Zakirin
Executive Overview & Vehicle Identity
- Segment: B-Segment 4-Door Sedan
- Platform Architecture: Honda Global Small Car Platform (Advanced Compatibility Engineering – ACE Body Structure)
- Internal Generation Code: GN2 (1.5L DOHC i-VTEC Petrol) / GN3 (1.5L e:HEV Hybrid)
- Assembly / Origin: Pegoh, Melaka, Malaysia (CKD)
- Trim Lineup: 1.5L S, 1.5L E, 1.5L V, 1.5L RS (Petrol), 1.5L e:HEV RS (Hybrid)
HONDA CITY DOSSIER OVERVIEW
- ICE Powertrain: 1.5L L15ZF DOHC i-VTEC 4-Cylinder (121 PS / 145 Nm) + Stepless CVT
- HEV Powertrain: 1.5L Atkinson + Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (e:HEV / 109 PS Motor / 253 Nm) + e-CVT
- Chassis & Body: MacPherson Strut Front / Torsion Beam Rear; ACE Rigidity Structure
- Active Safety: Honda SENSING Suite standard across all 5 variants
- Packaging: 519-Litre class-leading boot (Petrol) / 410-Litre boot (e:HEV)
1. Powertrain & Propulsion Architecture
The Honda City platform offers two distinct propulsion systems: a naturally aspirated DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine and the intelligent dual-motor e:HEV series-parallel hybrid system.
Combustion & Hybrid Flow:
- 1.5L i-VTEC (Petrol): DOHC 16-Valve Head (10.6:1 CR) -> 121 PS @ 6,600 RPM | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM
- 1.5L e:HEV (Hybrid): Atkinson DHE Generator -> 1.3 kWh Lithium-ion Pack -> Traction Motor (109 PS / 253 Nm)
A. 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC Petrol (S, E, V, RS Petrol)
- Engine Code: Honda L15ZF
- Cylinder Configuration: In-line 4-cylinder, transverse front-mounted
- Displacement: 1,498 cc (1.50 Litres)
- Bore x Stroke: 73.0 mm x 89.5 mm (Under-square / long-stroke design)
- Compression Ratio: 10.6:1
- Valvetrain: Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder (16 valves total), timing chain driven with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) on intake and exhaust
- Fuel Delivery: Programmed Multi-Point Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
- Maximum Power Output: 89 kW (121 PS / 119 hp) @ 6,600 RPM
- Maximum Torque Output: 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) @ 4,300 RPM
- Specific Power Output: 80.77 PS/L (59.41 kW/L)
- Specific Torque Output: 96.79 Nm/L
B. 1.5L Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive e:HEV Hybrid (RS e:HEV)
- Combustion Engine: 1.5L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC (LEB-H5)
- Engine Output: 72 kW (98 PS) @ 5,600 – 6,400 RPM
- Engine Torque: 127 Nm @ 4,500 – 5,000 RPM
- Combustion Compression Ratio: 13.5:1 (High thermal expansion cycle)
- Electric Propulsion Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (P3 direct drive)
- Motor Power Output: 80 kW (109 PS / 108 hp) @ 3,500 – 8,000 RPM
- Motor Torque Output: 253 Nm (186.6 lb-ft) @ 0 – 3,000 RPM
- Traction Battery Chemistry: High-output Lithium-ion cell pack (1.3 kWh gross capacity)
2. Transmission & Driveline Kinematics
Drivetrain Operation:
- Petrol Models: Engine -> Hydraulic Torque Converter -> Steel Belt CVT -> Front Wheels
- e:HEV Hybrid: Electric Drive (0-60 km/h) -> Hybrid Generator Mode -> Direct Engine Lock-up Clutch (Highway Speeds)
- Petrol Transmission: Stepless Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with torque converter and G-Design Shift logic
- Hybrid Transmission: Single-Speed Direct-Drive Transmission (e-CVT) utilizing a multi-plate hydraulic lock-up clutch for direct engine connection at cruising speeds
- Paddle Controls:
- Petrol (E, V, RS): Steering wheel paddle shifters providing 7 virtual stepped ratios.
- Hybrid (RS e:HEV): Deceleration selector paddles (adjusts regenerative braking resistance levels).
3. Chassis, Suspension & Dynamic Hardware
The chassis utilizes Honda’s ACE body structure, featuring high-tensile steel reinforcements around the A- and B-pillars to improve structural rigidity and noise isolation.
| Subsystem | S / E Variants | V Variant | RS Petrol | RS e:HEV |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Brakes | 260 mm Ventilated Discs | 260 mm Ventilated Discs | 260 mm Ventilated Discs | 260 mm Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Mechanical Drums | Solid Disc Brakes | Solid Disc Brakes | Solid Disc Brakes |
| Parking Brake | Manual Handbrake | Manual Handbrake | Manual Handbrake | Electronic (EPB) + Auto Hold |
| Steering System | EPS (5.0 m radius) | EPS (5.0 m radius) | EPS (5.0 m radius) | EPS (5.0 m radius) |
| Wheel Fitment | 15″ Alloy (185/60 R15) | 16″ Alloy (185/55 R16) | 16″ Two-Tone (185/55 R16) | 16″ Two-Tone (185/55 R16) |
| Spare Wheel | Full-Size 15″ Alloy | Full-Size 16″ Alloy | Full-Size 16″ Alloy | Tyre Mobility Kit (TMK) |
4. Dimensions, Weights & Packaging
- Overall Length: 4,580 mm (S, E, V) / 4,589 mm (RS Petrol & RS e:HEV with aero bumpers)
- Overall Width: 1,748 mm
- Overall Height: 1,467 mm (Unladen)
- Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
- Front / Rear Track: 1,495 mm / 1,485 mm (S & E: 1,500 mm / 1,490 mm)
- Ground Clearance: 145 mm (Petrol) / 135 mm (e:HEV)
- Kerb Weight Range:
- 1.5L S: 1,125 kg
- 1.5L E: 1,126 kg
- 1.5L V: 1,136 kg
- 1.5L RS Petrol: 1,139 kg
- 1.5L e:HEV RS: 1,250 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 Litres
- Boot Capacity (VDA Standard):
- Petrol Models (S, E, V, RS): 519 Litres (Class-leading)
- Hybrid Model (e:HEV RS): 410 Litres (Reduced due to Intelligent Power Unit IPU battery placement under the boot floor)
5. In-Depth Variant Hierarchy & Differences
Variant Progression:
1.5L S (Entry) -> 1.5L E -> 1.5L V -> 1.5L RS Petrol -> 1.5L e:HEV RS (Flagship)
1. Honda City 1.5L S
- Drivetrain: 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC (121 PS / 145 Nm) + CVT.
- Exterior: Halogen projector headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED rear combination lamps, power-folding side mirrors with turn signals, 15-inch single-tone alloy wheels (185/60 R15).
- Cockpit: Urethane steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, manual air-conditioning with rear passenger air vents, black fabric upholstery, analogue dials with monochrome LCD trip display, keyless smart entry with push-start button.
- Infotainment: Standard non-touchscreen audio unit with Bluetooth, 1x front USB port, 4 speakers.
- Safety Suite (Honda SENSING Standard):6 SRS Airbags (Dual front, side thorax, curtain), VSA, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist. SENSING features include: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS / AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto High Beam (AHB), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
2. Honda City 1.5L E
- Upgrades over 1.5L S:
- Remote & Convenience: Remote Engine Start (via key fob keyless transponder).
- Exterior: Chrome finish outer door handles, 15-inch dual-tone machined alloy wheels.
- Cabin Climate: Single-zone automatic climate control panel.
- Transmission Control: Steering-mounted paddle shifters (7 virtual speeds).
- Infotainment: Floating 8.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 2x front USB + 2x rear USB charging ports.
- Audio Setup: Upgraded to an 8-speaker sound layout (adds 4 tweeters).
- Parking Assist: Multi-angle high-definition reverse camera.
3. Honda City 1.5L V
- Upgrades over 1.5L E:
- Braking Hardware:Rear solid disc brakes (replaces rear mechanical drums).
- Exterior Lighting: Full LED multi-reflector headlamps, LED front fog lamps.
- Wheel Setup: Larger 16-inch single-tone alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 tires.
- Interior Luxury: Black full-leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear shift lever.
- Driver Visibility:Honda LaneWatch Camera (LWC) blind-spot monitoring on the left side wing mirror.
4. Honda City 1.5L RS Petrol
- Upgrades over 1.5L V:
- RS Styling Package: Gloss black front honeycomb grille with RS badging, gloss black mirror caps, aggressive front lower lip, rear lower aero diffuser, and bootlid lip spoiler in gloss black.
- Wheels: 16-inch two-tone machine-finished RS alloy wheels.
- Driver Displays:7.0-inch semi-digital TFT instrument cluster with red accent needles.
- Infotainment Upgrade: Upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen featuring Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto.
- Cabin Aesthetics: Combi leather and ultrasuede upholstery with red contrast stitching, red-stitched leather steering wheel, black headlining, and sport aluminum pedals.
- Telematics:Honda CONNECT smartphone telematics app integration standard.
5. Honda City 1.5L e:HEV RS (Flagship Hybrid)
- Upgrades over 1.5L RS Petrol:
- Powertrain: Dual-motor Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (e:HEV) hybrid setup (109 PS / 253 Nm motor) + e-CVT.
- Chassis & Brake Upgrades:Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold (ABH).
- SENSING Expansion: Adds Low-Speed Follow (LSF) to Adaptive Cruise Control, giving full stop-and-go functionality in heavy traffic.
- Steering Controls: Deceleration selector paddles for 3-stage regenerative braking resistance.
- Efficiency: Certified 3.6 L/100 km fuel consumption rate.
6. Comprehensive Variant Spec Matrix
| Feature / Hardware Spec | 1.5L S | 1.5L E | 1.5L V | 1.5L RS Petrol | 1.5L e:HEV RS |
| Powertrain Type | 1.5L i-VTEC | 1.5L i-VTEC | 1.5L i-VTEC | 1.5L i-VTEC | 1.5L e:HEV Hybrid |
| System Output | 121 PS / 145 Nm | 121 PS / 145 Nm | 121 PS / 145 Nm | 121 PS / 145 Nm | 109 PS / 253 Nm (Motor) |
| Transmission | Stepless CVT | Stepless CVT | Stepless CVT | Stepless CVT | e-CVT (Direct Clutch) |
| Rear Brakes | Drum Brakes | Drum Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| Parking Brake | Manual Handbrake | Manual Handbrake | Manual Handbrake | Manual Handbrake | Electronic (EPB + ABH) |
| Wheel Spec | 15″ Single-Tone | 15″ Two-Tone | 16″ Single-Tone | 16″ Two-Tone RS | 16″ Two-Tone RS |
| Headlights | Halogen Projector | Halogen Projector | Full LED | Full LED | Full LED |
| Instrument Cluster | Analogue + LCD | Analogue + LCD | Analogue + LCD | 7.0″ TFT Digital | 7.0″ TFT Digital |
| Infotainment Screen | Non-Touch Audio | 8.0″ Touchscreen | 8.0″ Touchscreen | 8.0″ Touchscreen | 8.0″ Touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / AA | None | Wired | Wired | Wireless | Wireless |
| Speakers | 4 Speakers | 8 Speakers | 8 Speakers | 8 Speakers | 8 Speakers |
| Airbags | 6 Airbags | 6 Airbags | 6 Airbags | 6 Airbags | 6 Airbags |
| Honda SENSING | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard (+ Low Speed Follow) |
| LaneWatch Camera | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Engine Start | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Upholstery | Fabric | Fabric | Leather | RS Leather/Ultrasuede | RS Leather/Ultrasuede |
| Boot Space | 519 Litres | 519 Litres | 519 Litres | 519 Litres | 410 Litres |
| Kerb Weight | 1,125 kg | 1,126 kg | 1,136 kg | 1,139 kg | 1,250 kg |
7. Performance & Efficiency Metrics
Calculated Engineering Metrics
- Power-to-Weight Ratio (Petrol RS): 106.23 PS / Metric Ton (78.14 kW / Ton)
- Weight-to-Power Ratio (Petrol RS): 9.41 kg / PS (12.80 kg / kW)
- Torque-to-Weight Ratio (e:HEV RS):202.4 Nm / Metric Ton (Instant torque delivery)
- 0–100 km/h Acceleration:
- 1.5L S / E: 10.2 seconds
- 1.5L V / RS Petrol: 10.4 seconds
- 1.5L e:HEV RS: 9.9 seconds
- Top Speed:
- Petrol Models: 195 – 196 km/h
- Hybrid e:HEV: 177 km/h
Certified Efficiency Standards
- Rated Fuel Consumption (Petrol): 5.6 L/100 km (17.85 km/L)
- Rated Fuel Consumption (e:HEV Hybrid):3.6 L/100 km (27.78 km/L)
- Theoretical Range (Petrol): Approximately 714 km on a 40 L tank
- Theoretical Range (e:HEV Hybrid):Approximately 1,110 km on a 40 L tank
8. Comparative Segment Matrix: B-Segment Sedans
| Engineering Parameter | Honda City 1.5 RS Petrol | Toyota Vios 1.5 G | Nissan Almera 1.0 Turbo VLT |
| Engine Configuration | 1.5L 4-Cyl NA (L15ZF) | 1.5L 4-Cyl NA (2NR-VE) | 1.0L 3-Cyl Turbo (HR10DET) |
| Power Output | 121 PS @ 6,600 RPM | 106 PS @ 6,000 RPM | 100 PS @ 5,000 RPM |
| Torque Output | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM | 138 Nm @ 4,200 RPM | 152 Nm @ 2,400–4,000 RPM |
| Transmission Type | Stepless CVT | Split-Gear D-CVT | Xtronic CVT with D-Step Logic |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs | Mechanical Drums |
| Boot Space | 519 Litres | 475 Litres (No spare tire) | 482 Litres |
| Active ADAS Suite | Honda SENSING (Standard) | Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) | Nissan Intelligent Mobility |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto | Wired Apple CarPlay Only |
| Airbags | 6 Airbags | 6 Airbags | 6 Airbags |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 5.6 L/100 km | 5.2 L/100 km | 5.4 L/100 km |
