B-Segment Sedans in Malaysia

 B-segment sedans are some of the most popular choices by young executives and even college students who are lucky enough to get a car from their parents. A lot of people like B-segment sedan because it's economical to run and maintain, as well as practical since it has a boot. Below are my verdicts on some of the choices (without specific arrangement) available in Malaysia.

Honda City

Honda City has been selling in Malaysia for quite some time now ever since the launch of its 1st generation here. The 2nd generation performed well in our market and gladly the newest, 3rd generation City followed its predecessors' footstep. The 3rd generation City garnered a stylish exterior eventhough it's based on a hatchback, Honda Jazz. No more roundish body with a tail add on to it like the 2nd generation City.

Powered by a 1.5 i-VTEC engine which produces 120PS @ 6600rpm and 145Nm of torque @ 4800rpm, the City has to be revved in order to get the power you needed. Its cabin is solidly built and modernly designed, but cost cutting in material selection can be spotted, typical for a B-segment sedan. Space is also quite ample for the low-slung City. Pricing starts from RM90,494.

+ Exterior and interior design, cabin space.
- Powertrain, price.


Toyota Vios

 Toyota Vios has been known as a reliable and fuel economical car, just like Honda City. Although the Vios doesn't have the sportiness of the City in terms of exterior design, the Vios fares well in the design department too despite it is also based on a hatchback, which is Toyota Yaris or Vitz.

It comes with a 1.5litre VVT-i engine capable to churn out 109PS @ 6000rpm and 141Nm of toque @ 4200rpm. Although the Vios produces slightly lesser figures compared to the City, take note that the peak figures of Vios are achievable at lower rpm. Nothing to shout about for its cabin but the interior space isn't as well executed as the City. Pricing starts from RM73,200 for the entry level J variant to RM92,014 for the TRD Sportivo variant. Now you understand why I said Honda City's downside is its price?

+ Reliability, fuel economy, price.
- Cabin space.

Volkswagen Polo Sedan

 The newest contender in B-segment sedan market, Volkswagen Polo Sedan. Volkswagen has been persistent in providing us affordable premium cars, and they've done it! Price starting at RM99,888, the Polo Sedan is the most affrodable Volkswagen in Malaysia. Not only that, the Polo Sedan comes with attractive equipment list that will make every B-segment sedan buyer take a glimpse at the Polo Sedan.

Powered by a 1.6litre MPI engine with 105PS @ 5250rpm and 153Nm of torque at 3800rpm, the Polo Sedan has the best engine in terms of performance compared to the City and Vios. As a Volkswagen, you can expect the Polo Sedan comes with premium quality cabin and better safety features like 4 airbags as standard. Since the Polo Sedan is a compact car, it should be easy to maintain albeit its a German car, and especially with the 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. Volkswagen is making an offer that is hard to resist.

+ Cabin quality, safety.
- No significant negatives here.

Some other models such as Proton Persona, Nissan Latio Sedan and Peugeot 207 Sedan are worth a mention. However, Persona is getting old in the scene and its sales will be affected by the recently launched C-segment sedan from the same marque, the Preve. The Latio and 207 Sedan are good, solid cars, but exterior design alone will make buyers scatter.

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