Verdict
The RM47,300 gap is substantial: the Honda City Hatchback costs RM85,900 against RM38,600 for the Perodua Axia, but brings 119 hp and 145 Nm versus 67 hp and 91 Nm, plus six airbags and Honda Sensing. Its 2,600 mm wheelbase and 289-litre boot also beat the Axia’s 2,525 mm and 265 litres. The Axia is 590 mm shorter, 93 mm narrower and carries just RM20 annual road tax, making more sense for tight urban use and a leaner entry bill. Its published rated economy is 25.3 L/100 km; no corresponding Honda figure is stated.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback if you need 119 hp performance, six airbags with Honda Sensing, and the more versatile 289-litre ULTRA Seat boot.
Pick the Perodua Axia if RM38,600 entry pricing, RM20 annual road tax and a 3,760 mm city-friendly footprint matter more than power and active safety.
Key differences
- Price: Honda City Hatchback RM85,900; Perodua Axia RM38,600.
- Output: Honda City Hatchback 119 hp and 145 Nm; Perodua Axia 67 hp and 91 Nm.
- Size: Honda City Hatchback 4,350 mm long and 1,748 mm wide; Perodua Axia 3,760 mm and 1,655 mm.
- Wheelbase and boot: Honda City Hatchback 2,600 mm and 289 litres; Perodua Axia 2,525 mm and 265 litres.
- Safety: Honda City Hatchback has six airbags and Honda Sensing; Perodua Axia has two airbags and no autonomous braking.
- Road tax: Honda City Hatchback RM90 per year; Perodua Axia RM20 per year.
City Hatchback
- 119 hp and 145 Nm from a 1.5-litre engine.
- Six airbags, Honda Sensing and steering correction lane-keeping assist.
- 289-litre boot with 60:40 split-folding ULTRA Seat.
- Costs RM47,300 more.
- RM90 annual road tax versus RM20.
- 590 mm longer and 93 mm wider in town.
Axia
- RM38,600 purchase price and RM20 annual road tax.
- 590 mm shorter body suits tighter parking spaces.
- Published rated economy of 25.3 L/100 km.
- 67 hp and 91 Nm trail the Honda’s 119 hp and 145 Nm.
- Only driver and passenger airbags; no autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist.
- 265-litre boot and 2,525 mm wheelbase are smaller than the Honda’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM85,900 | RM38,600✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 12-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 998 cc |
| Horsepower | 119 hp✓ | 67 hp |
| Torque | 145 Nm✓ | 91 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 73 mm | 71 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 11 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | EarthDreams Technology CVT with G-Design Shift | D-CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.7 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | — | 25.3 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 195 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,350 mm | 3,760 mm |
| Width | 1,748 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Height | 1,488 mm | 1,505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,525 mm |
| Weight | 1,149 kg | 865 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 36 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 289 litres✓ | 265 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/60R15 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/60R15 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Full size | Full Size 14" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 14" 8-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 14" 8-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM20✓ |
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 & Axia for sale
City Hatchback vs Axia FAQ
Is the Honda City Hatchback or Perodua Axia better?
The Honda City Hatchback is better equipped and far stronger, with 119 hp, six airbags and Honda Sensing. The Perodua Axia is the better budget choice at RM38,600, with a much smaller footprint and RM20 annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Honda City Hatchback costs RM85,900 and the Perodua Axia costs RM38,600, so the Honda is RM47,300 more expensive.
Which is safer, the Honda City Hatchback or Perodua Axia?
The Honda City Hatchback is safer on the stated equipment: it has six airbags, Honda Sensing, autonomous braking, collision warning and steering correction lane-keeping assist. The Perodua Axia has driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control, but no autonomous braking.