still keeping below RM 90k mark (the City 1.5 E costs RM 89,900), this variant adds better connectivity and an automatic air-conditioning setup.

Also read: Refining the game, elevate your 2023 Honda City ownership experience with Honda Connect

The former entails an 8-inch screen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, which also brings reverse camera functionality. It also adds 2 USB-C ports at the back, by the rear air-conditioning vents.

Who should buy: Younger customers who value a richer mobile device connectivity option.

City 1.5 V: Bumps up the aesthetics

At RM 94,900, the City 1.5 V serves to be quite the most well-rounded option for those not looking to spring for an RS variant. That said, this spec of the City builds upon its stablemates by adding more stuff which not only improves functionality, but also aesthetics.

Case in point are automatic LED headlights up front, LED fog lamps to complement that, and 16-inch wheels too. Inside, leather seats and steering wheel now come to the fore, while Honda LaneWatch is the other addition to safety.

Note too that it also gets rear disc brakes – a notable improvement over the pre-facelift car which didn't have it.

Who should buy: Drivers who spend a lot of time on the road and want a 'complete' package but find the RS look a bit extreme

City RS Petrol: A susbstanial choice

This is new – at RM 99,000, Honda Malaysia has added the City RS Petrol variant. Now, typically, RS models are the 'hotted-up' versions of the regular car, and in this case it means a variant-specific look that encapsulates a multi-piece bodykit and 16-inch, dual-tone wheels.

Inside, the leather seats gain red stitching; a theme that's carried across the rest of the cabin. The speedometer is different too, with a 7-inch semi-digital cluster taking the place of the analogue meter that's in all the earlier variants.

Who should buy: Those who like the RS' looks, but still don't trust hybrids.

City RS e:HEV: The most efficient of them all

For those looking for a B-segment sedan that's truly a cut above the rest, then the RM 111,900 Honda City RS e:HEV is the pick of the mix. The key difference with it is that it's the sole electrified model in its B-segment playground, coming with Honda's trick e:HEV hybrid under the hood that's proven to be powerful, yet super efficient.

It packs a 1.5 NA 4-cylinder mill (engine output: 98 PS/127 Nm, motor: 109 PS/253 Nm) paired to a high voltage battery and two electric motors. Good enough for KL to Penang and back on one tank!

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

In terms of creature comforts, it adds on an electric parking brake (EPB) and sports pedals. Its Honda Sensing suite also gets a small update, by way of Low Speed Follow (LSF) which is stop-and-go functionality to its already-standard adaptive cruise control.

Who should buy: Customers who cover high mileage every month, but don't want to bother with the inconvenience of EV charging and lack of ability to make impromptu trips. It's ideal for sales people who travel a lot and want the most efficient, technologically-complete B-segment sedan

Get yours at the Carlist Drive Auto Fair 2023

Note that despite what your pick is, the City offers the same excellent interior packaging across the board – compact enough for the solo driver, yet complete enough for the family.

While the Honda City already looks like a tantalising deal no matter which way its cut, good deals are made better at the Carlist Drive Auto Show 2023!

Happening from 1- to 3-September 2023 from 10 am to 8 pm within the air-conditioned halls of Setia Alam Convention Centre, the fair will have the Honda City for you to view and test, in addition to other makes and models.

There's lots for you to see and do, not least of which is winning something: individuals with a confirmed booking and an approved loan application will have the opportunity to participate in a lucky draw, with the following prizes up for grabs:

• Top prize: RM 4,000
• Runner-up prize: RM 2,500
• Third-place prize: RM 1,500
• Exclusive prizes: One unit of Roborock U10 Black valued at RM 1,799 and one unit of Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10 valued at RM 949

Register here too, to stand a chance to win a Soundstream Anzuo Android Car Player worth RM 2,688.