2014 Honda City

Yes folks, the Honda City Hybrid will be coming to Malaysia. This year, in fact, and as a CKD model too, as confirmed by Honda Malaysia CEO, Yoichiro Ueno. This is the first time, anywhere in the world, that a Honda official has specifically confirmed that such a model exists.

Previously, the company had only hinted that a new hybrid B-segment sedan will be introduced in Japan, which everyone then deduced to be an electric motor-assisted version of the 2014 Honda City. No more conjecture needed, then.

First details of the new model have been announced too. For starters, it's now known that the City Hybrid will use Honda's latest Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) one-motor hybrid system that's in the latest Jazz Hybrid, and not the older Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system.

As per the Jazz Hybrid it's based on, it will also have a centre-mounted fuel tank, as opposed to the rear-mounted item in the standard petrol model. Furthermore, the hybrid system's battery pack (likely to be of the lithium-ion variety) will be stored under the rear seats. That's all the info we have for now. Stay tuned for more in the coming months.