While hybrid vehicles are not as hotly debated compared to EV and ICE cars, there are some really compelling hybrids offered in Malaysia. These include Honda Malaysia’s range of e:HEV models with the sophisticated Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain, such as the new 2024 Honda City Hatchback.

Honda Malaysia recently held a media drive for the City Hatchback – more specifically, the range-topping e:HEV RS model – which involves driving the B-segment car from KL to Ipoh, Perak, and back. The trip covers over 433km of travel, costing us (roughly) RM38.95, and we didn’t even hypermile to achieve this fuel economy.

Without a doubt the i-MMD powertrain of the City Hatchback is very efficient, and of course, we found plenty of other things to love about the hatchback throughout the media drive. Granted, the e:HEV RS trim also costs quite a bit of money at RM112,900, but for the right customer, the cost is justifiable.

First, let’s talk about the 2024 City Hatchback e:HEV RS in general. While Honda Sensing is now offered on all variants of the facelifted car, only this highest-end e:HEV RS model gets a more complete version of the ADAS. It is the only variant to get Low Speed Follow (LSF), which definitely came in handy when we were stuck in heavy traffic.

Beyond that, this facelift also introduces a number of updated stylings. Not only does the City Hatchback e:HEV RS has a honeycomb grille now, it also has new 16-inch alloy wheels in Berlina Black. Of course, given that this is a facelift model, the hybrid soldiers on with the aforementioned i-MMD powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque out of an electric motor.

While the electric motor is what mainly drives the e:HEV RS City Hatchback, it also has a 1.5L Atkinson-cycle engine that outputs 98PS and 127Nm of torque. This mill largely acts as a generator for the electric motor, and it is only used for propulsion at higher speeds to maximise efficiency.

Suffice to say it is a sophisticated drivetrain, and it sure is efficient! Honda says that the City Hatchback e:HEV RS’ fuel economy is about 27km/l, and true enough, some medias in our driving group – consisting of three adults in each car – got very close to this figure. For our particular group, however, our fuel efficiency is about 22.9km/l, though it’s worth noting that we were not driving…particularly economically.

Still, this is impressive fuel economy. We used up approximately 19 litre of fuel for the whole drive, which comes up to RM38.95 at the current RM2.05/litre price rate for RON95.

But how is it like behind the wheels of the City Hatchback e:HEV RS? Well, for the most part, it’s quite a pleasant driving experience. While the suspension is on the firmer side, the hatchback can still offer a reasonably comfortable ride quality. The stiffer suspension also gives me the confidence to take corners at higher speeds, although the steering is a bit vague for my liking.

Now, the headline feature of the City Hatchback e:HEV RS is the electric motor’s much touted 253Nm of torque, but that figure does not tell the full story. Yes, this amount of torque does give a good amount of pull – along with a rather loud roar from the engine – when I put my foot down, but it takes a while for the power to arrive.

This doesn’t come as a surprise, given that the i-MMD powertrain is not tuned for performance. Rather, it priorities efficiency above all else, so just because the hatchback can deliver 253Nm of torque doesn’t mean it offers a sporty driving experience.

Beyond its driving characteristic, the City Hatchback is also a practical hatchback. The versatility of the ULTRA seats, for one, is unmatched in this segment. Not only can the rear seats be folded down flat, they can even be completely flipped up to accommodate cargos of different shapes and sizes.

To show just how useful the ULTRA seats of the City Hatchback is, we were given a challenge to fit various items into the hatchback. These include two potted plants, a tall lamp, a luggage, and a foldable table. With the combined efforts of three adults, we can fit all of these items into the City Hatchback in less than two minutes without much fuss.

Throughout the media trip, I spent some time in the rear passenger seat of the City Hatchback too when I’m not driving, and it proved to be very comfortable. Not only is the legroom amazing – especially for a B-segment hatchback – the seats are plush and supportive as well. Of course, there are also rear air-cond vents and the inclusion of two USB-C chargers below them.

Lastly, I’d like to highlight the Honda Sensing ADAS of the City Hatchback e:HEV RS, which is very competent. From what I can tell, it performs very similarly to the Honda Sensing of my 10th generation Civic TC-P facelift. Though the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) only works above 70kmph, it can keep the car centered in the lane very well when it’s active. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) keeps a good distance away from the lead car as well with natural braking.

It is undeniable that at RM112,900, the Honda City Hatchback e:HEV RS is not a particularly affordable B-segment model. But if you’re looking for a very, very fuel-efficient hatchback with practical features like the ULTRA seats and competent ADAS, the City Hatchback is definitely worth a consideration. For what it’s worth, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the car, both when I’m behind the wheels and as a passenger.