Verdict
At RM85,900 against RM59,800, the Honda City Hatchback costs RM26,100 more, but brings 119 hp, a 195 km/h top speed and Honda Sensing autonomous braking with adaptive cruise control. The Proton eMas 5 is the cheaper electric route, with a 30.12 kWh battery, 225 km range, 53 kW DC charging and 3.3 kW V2L. It is also roomier in key areas: its 2,650 mm wheelbase and 375-litre boot beat the Honda’s 2,600 mm and 289 litres. Choose based on charging access and safety priorities, not badge alone.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback if you need petrol refuelling flexibility, 119 hp performance and autonomous braking with adaptive cruise control.
Pick the Proton eMas 5 if you can charge regularly and want a lower entry price, 225 km EV range and a larger 375-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Honda City Hatchback RM85,900; Proton eMas 5 RM59,800.
- Powertrain: Honda has a 1.5-litre 119 hp/145 Nm petrol engine; Proton has one 77 hp/130 Nm electric motor.
- Top speed: Honda City Hatchback 195 km/h; Proton eMas 5 125 km/h.
- Boot space: Honda City Hatchback 289 litres; Proton eMas 5 375 litres.
- Wheelbase: Honda City Hatchback 2,600 mm; Proton eMas 5 2,650 mm.
- Rear suspension: Honda City Hatchback torsion beam; Proton eMas 5 multi-link.
City Hatchback
- 119 hp and 145 Nm, with a 195 km/h top speed.
- Honda Sensing autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control.
- Full-size spare tyre and 15-inch alloy wheels.
- Costs RM26,100 more.
- 289-litre boot is 86 litres smaller.
- No reverse camera or blind spot information system.
eMas 5
- 30.12 kWh battery with 225 km range, 53 kW DC charging and 3.3 kW V2L.
- 375-litre boot and 2,650 mm wheelbase.
- 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a reverse camera.
- 77 hp and 130 Nm trail the Honda’s 119 hp and 145 Nm.
- 125 km/h top speed is 70 km/h lower.
- No autonomous braking or adaptive cruise control.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM85,900 | RM59,800✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM30✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 119 hp at 6,600 rpm | — |
| Torque | 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 89.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 77 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 130 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 30.12 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 225 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 53 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | EarthDreams Technology CVT with G-Design Shift | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.7 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 195 km/h✓ | 125 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,350 mm | 4,135 mm |
| Width | 1,748 mm | 1,805 mm |
| Height | 1,488 mm | 1,580 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,149 kg | 1,230 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 289 litres | 375 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 185/60R15 | 205/65R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/60R15 | 205/65R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Full size | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | Linglong Comfort Master |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB | 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | 14.6" Touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/160,000 km BEV and Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used City Hatchback & eMas 5 for sale
City Hatchback vs eMas 5 FAQ
Is the Honda City Hatchback or Proton eMas 5 better?
The Honda is better for buyers wanting stronger performance, a 195 km/h top speed and autonomous braking with adaptive cruise control. The Proton suits drivers with dependable charging who prioritise lower purchase cost, EV running and a larger boot.
What is the price difference?
The Honda City Hatchback is RM26,100 dearer than the Proton eMas 5: RM85,900 versus RM59,800.
Which has the better safety equipment?
The Honda City Hatchback has the stronger active-safety set with Honda Sensing autonomous braking, collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Proton eMas 5 counters with blind spot information, a reverse camera and rear foglamps, but has warning-only lane keeping.
