Honda sure is making the sub-compact sedan segment rather interesting. After debuting in Thailand with a purely turbo powertrain, the Japanese carmaker has done it again, and is now showing off the fifth-generation City in Malaysia with some nifty upgrades for 2021.

Targeting for a Q4 2020 launch over there, the City gets a powertrain vastly different from its Thai counterpart. Whereas it got a 1.0-liter turbo in Thailand, in Malaysia, it gets Honda’s newest i-MMD gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Known internationally as e:HEV, it’s Honda’s two-motor hybrid system first introduced in Honda’s larger models such as the Accord and CR-V. In the City though, the size and design has been made even more compact while still delivering 253 Nm of torque—similar to a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine (read more about i-MMD here). Its combined power output is at 109 horsepower.

For those who want something much more conventional, there’s a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Take note though that this engine is new for 2021. From an SOHC design, the new engine moves over to a DOHC design. Outputs remain 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, continuing the City’s reputation as the most powerful offering in its segment. There is also a diesel-fed version for the Indian market.

Along with the new engine, the Malaysian-market City also receives rear disc brakes as well as Honda’s driver assist technology called Honda SENSING.

The arrival of the much-awaited fifth-generation City has been delayed in the Philippines due to the pandemic. However, with our ASEAN neighbors already getting the newest version of Honda’s sub-compact sedan, it’s just going to be a matter of time before it makes it to local showrooms. The question now is: which flavor would you want the local City to have?