From its humble beginnings as a no-nonsense hatchback in 1981, the Honda City has evolved into one of the most tech-laden offerings in the subcompact class. The current sixth-gen City, for instance, packs goodies like a touch panel climate control interface, navigation, Vehicle Stability Assist, and Eco Assist feature, just to name a few. And now, it has spawned a hybrid version.
Honda Malaysia has just unveiled the City Sport Hybrid i-DCD, which is essentially a more fuel-efficient version of the erstwhile Honda subcompact. Looking much like its gasoline-powered stablemate that recently got a facelift earlier this year, the four-door City Hybrid differentiates itself with a slew of tech goodies under the hood.
Powering the Honda City Sport Hybrid is a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine that is combined with an Integrated High Power Motor. The combo produces a total system output of 137hp and 170Nm—figures that are pretty much at par with bigger and thirstier 1.8-liter mills. All that juice is transferred to the drive wheels via 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.
The Dual Cutch Transmission in this application is notable as it utilizes Drive-by-Wire technology. This translates to smoother and more responsive shifts. This makes the City Hybrid ideal for both economical and sporty driving.
Speaking of tech, the Honda City Hybrid gets a cool 3D Meter Design display. This nifty piece of kit keeps the driver informed of what’s going on with his vehicle as it shows pertinent data such as Energy Consumption and Flow, Fuel Mileage, Drive Info, and even a Sport Meter (for when the car is set in Sport Mode).
Despite it being a hybrid with an additional integrated motor, the City Hybrid still maintains the car’s trademark 536L trunk capacity. This is made possible thanks to clever packaging, such as placing the Intelligent Power Unit underneath—away from places like the trunk. Not only will this protect the vital components but it will likewise equate to class-leading passenger and cargo space.
The Honda City Hybrid is the second model to sport hybrid technology, following the cool Jazz Sport Hybrid that was launched earlier this year. The four-door sedan is now available to order—if you live in Malaysia, that is.
