The 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift is on the brink of its launch here in Malaysia, and bookings are now open ahead of its Q2 2024 launch. Alongside its visual makeover, the facelift brings a slew of key feature enhancements, largely mirroring what the City sedan offers.

For clarity, we've utilised images of the Thai-spec car for the new version, which is largely identical to those soon to go on sale in Malaysia.

Exterior: New bumpers, black wheels for RS

In typical facelift fashion, the City Hatchback showcases a fresh exterior aesthetic. Embracing cleaner lines over the previous model's angular design, it now bears a resemblance to the Civic.

The front bumper has been subtly elongated with a sharper lip, with the RS e:HEV variant complemented by foglamp covers for a sleeker appearance. There's a new grille too that also looks wider than the old one.

At the rear, a refreshed bumper with a more aggressive diffuser ties the look. Seems like there's new wheels for the lot too, with the RS e:HEV confirmed to get them finished in Berlina Black.

As for color options, the current range is expected to remain unchanged, including Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl. However, there's speculation that the new WR-V's Stellar Diamond Pearl might also find its way to the City in the future.

Interior: Wireless connectivity, USB-C ports

Details regarding the interior of the Malaysian-spec car are still somewhat elusive. However, it should follow closely to the lead of the City sedan facelift here, so we can anticipate a similar aesthetic and feature set.

This largely means a new connectivity upgrade, bringing a pair of USB-C ports at the back by the air-cond vents, as well as the introduction of wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay through the 8-inch infotainment screen.

Additionally, 'normal' variants should also feature a 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display previously exclusive to the RS. Upholstery for RS models has also been updated to a combination of leather and synthetic leather, so expect these changes to be carried over in the City Hatchback too.

Honda Sensing: Finally, LCDN and LSF

A significant enhancement in the safety department for both Thai-market and Malaysian cars is the introduction of Low-Speed Follow (LSF) to the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, along with the Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) feature; both of which have been announced for the Malaysian-spec model.

Note too that Honda Sensing with LCDN has now been extended to every variant in the line-up, but LSF is only available in the top-spec hybrid RS e:HEV.

Other advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

Powertrain: 1.5-litre NA and hybrid options

The powertrain lineup remains unchanged, with the City offering two engine options. There's a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder i-VTEC making 121 PS and 145 Nm paired to a CVT, while the RS e:HEV nets a 1.5-liter dual-motor hybrid making a combined 253 Nm and an e-CVT gearbox.

Prices and launch date:

In summary, the 2023 Honda City facelift introduces subtle yet significant updates. The refreshed exterior breathes new life into the model in a fiercely competitive segment, while the comprehensive ADAS system provides a much-needed safety boost.

Expect a price increase due to the expanded features of Sensing across all variants, although the extent of this hike (if any) will only be revealed at its Q2 2024 launch. For reference, here's the City Hatchback (pre-facelift) prices, at point of publication:

• Honda City 1.5L S – RM 78,900
• Honda City 1.5L E – RM 86,900
• Honda City 1.5L V – RM 91,900
• Honda City 1.5L V Sensing – RM 95,900
• Honda City 1.5L RS – RM 109,900

Also read: Honda Malaysia sets 95,000 unit sales goal for 2024, to introduce 2 new models - City Hatchback FL almost certain