7 mins read
… and read all about their first-hand experience owning the model.
The Honda City RS e:HEV is the first Honda City to arrive with an RS variant. This fifth-generation model variant comes with an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid engine that delivers a combination of performance and next-level fuel efficiency. On top of that, the car is also equipped with technologies that have your comfort, convenience, and safety in mind.
As the most advanced car in its B-segment, the model offers e:HEV, Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT. The e:HEV hybrid system is the main driving force, using the electric motor to ensure a smooth yet powerful drive on the road. Beyond the engine, the model is equipped with the latest functions of the Honda SENSING driver-assistive system complete with 7 technological advanced safety features that will alert you of any imminent danger on the road. To keep you on top of all things safety, security, and convenience, the Honda CONNECT is an advanced smart technology that turns your car into an intelligent vehicle that’s always accessible from your smartphone.
All these technologies are often found in the higher end of the market, but Honda has made it possible for you to drive a car that provides comfort levels previously never found in a B-segment car.
Let’s hear what our happy customers have to say about the Honda City RS e:HEV experience.
What was the deciding factor that made you purchase this variant?
Fadli (F):
My wife drives a Honda Jazz, and after driving her car, I felt that Honda cars are superior to other makes, and I also wanted to try a car with the latest technology. The high torque was also a deciding factor.
Chia Wei Jie (CWJ):
At first I was aiming for the petrol variant, the Honda City V but found out that the Honda City RS has better specs, and since this is my first car, I wanted it to be the best variant. The 253 Nm of torque is also cool to have.
Lim Yee Siang (LYS):
I was attracted to the hybrid technology, interior and very interested in the e:HEV. When I researched more, I was willing to give it a try. I also found it to be a powerful car.
Ashwinder Kaur (AK):
I went to test drive three different cars and felt that this car was the best of them all. As my job requires me to drive long distances every day, fuel efficiency was crucial to making this decision. My full tank now can last at least 2 or 3 weeks but it gives me the acceleration I need. We also have a 12-year-old Honda City that has served the family well, so that further reinforced my choice.
Nurul Syafiqa (NS):
My main factor in choosing this car was the technology, especially the e:HEV. In fact, I booked this car before the price announcement. I already liked the previous Honda City, but this one is so much better.
Rozita (R):
I was really looking for a hybrid and I managed to get an early bird rebate for this car.
How were your friends’ or family members’ reactions when you purchased the Honda City RS e:HEV?
AK:
My friends and family were very new to hybrid cars, but my family mostly are happy with my choice.
NS:
My friends and family were excited to see me with this car because it saves fuel and has great technology like the Honda CONNECT feature, which I can use to track the car.
R:
They were surprised because this car saves a lot of fuel.
What do you mainly use your car for? Do you drive Honda City RS e:HEV daily, or do you use it as a weekend car?
CWJ:
This is my main car used for work but since MCO I have not travelled much for work. On average, I travel around 20 to 30km a day. But when I could visit my girlfriend, I would travel at least 100km to see her and back. The best part about this car is the fuel savings, and also the power needed during my drives.
AK:
This is my daily drive. On my long journeys, it helps that this car is comfortable and handles well.
NS:
I use the Honda City RS e:HEV as my daily drive and it’s been very useful on the road, especially with Honda SENSING, which has been helpful to me when I switch lanes. It handles great too! I drive an average of 70km a day and this car helps me to get there faster and safer. I used to fill up petrol twice a week. Now I fill up twice a month! My average fuel consumption is around 1 litre/11km, according to the app!
R:
This is my daily drive, and I have to drive every day for around 3 hours. I truly appreciate the fuel saved thanks to the e:HEV technology, and Honda SENSING that helps me on my journey every day.
Did you enjoy the Honda City RS e:HEV’s interior? Which part did you enjoy the most?
F:
The interior design feels very exclusive.
CWJ:
I like everything about the interior design. My favourite part is the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) as I feel it makes the car feel luxurious. Plus, it’s easy to use.
LYS:
I found the centre console to be something new without the usual handbrake as it uses EPB and I wanted to try this. The driver’s seat is also very comfortable.
AK:
The seats are very comfortable. It has sufficient space for me and best of all, parking is a breeze.
NS:
I like the dashboard. It looks compact, but sharp. I also enjoy the digital speedometer.
R:
I like the spacious interior. Sometimes when my husband is driving, I will sit in the back, enjoy the spacious legroom, and charge my phone at the rear charging point. The front seats are also spacious, and I much prefer the half leather comfort and feel of the seats. The interior design is sleek.
Can you share with us a memorable experience when you were driving your car?
AK:
My four-year-old nephew was so mesmerized by this car that whenever we go out, he only wants to go into my car and not his dad’s (giggling).
NS:
I have two kids and we have great conversations in the car during our long drives every day.
R:
It’s always a wonderful time when I travel with my family in this car.
S:
Someone I knew scoffed at the price, but after he took it out for a test drive, he changed his stance and said that it is better than he previously thought!
What do you think of Honda’s e:HEV (Hybrid Electronic Vehicle) technology?
F:
It saves fuel, but at the same time has the power needed.
CWJ:
Its power surprises me. Plus, sometimes the engine is so silent, I am not sure whether the engine is running or not. The gear change is smooth all the way to the limit. It feels very torquey too, since it has 253Nm of torque.
LYS:
To me, e:HEV has a combination of benefits such as the silent engine, fuel savings and, even power when it’s needed. It’s so silent, I only hear the engine when the car is accelerating fast.
NS:
I love the e:HEV, as the engine is very quiet. Even when starting the car, I can hardly hear it.
R:
The car saves fuel, and that’s what I enjoy. I feel it’s a much more mature hybrid system compared to other cars.
S:
I feel if you are sceptical about hybrid, this is the car to change your perception. When accelerating, it feels like a typical petrol car, but when the battery is fully charged, the transition from engine to electric motor is seamless. My favourite thing about the e:HEV is the torque, you can even feel it in Econ Mode. Another nice feature is that while most hybrids will automatically switch off when stopping and cut power to the air-conditioner, the air-conditioner will remain cool.
Why did you opt for a hybrid when purchasing? Is sustainability something you considered when you were in the decision-making process?
LYS:
Yes, part of the reason I chose this car was because I care for the environment.
AK:
My dad was responsible for me buying a hybrid because he says that in the future, hybrids could be the car everyone drives.
NS:
As I am concerned about the environment, I chose to purchase a hybrid.
For the first time ever, Honda introduced their Honda SENSING into the B segment. How did you feel about this introduction?
F:
To me, safety is always first, so this is definitely a must. If I could rate it between 1 to 10, I rate it as a 10 to have Honda SENSING in my car.
CWJ:
I feel it’s important for every car to have Honda SENSING.
AK:
I think Honda SENSING is the best feature. Safety has improved so much, especially when switching lanes.
R:
This is a very important feature to have, especially for long distance driving. It’s helpful and convenient.
Out of the 7 features of Honda SENSING available in the new Honda City RS e:HEV, which is your favourite? Why?
LYS:
My favourite is the Adaptive Cruise Control. I find it quite interesting and a new feature to me that normally more expensive cars would have. Also, it’s great that the fuel efficiency is maintained while using Adaptive Cruise Control. In other car brands, fuel consumption will usually suffer when using Cruise Control.
NS:
My favourite feature is the Adaptive Cruise Control. Plus, Honda SENSING warns me when the car in front is too close for my safety.
R:
My favourite is the Collision Mitigation Braking System because sometimes the cars in front may suddenly brake out of nowhere.
Did you have any personal experience that you can share with us on how Honda SENSING had helped you in your drive?
F:
A motorcycle crossed my path before, but thanks to Honda SENSING, the car braked by itself.
CWJ:
A car suddenly cut in front of me, but Honda SENSING helped me to brake just in time. Yes, I am grateful for Honda SENSING.
NS:
Yes, there was an instance when my husband was driving, and the car in front suddenly braked. But thanks to the Collision Mitigation Braking System, our car braked safely. I’m very grateful to have Honda SENSING in my car.
R:
When I was driving around a sharp corner and misjudged the distance, the steering corrected itself and that helped me avoid getting into an accident.
Have you ever used the Honda CONNECT app together with your Honda City RS e:HEV?
S:
It’s very useful to check if I locked the car. My favourite feature is the Remote Vehicle Control.
R:
I like the Service Reminder, Car Status to check my average consumption and travel log and Remote Vehicle Control.
CWJ:
My favourite feature is Car Status, as I like to check my trip log.
AK:
It’s been useful to check fuel usage.
NS:
My favourite feature is the Remote Vehicle Control.
Do you think that Honda CONNECT has helped in improving your quality of life by making your daily drive more convenient and safer?
LYS:
I feel the app has improved my security and safety one level higher. I’ve always used the Remote Vehicle Control to switch on the air-conditioning when the car is parked in the hot sun to cool the car down.
NS:
The Honda CONNECT does help me feel more secure. I love the Remote Vehicle Control, especially to pre-cool the car before getting in. I used the Car Status feature to check my fuel consumption. 1 litre/11km is my average.
R:
The app does improve my sense of security. I used the Car Status feature to check my average consumption and travel log. I’ve also utilised the Service Reminder to remind me of my next maintenance.
S:
It has. One time, the app alerted me of a cabin light that was accidentally left on.
In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the car?
F:
The car feels futuristic, the body kit and front lights look better than other variants.
LYS:
The driving experience and fuel efficiency.
NS:
The hybrid technology is the best feature.
R:
Honda SENSING.
What would you say to someone who is interested in buying the Honda City RS e:HEV?
LYS:
This car is equipped with very new technology at the end of the day, and one day our fuel will run out so we must do our part to save fuel. Getting this car is one way.
AK:
This car fits whatever I personally want in a car. Hybrids are definitely the future, and I have already recommended my friends to buy the Honda City RS e:HEV.
NS:
This car will help you save a lot of fuel.
R:
This hybrid technology is more matured than other hybrid cars in the market.
S:
That this car is worth the money in the B segment.
F:
The design of the car is definitely something I would speak about.
Are you interested to know more after hearing the satisfied testimonies from the owners of the Honda City RS e:HEV? Learn more about it here and get in on the Honda City RS e:HEV experience to discover more features about the car!
