Verdict
The RM17,900 gap buys a larger C-segment electric SUV with 215 hp, 320 Nm, a 49.52-kWh battery and 345 km range, against the City Hatchback’s 119 hp, 145 Nm and petrol drivetrain. The eMas 7 is also far quicker to 100 km/h at 6.9 seconds versus 10.7 seconds, and brings a 461-litre boot. But the Honda is 265 mm shorter, 513 kg lighter and costs RM90 a year in road tax versus RM200, so it remains the easier-going compact choice for buyers who do not need EV charging.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback if you want the smaller 4,350-mm hatchback, a full-size spare tyre and lower RM90 annual road tax.
Pick the Proton eMas 7 if you want 345 km of electric range, 6.9-second acceleration and substantially more cabin technology and boot space.
Key differences
- Price: Honda City Hatchback RM85,900; Proton eMas 7 RM103,800.
- Power and torque: Honda City Hatchback 119 hp and 145 Nm; Proton eMas 7 motor 215 hp and 320 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Honda City Hatchback 10.7 seconds; Proton eMas 7 6.9 seconds.
- Size and boot: Honda City Hatchback is 4,350 mm long with 289 litres; Proton eMas 7 is 4,615 mm long with 461 litres.
- Road tax: Honda City Hatchback RM90 per year; Proton eMas 7 RM200 per year.
- Rear suspension: Honda City Hatchback torsion beam; Proton eMas 7 multi-link.
City Hatchback
- 265 mm shorter and 513 kg lighter
- Full-size spare tyre
- ULTRA Seat and paddle shifts
- No blind spot information system or 360-degree camera
- 289-litre boot trails the eMas 7’s 461 litres
- 10.7-second 0-100 km/h time is 3.8 seconds slower
eMas 7
- 215 hp and 320 Nm electric motor
- 345 km range, 11 kW AC and 80 kW DC charging
- 461-litre boot, powered tailgate and 360-degree camera
- RM17,900 more expensive
- RM200 annual road tax versus RM90
- 175 km/h top speed versus 195 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM85,900✓ | RM103,800 |
| Body type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM200 |
| 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 | — |
| Torque | 145 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 73 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 215 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 320 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 49.52 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 345 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 80 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 | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 195 km/h✓ | 175 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,350 mm | 4,615 mm |
| Width | 1,748 mm | 1,901 mm |
| Height | 1,488 mm | 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,750 mm |
| Weight | 1,149 kg | 1,662 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 289 litres | 461 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 185/60R15 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/60R15 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full size | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | Giti Comfort SUV 520 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain | 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 Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control, with Air Purifier System |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | 15.4" Touchscreen with Flyme Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch and Voice Control |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| 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 7 for sale
City Hatchback vs eMas 7 FAQ
Is the Honda City Hatchback or Proton eMas 7 better?
The Proton eMas 7 is better for space, acceleration, EV range and equipment, with 461 litres of boot space and a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time. The Honda City Hatchback suits buyers prioritising a smaller footprint, full-size spare and lower road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Proton eMas 7 costs RM17,900 more than the Honda City Hatchback.
Can the Proton eMas 7 power external electrical items?
Yes. The Proton eMas 7 has 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load capability, in addition to 11 kW AC and 80 kW DC charging. The Honda City Hatchback has no V2L system.