Honda City RS

Honda City RS: Performance, Comfort, and Innovation—A True Game Changer

When it comes to the mid-size sedan market, few cars manage to strike the perfect balance of power, efficiency, and cutting-edge features quite like the Honda City RS. Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive this impressive vehicle along with my friends Bapak, Fred Pesot, and Didie Diyana, and I can confidently say it’s not just the specs that make this car stand out—it’s the entire driving experience.

The Honda City RS doesn’t just look stylish, it delivers a blend of performance and comfort that truly impressed all of us. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising on highways, this sedan makes every journey more enjoyable. Let’s dive into the details of what makes the Honda City RS one of the top contenders in its class.

Engine and Performance: Power Meets Efficiency

A Robust Engine for Every Drive

One of the standout features of the Honda City RS is its impressive engine. Under the hood, it boasts a 1.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, offering a responsive and engaging drive. But it’s not just about raw power. The Honda City RS also manages to strike the perfect balance with its fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 3.6L/100km.

During our test drive, Bapak was behind the wheel, and his first comment was how smooth the engine felt when accelerating. We drove through both city streets and open roads, and whether we were accelerating from a stop or cruising at higher speeds, the car felt responsive without ever being overwhelming.

For those who want even more performance, the hybrid RS model brings an electric motor that delivers an additional 109 PS and a generous 253 Nm of torque. This hybrid powertrain, paired with the Electric CVT (e-CVT), not only makes the car faster but also more fuel-efficient. Fred Pesot, who’s an avid car enthusiast, couldn’t help but admire the seamless transition between the electric motor and the traditional engine, making the entire driving experience feel incredibly smooth.

Fuel Efficiency: Saving at the Pump Without Sacrificing Power

One of the aspects we all appreciated during the test drive was just how efficient the Honda City RS is. Whether we were stuck in traffic or cruising on the highway, the car consistently delivered impressive fuel efficiency. With a combined fuel consumption of just 3.6L/100km, it’s perfect for long-distance drives without needing frequent stops for fuel.

Given that Didie Diyana drives long distances every week for work, she was particularly impressed by how far the car could go on a single tank. It made her rethink her current car, which she finds a bit more fuel-hungry, despite having a similar engine size.

Design and Features: Luxury with Every Detail

Exterior Styling: Bold, Modern, and Eye-Catching

When we first saw the Honda City RS, the sleek, modern design immediately grabbed our attention. The LED headlights, LED fog lights, and Daytime Running Lights (DRL) give the car an upscale look that’s hard to miss on the road. The 16-inch alloy wheels add a sporty edge to the car, while the wide range of available colors—like Passion Red Pearl and Platinum White Pearl—really lets you personalize your ride.

The design is definitely one of the first things that caught our eye. Bapak pointed out that the car’s low, wide stance gave it a muscular yet elegant appearance. We couldn’t help but notice that the City RS looks as impressive parked in a driveway as it does in motion.

Interior Comfort: Designed for Every Journey

Inside the Honda City RS, comfort meets sophistication. The seats are a luxurious half-leather combination that feels plush but not too soft. We all agreed that the cabin felt spacious and airy, with enough legroom to comfortably seat taller passengers—perfect for family trips or long drives.

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was a huge hit. It’s equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so connecting our phones was a breeze. Whether it was using Google Maps or playing our favorite playlists, the system was easy to navigate and responsive.

Fred Pesot spent most of the drive fiddling with the system to test out the Apple CarPlay feature, and he loved how seamlessly it integrated with his phone. For someone who spends a lot of time in the car, Didie Diyana was also pleased with the rear air conditioning vents, which ensured that everyone stayed comfortable, no matter where they were sitting.

Safety Features: Confidence on the Road

When it comes to safety, the Honda City RS has you covered. We were particularly impressed by the inclusion of Honda Sensing Technology, which is designed to assist the driver in avoiding potential accidents and making driving safer. It includes:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
• Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

During the drive, we noticed how Honda LaneWatch Camera made changing lanes much safer. The live feed from the camera was displayed on the infotainment screen, giving us a clear view of the blind spot on the passenger side.

In addition to these features, the Honda City RS also comes with a full suite of airbags, including side curtain airbags, dual front SRS airbags, and side airbags. The car’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) gave us an added sense of security, especially when we took tight corners or encountered sudden obstacles.

Convenience and Tech Features: Making Life Easier

As for the driving experience itself, the Honda City RS is designed to make every drive as smooth and effortless as possible. The Agile Handle Assist (AHA), which we tested when parking, made maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. Didie especially appreciated how well the car handled low-speed turns in crowded parking lots.

The multi-angle reverse camera and reverse sensors were a game-changer when it came to parking. The visibility from the rearview camera allowed us to park without worry, even in tight spaces.

Conclusion: The Honda City RS – A True All-Rounder

After spending some quality time with the Honda City RS, it’s clear why it’s one of the most popular sedans in its class. From its impressive engine and fuel efficiency to its stylish design and cutting-edge technology, this car delivers an experience that stands out.

Whether you’re a family looking for a comfortable and safe vehicle, a commuter who values efficiency, or someone who simply wants a car that looks great and performs even better, the Honda City RS is a fantastic choice. We left the test drive feeling impressed by everything it has to offer, and we’re confident it will continue to turn heads on the road for years to come.

Honda City RS – Technical Specifications

Engine and Performance

• Engine Type: 1.5L DOHC, 16-Valve, i-VTEC (Atkinson Cycle)
• Engine Capacity: 1.5 liters
• Max Power (Gasoline Engine): 98 hp @ 5,600–6,400 rpm
• Max Torque (Gasoline Engine): 127 Nm @ 4,500–5,000 rpm
• Max Power (Electric Motor): 109 hp @ 3,500–8,000 rpm
• Max Torque (Electric Motor): 253 Nm @ 0–3,000 rpm
• Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
• Fuel Efficiency: 3.6L/100km
• Top Speed: 177 km/h
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9.9 seconds

Transmission and Drivetrain

• Transmission Type: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) / Electric CVT (e-CVT for hybrid)
• Drive System: 2WD (Front-Wheel Drive)

Suspension and Handling

• Front Suspension: MacPherson Struts
• Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam

Dimensions and Weight

• Length: 4,553 mm
• Width: 1,748 mm
• Height: 1,467 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
• Ground Clearance: 165 mm
• Curb Weight: Approx. 1,180 kg
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 liters
• Boot Space: 506 liters

Wheels and Tyres

• Wheel Size: 16″ Alloy wheels
• Tyre Size: 185/55 R16
• Spare Tyre: Temporary Repair Kit

Exterior Features

• Headlights: LED
• Auto Headlights: Equipped
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL): LED (Standard)
• Front Fog Lights: LED
• Paint Colors: Passion Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic

Interior and Comfort

• Seat Upholstery: Half-Leather
• Seat Color: Available on request
• Seat Materials: Half-Leather
• Air Conditioning: Single Auto Air Conditioning with Rear Air Ventilation
• Infotainment System: 8-inch Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Ready
• Sound System: 8-Speaker Audio System
• Power Windows: Front and rear power windows with auto-up/down functionality
• Steering Wheel: Leather-wrapped with audio and cruise controls
• Instrument Cluster: Digital display with multi-information display (MID)
• Sunroof: Available

Safety Features

• Airbags: Dual Front SRS Airbags, Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags
• Honda SENSING Technology:
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Auto High Beam (AHB)
• Honda Lane Watch Camera (LWC): Standard
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: Standard
• ISOFIX I-Size Type: Standard
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA): Standard
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD): Standard
• Brake Assist (BA): Standard
• Hill Start Assist (HSA): Standard
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): Standard
• Reverse Camera: Multi-angle camera
• Reverse Sensors: 2 Sensors
• Security Alarm with Immobilizer: Standard
• Agile Handle Assist (AHA): Standard

Additional Features

• Honda CONNECT: Safety, Security, and Convenience features
• USB/Auxiliary Connectivity: Standard
• Leather Upholstery: Half-leather (standard)
• Rear Air Conditioning Ventilation: Equipped