The Honda City RS is perhaps one of the most technologically advanced B-segment sedans money can buy today, packing an impressively intricate petrol-electric hybrid powertrain in Malaysia.

It made its Malaysian debut alongside its regular petrol-powered siblings back in October 2020.

Pros – Excellent safety kit, miles ahead of other rivals

Unlike the previous GM7-generation Honda City Hybrid that was positioned as a mid-spec model, the new generation GN3 City RS is the top-spec variant.

Also Read: Less than RM 2.5k to convert, how to differentiate a genuine 2022 Honda City RS from a fake one?

As such, the GN3 City RS is chock full of safety equipment, some never before offered on a B-segment, non-national sedan. As part of its Honda Sensing ADAS suite, the top-spec City RS offers features like Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

While rivals like the Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera do offer their version of ADAS suite, both cars lack adaptive cruise control, as well as lane keep assist.

Also Read: Honda City RS costs RM 19k more than City 1.5V, but only RM 56 more to maintain over 5 years

Pros – EV-like driving, minus the charging nonsense

At the heart of the Honda City RS is a sophisticated petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. Without getting too technical, this two-motor full-hybrid system offers EV-like smooth driving experience, with its instantaneous 253 Nm of torque generated by its 109 PS traction motor.

Power aside, the City RS is surprisingly frugal when driven. In real-world conditions, the City RS returned 4.2-litre/100 km, allowing for a theoretical range of almost 1,300 km with RM 85 of fuel.

Also Read: Saying the Civic 1.8S is a better RM 100k car than the Honda City RS e:HEV is flawed logic, here's why

Pros – Still the segment benchmark for interior space optimization

Thanks to its ingenious “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy, various Honda models have been the segment benchmark when it comes to interior packaging and space utilization.

Want to store your phone in your car’s cabin, or have a water bottle top store? Fret not, the City RS’ cabin can accommodate those with ease.

Also Read: Ratings: Which is the most spacious? Vios, City, Almera, or Persona?

Cons – Can you accept the RM 109k price tag?

Compared to its top-spec petrol-powered City 1.5 V Sensing sibling, the City RS carries with it a RM 14,200 premium, bringing the total price to RM 108,800 (on-the-road, excludes insurance).

RM 108,800 is no small sum and it exceeds the psychological price barrier for B segment cars. Despite the generous features and tech, potential customers will struggle to look beyond the fact that it is still a B-segment Honda City. 

Factor in the sophisticated powertrain and safety kit and you’ll realize that the City RS does indeed, offer a lot of features, justifying its price tag.

Also Read: Video: We question if the 2021 Honda City RS e:HEV is worth its RM 106k asking price

Verdict

If you’re looking for a no-compromise, non-national, B-segment sedan that offers it all, look no further. The City RS may be a bit pricey from the get-go, but its fuel savings are easily justifiable.

In fact, if you compare hybrid models against each other, then the City RS makes for a compelling option, as the next cheapest hybrid is actually the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, priced at RM 139,991.

With all said and done, do you still want that regular petrol Honda City?