The updated Honda City Hatchback facelift is now available for pre-order in Malaysia, scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2024. The lineup retains the popular e:HEV RS variant, which showcases noticeable design enhancements. In its RS guise, the refreshed hatchback displays a sleeker black grille bar at the top edge, featuring a distinct mesh insert design unique from its sedan counterpart, which underwent its update last August. Additionally, a redesigned bumper with sharper fog lamp garnish flanks a honeycomb mesh for the lower intake, complemented by additional trim mimicking air inlets. While rear-end details are not provided, they are expected to mirror those of the model currently available in Thailand, featuring a revised diffuser-like element in the lower apron with vertical fins, paired with sporty 16-inch alloy wheels in Berlina Black. Regarding powertrains, the e:HEV variant is equipped with the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system. This system propels the front wheels with an electric motor rated at 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW) and 253 Nm. Power for the electric motor is sourced from a lithium-ion battery charged by a second electric motor linked to a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine operating on the Atkinson cycle. The hybrid's petrol engine is rated at 98 PS (97 hp or 72 kW) and 127 Nm of torque. While primarily serving as a generator, it can engage through a single-speed transmission (E-CVT) to provide direct drive to the wheels at higher speeds for optimal efficiency. Non-hybrid variants will also be available, featuring a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four DOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 121 PS (119 hp or 89 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm, with power transmitted to the front wheels via a CVT. In terms of driver assistance technology, all facelifted City Hatchback variants will come equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, now enhanced with lead car departure notification. This complements existing features such as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and oncoming vehicle detection, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beam. The e:HEV RS variant, in particular, will include an extra low-speed follow function for the adaptive cruise control feature. According to Honda Malaysia's official release, over 28,700 units of the City Hatchback have been sold since its introduction in 2021, with 10,300 units delivered last year alone. The e:HEV RS variant has contributed to 16% of the company's total hybrid sales to date.