Zakirin
The Honda City (RM 84,900 to RM 111,900) is Malaysia’s benchmark non-national B-segment sedan, offering standard Honda SENSING active safety across all variants, standard 6 airbags, a cavernous 519-litre boot, and the choice between a reliable 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine (121 PS / 145 Nm) or an ultra-efficient 1.5-litre e:HEV RS hybrid (253 Nm motor). The Proton S70 (RM 73,800 to RM 94,800) disrupts the market by offering C-segment dimensions built on the BMA platform at B-segment prices, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (up to 181 PS / 290 Nm) paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a solid chassis setup.
Quick Verdict:
- Choose the Honda City if:You want standard Level 2 ADAS (Honda SENSING) on every trim level, class-leading hybrid fuel efficiency (under 4.0 L/100 km on e:HEV RS), standard rear air vents, a massive 519-litre boot, and proven Japanese long-term residual resale value.
- Choose the Proton S70 if:You want segment-beating turbocharged performance (up to 181 PS / 290 Nm), a larger C-segment body footprint (4,602 mm length), a fast-shifting 7-speed wet DCT, an opening sunroof (Flagship X), and substantial price savings of RM 11,000 to RM 17,000 against equivalent City trims.
💰 Estimated Monthly Ownership Breakdown
| Cost & Ownership Factor | Honda City (1.5 S / E / V / RS / e:HEV) | Proton S70 (Executive / Premium / Flagship / Flagship X) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, Peninsular) | RM 84,900 – RM 111,900 | RM 73,800 – RM 94,800 (Rebate: RM 68,800 – RM 89,800) |
| Standard Manufacturer Warranty | 5 Years / Unlimited Mileage (+8-Yr Hybrid Battery) | 5 Years / Unlimited Mileage |
| Estimated 5-Year Maintenance Cost | ~RM 3,200 – RM 3,800 (Honda ProCare Schedule) | ~RM 3,400 – RM 4,200 (Proton Service / 7DCT fluid) |
| Annual Road Tax (Peninsular MY) | RM 90 (1,498 cc) | RM 90 (1,477 cc – 1,499 cc) |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100 km (Petrol) / 3.6–4.0 L/100 km (e:HEV) | 5.7 – 6.2 L/100 km (~16.1 – 17.5 km/L) |
| Luggage Space (Boot) | 519 Litres (Petrol) / 410 Litres (e:HEV RS) | 500 Litres |
| Est. Monthly Loan (9-Yr @ 3.0%–3.5%) | ~RM 895/mo (Base S) – ~RM 1,185/mo (e:HEV RS) | ~RM 780/mo (Executive) – ~RM 1,005/mo (Flagship X) |
📊 Comprehensive Specification Comparison
| Feature / Spec | Honda City (GN2/GN3 Facelift) | Proton S70 (BMA Architecture) |
| Segment / Body Classification | B-Segment Compact Sedan | C-Segment Executive Sedan (B-Segment Pricing) |
| Platform Underpinnings | Honda Global Small Car Platform | B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) |
| Assembly | CKD (Local Assembly, Melaka, Malaysia) | CKD (Local Assembly, Tanjung Malim, Malaysia) |
| Engine Type | 1.5L 4-Cyl DOHC i-VTEC (Petrol) / 1.5L e:HEV Hybrid | 1.5L 4-Cylinder i-GT Turbocharged Direct Injection |
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Transmission Type | Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT / e-CVT) | 7-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) |
| Drivetrain Layout | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Max Power Output | 121 PS @ 6,600 RPM (Petrol) / 109 PS Motor (e:HEV) | 181 PS (178 hp / 133 kW) @ 5,500 RPM |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM (Petrol) / 253 Nm Motor (e:HEV) | 290 Nm @ 2,000–3,500 RPM |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 10.2–10.4 seconds (Petrol) / 9.9 seconds (e:HEV) | 7.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 195–200 km/h (Petrol) / 173 km/h (e:HEV) | ~200 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 Litres | 50 Litres |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,589 mm x 1,748 mm x 1,467 mm | 4,602 mm x 1,809 mm x 1,466 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,627 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,117 – 1,135 kg (Petrol) / 1,250 kg (e:HEV) | 1,305 – 1,319 kg |
| Boot Space | 519 Litres (Petrol) / 410 Litres (e:HEV RS) | 500 Litres |
| Wheels & Tyres | 15-inch or 16-inch Alloys (185/55 R16 on V/RS) | 16-inch (Exec/Prem) / 17-inch Alloys (205/50 R17 on Flagship) |
| Sunroof | Not Available | Electric Sunroof with Shade (Flagship X) |
| Infotainment Display | 8.0-inch Display Audio (Wireless CarPlay/AA on RS) | 8.0-inch (Exec/Prem) / 12.3-inch Touchscreen (Flagship) |
| Instrument Cluster | 4.2-inch MID (S/E) / 7.0-inch Semi-Digital (V/RS) | 3.5-inch Monochrome (Exec/Prem) / 10.3-inch Digital (Flagship) |
| Electronic Parking Brake | e:HEV RS only (Manual Handbrake on Petrol) | Standard on all trims (EPB with Auto Brake Hold) |
| Airbags | 6 SRS Airbags (Standard across all trims) | 6 SRS Airbags (Standard across all trims) |
| ADAS Safety Suite | Full Honda SENSING (Standard across all trims) | Level 2 ADAS (13 Active Functions, Flagship & Flagship X) |
⚡ Key Differences Breakdown
🚗 Powertrain, Acceleration & Transmission Dynamics
- Honda City: Offers two refined powertrain philosophies. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC four-cylinder produces 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque paired with a smooth D-Step CVT for linear urban driving. The range-topping e:HEV RS uses a two-motor hybrid setup delivering 253 Nm of instantaneous electric motor torque and sub-4.0 L/100 km fuel economy.
- Proton S70: Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine delivering 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque—a massive 60 PS and 145 Nm advantage over the petrol City. Coupled with a rapid 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, providing effortless highway overtaking and high-speed touring muscle.
🎨 Dimensions, Platform & Road Composure
- Honda City: Sits on a classic B-segment footprint (4,589 mm length, 1,748 mm width, 2,600 mm wheelbase). It maximizes packaging efficiency to provide an exceptional 519-litre boot on petrol models (410L on hybrid) and a tight 5.0-metre turning radius.
- Proton S70: Based on the Geely Emgrand BMA platform, offering genuine C-segment dimensions (4,602 mm length, 1,809 mm width, 2,627 mm wheelbase). The wider track and heavier 1.3-tonne curb weight give it a more planted, European-style high-speed road composure over uneven highway expansion joints. Boot space is generous at 500 Litres.
🛋️ Cabin Tech, ADAS Safety & Equipment Strategy
- Honda City: Differentiates itself by making Honda SENSING standard across all variants from the RM 84,900 base S model up (including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Keeping Assist). It also includes rear air-conditioning vents as standard on all variants from the E trim upward.
- Proton S70: Features standard Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold across all trims, while reserving its full 13-function Level 2 ADAS suite (Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Centering, BSD, RCTA, 360-degree 3D camera) for the Flagship and Flagship X. The Flagship models feature a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, 10.3-inch digital meter combination, wireless smartphone mirroring, and an electric sunroof on the Flagship X.
🌟 3 Things We Love
Honda City
- Standard Honda SENSING & 6 Airbags Across All Trims: Offering full Level 2 driver assistance (ACC, LKAS, AEB) and 6 airbags from the entry-level RM 84,900 variant sets the safety standard in the segment.
- Cavernous 519-Litre Boot & Rear Air Vents: The deepest luggage capacity in its class paired with dedicated rear passenger air vents makes it an exceptional family commuter.
- Ultra-Frugal e:HEV RS Hybrid Option: The hybrid model delivers smooth EV-like responsiveness with an exceptional real-world fuel economy of under 4.0 L/100 km.
Proton S70
- Dominant 181 PS / 290 Nm Turbo Performance: Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, delivering class-leading passing power and highway cruising performance under RM 95k.
- Substantial C-Segment Road Presence & Chassis Balance: The wider 1,809 mm BMA body delivers excellent high-speed stability, low wind noise, and confident cornering control.
- High Equipment Value for Money: EPB with Auto Hold standard across all trims, a 12.3-inch screen, 360-degree 3D camera, and an electric sunroof on Flagship X undercuts equivalent Japanese B-segment rivals by over RM 15,000.
⚠️ 2 Things That Need Work
Honda City
- Manual Handbrake on Petrol Variants: All four petrol variants (S, E, V, RS Petrol) retain a traditional mechanical handbrake lever; only the top-tier e:HEV RS hybrid gets an Electronic Parking Brake.
- High Price Ceiling on Upper Trims: The RS Petrol (RM 99,900) and e:HEV RS (RM 111,900) command a significant price premium over the fully loaded S70 Flagship X.
Proton S70
- ADAS Reserved Only for Flagship Trims: The base Executive (RM 73,800) and Premium (RM 79,800) variants do not include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) or Adaptive Cruise Control.
- 7DCT Low-Speed Creep Nuance: While quick on the open road, the dual-clutch transmission requires a smoother throttle touch in heavy stop-and-go crawl traffic compared to Honda’s seamless CVT.
🏁 Buying Conclusion
The Honda City remains the smarter, more practical choice for daily urban commuting, small families, and fuel-conscious buyers. Priced from RM 84,900 to RM 111,900, its major strength is safety accessibility—delivering standard Honda SENSING Level 2 ADAS and 6 airbags on every single trim level, alongside rear air vents, a massive 519-litre boot, and proven low long-term depreciation. For buyers who prioritize seamless city CVT driving, active safety across all price brackets, or hybrid fuel savings, the City is the benchmark.
The Proton S70 is the performance and value champion in the sedan market. Ranging from RM 73,800 to RM 94,800, it delivers the performance of a 181 PS / 290 Nm turbocharged engine, a C-segment footprint, high-speed road composure, and premium tech features (12.3-inch screen, sunroof, standard EPB) at a price that significantly undercuts Japanese competitors. For drivers who want powerful highway acceleration, a wider stance, and maximum car per Ringgit, the S70 Flagship delivers exceptional performance value.
