The 2026 Honda City hatchback with hybrid engine is stunning and features upgraded technology.
Honda City hatchback 2026
The updated 2026 Honda City hatchback has officially launched in Malaysia with three variants: V, RS (both using petrol engines), and RS e:HEV hybrid.
Techz magazine reports that this is the second mid-cycle refresh of the Honda City hatchback since its launch in late 2021. The first update was in 2024. According to Honda, total City Hatchback sales in Malaysia have exceeded 51,000 units.
In the 2026 version, the 5-door hatchback model features a more modern and sharper exterior design, similar to the Honda City sedan facelift. The front end stands out with slimmer bi-LED projector headlights and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, the diffuser has been redesigned to enhance the overall appearance. The car also features updated alloy wheel designs, including 16-inch two-tone Berlina Black wheels with a dark finish.
The 2026 Honda City hatchback will not have any changes to its engine or power output.
The interior receives several notable upgrades. The touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system is increased to 10 inches, while the dashboard features silver trim with a 3D pattern, combined with red accents and ambient interior lighting. The seat upholstery design has also been adjusted for a fresher feel.
Additional equipment includes auto-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, and a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. This system works in conjunction with the existing LaneWatch camera to provide alerts to drivers on both sides of the vehicle. RS versions, in particular, are equipped with an upgraded 360-degree camera system supporting multi-angle viewing and moving object detection.
The interior has received several notable upgrades.
Practicality continues to be one of the strengths of the Honda City hatchback. The car retains the signature Ultra Seats system, allowing the rear seat cushions to be folded up to expand cargo space. With four flexible configurations, users can adjust the cabin to suit their needs for carrying passengers or transporting items of varying sizes.
In terms of performance, the 2026 Honda City hatchback remains unchanged in terms of engine and power output. Gasoline-powered versions continue to be equipped with the L15Z 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC, 4-cylinder engine, producing a maximum power of 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm. The engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission from the Earth Dreams line.
Practicality continues to be one of the strengths of the Honda City hatchback.
Meanwhile, the RS e:HEV version continues to use the i-MMD hybrid powertrain. The system consists of a traction electric motor with 109 PS and 253 Nm of torque, transmitted through a single-speed gearbox. The 1.5L Atkinson cycle gasoline engine acts as a generator to charge the battery, and can also directly transmit power to the wheels at high speeds. This engine achieves a maximum power of 98 PS at 5,600–6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 127 Nm at 4,500–5,000 rpm.
The 2026 Honda City hatchback offers the same paint color options as the sedan version, including Blazing Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Stellar Diamond Pearl. The red and white colors incur a surcharge of RM 400, while Stellar Diamond Pearl is not available for the hybrid version.
Price of Honda City hatchback 2026
According to Vietnam Business Magazine, the selling prices are RM 95,900, RM 100,900, and RM 112,900 respectively, equivalent to approximately VND 608 million, VND 640 million, and VND 716 million at the reference exchange rate. These prices do not include insurance and any taxes or fees incurred if imported into Vietnam.
Compared to the previously upgraded sedan version, the 2026 Honda City Hatchback is priced RM1,000 higher across all equivalent trims. Notably, the product range in Malaysia now only includes three trims. After the sedan discontinued the standard S trim, the City Hatchback further reduced the E trim.
Regarding after-sales service, Honda offers an 8-year warranty with unlimited mileage. The e:HEV hybrid version, however, has a 10-year warranty on the battery and hybrid components, also with unlimited mileage. Customers also receive 5 free maintenance services within 5 years or 100,000 km. Additional incentives include a RM4,000 cash discount upon vehicle registration, a RM2,000 discount when trading in a used Honda vehicle through the Honda Certified Used Car program, and a RM1,000 discount when trading in a vehicle from another brand.
Affordable A-segment hatchbacks in Vietnam that are worth buying.
The most affordable A-segment hatchbacks in Vietnam are becoming increasingly popular, with more options available besides smaller models, including small electric cars priced under 300 million VND.
Kia Morning MT, A-segment hatchback: 349 million VND
Morning Lake MT
Consecutive price reductions have brought the price of the standard manual transmission Kia Morning MT down to just 349 million VND. This is the most attractively priced gasoline-powered car on the Vietnamese automotive market. The Kia Morning is currently assembled and distributed by THACO AUTO. The standard version of this model only possesses basic features and equipment to meet the needs of first-time car buyers or individuals and businesses purchasing vehicles for taxi services, ride-hailing, etc.
Toyota Wigo MT, A-segment hatchback: 360 million VND
Toyota Wigo
In the same segment as the Kia Morning MT, if customers want a compact, fully imported car, they can choose the Toyota Wigo manual transmission (MT) version, priced at only 360 million VND. This model is imported directly from Indonesia and boasts a strong, sporty appearance. However, similar to the Morning MT, the Toyota Wigo MT also lacks many features and equipment compared to the automatic version. This model still uses a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with 87 horsepower and a maximum torque of 108 Nm, combined with a 4-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai Grand i10 MT standard A-segment hatchback: 360 - 380 million VND
Hyundai Grand i10 MT
The standard Hyundai Grand i10 MT, available in sedan and 5-door hatchback variants, is priced from just 360 to 380 million VND. The Hyundai Grand i10 is assembled and distributed in Vietnam by TC Motor. It's the best-selling affordable small car in Vietnam, with 1,570 units sold in the first four months of 2024. Beyond its price, the car's appeal stems from its design and features. The standard Hyundai Grand i10 MT retains the same 1.2-liter Kappa engine producing 83 horsepower and 114 Nm of maximum torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.