First look: 2020 Honda City RS i-MMD
It has more torque than a S2000 or even an FD2R Civic Type-R for that matter... But it comes in an electrifyingly compact and practical sedan package. Yep, the hype is real with the new Honda City RS i-MMD, for which order books are now open at authorised dealers nationwide.
Earlier today, Honda Malaysia granted us special access for a closer look at it and, as you can see from the images provided, the new City is quite the looker in the flesh. This was expected, given it being Honda Malaysia’s first range-topping RS-trimline model offering to date.
Our only hindrance was the locked doors and blacked-out windows – Honda still won’t let us take a peek at this City’s innards. However, we can confirm that it will be the first in segment equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) amongst many other things, and it will be the most affordable Honda offering to sport its LaneWatch Camera feature.
From what we saw in the range-topper Honda Malaysia previewed today, other notable bits also include full-LED lighting up front (fog lamps too), as well as RS-specific 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, faux carbon diffuser, bootlid spoiler and foglamp surrounds.
Speaking of firsts, it’s worth noting again that Malaysia will be the first market to receive the City model brimmed with Honda’s advanced new i-MMD dual electric motor hybrid powertrain system.
Our man Daryl has already sampled said new and ingenious driveline equipped in the Japan-spec CR-V Hybrid and Insight prior. You can read up about how it performs without a traditional gearbox by clicking these blue words for an idea how this electrified new City will be like to drive.
Not keen on the hybrid? Fret not as the non-hybrid variants also see vast improvements with its powertrain packages. Key amongst which is the switch up from single-cam (SOHC) to dual-cam (DOHC) valve configurations in the new City’s 1.5-litre 4cyl mills. This alone sees the promise of enhanced performance for the non-hybrid variants.
Apart from the cabin, the last big question mark surrounds the new City’s final pricing, which still remains unconfirmed for now. Honda Malaysia says an announcement will be made in due time. Until then, you can browse through our extensive image gallery prepared to gauge the new range-topping City RS i-MMD variant for yourself.
