Sub-RM120K Sedans That M40s Should Seriously Consider

For the past five years or so, the local automotive market was hit with a barrage of SUVs. In spite of this, there’s still an appetite for traditional three-box sedans, which has dropped in popularity in recent times.

Fortunately, plenty of options are still available in our marketspace, regardless of the price points. Through this feature, we’ll focus on relatively ‘affordable’ sedan models with prices ranging from RM80,000 to RM120,000 – an ideal figure for mid-income folks (also known as the M40) to start from. 

After scouring our database and numerous manufacturer websites, here are four sub-RM120,000 sedans that M40s should seriously consider, which to no one’s surprise, all made by the core Japanese marques.

1. Nissan Almera 1.0L Turbo – From RM83,888

Perhaps the cheapest (and least popular) option amongst the five listed here, the Nissan Almera stood as a pretty decent alternative against newer, popular and pricier segment rivals.

The Almera is the sole entrant on this list that features forced-induced powertrain

All across the board, the Almera is powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo delivering 99 HP and 152 NM – making it the torquiest amongst its competitors, while also being the sole model with forced induction. The Xtronic CVT gearbox the mill is paired with is also quite decent, facilitating power delivery to its front wheels (FWD) rather smoothly compared to other CVTs out there.

While both its segment rivals arguably offer better equipment and tech, it would be somewhat hard to argue with its RM83,888 starting price, which is the cheapest amongst the bunch. Aside from that, the Almera’s low-profile trait also warrants it with a shorter waiting time – an ideal option for those who refuse to wait months to get their car.

2. Mazda2 Sedan (High) – RM103,670

While the Mazda2 Sedan shares some similarities with the previous model, this subcompact is a bit of an opposite to the Almera.

The Mazda2 Sedan is arguably one of the more stylish options on this list

Standing as one of the priciest options in segment, the Mazda2 is arguably (and subjectively) one of the most stylish of the lot, featuring Mazda’s signature KODO design language we’ve seen in many other Mazda models. On board, the 2’s leather-laced cabin also feels posh, albeit some of the tech feels dated against newer competitors.

Powered exclusively by a 1.5-litre 4-cyl Skyactiv-G engine that outputs 114 HP and 149 NM, the Mazda2 is also one of the peppiest in its segment. it also arguably offer better driving dynamics thanks to the G-Vectoring Control Plus tech it’s primed with.

Sure, at RM103,670 , the Mazda2 is not really the most affordable option on this list. But for those who can afford to splurge a bit to stand out amongst the crowd, then this is your best bet in doing so. Not to mention, it’s also the only offering in segment to offer a comprehensive 5-year or 100,000 KM free maintenance package, on top of the standard vehicle warranty of the same period.

3. Honda City Facelift – From RM84,900

The ‘newest’ model on this list, the GN-gen Honda City received a mid-life refresh recently, and it sees the model getting some new tech plus minor styling changes.

Under the hood, the City Facelift is powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cyl i-VTEC mill that delivers 119 HP and 145 NM as before. Aside from this, the City is also the only model in its segment with a partially-electrified powerplant choice, that being Honda’s proprietary 1.5-litre 4-cyl e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

As expected, the City Facelift is now slightly more expensive than the previous model

Granted, this facelift treatment also means that the City’s price tag has increased a little, with the ‘new’ model now starting at RM84,900 onwards, whilst its range-topping e:HEV RS variant caps the range off at RM111,900 – the priciest in segment. 

But nonetheless, it’s hard to argue with the appeal the H-brand brings, making the City deservedly one of the best-selling B-segment sedans in our market, with over 400,000 units sold since its introduction in our market decades ago.

4. Toyota Vios AC100 – From RM89,600

Next to the Honda City, the AC100-gen Toyota Vios is arguably the most popular B-segment sedan in the market, and this new model comes with ample kit driving said popularity.

The DNGA-based Toyota Vios (AC100) is powered by the same VVT-i mill as its predecessor

For starters, this new Vios underpins the DNGA platform, which offers the model with better driving dynamics over its predecessor, in spite of being powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cyl VVT-i engine that delivers 104 HP and 138 NM. Said mill is then mated to a D-CVT gearbox – making it on par with other segment rivals.

Driving dynamics aside, this new model also features elevated design from its predecessor. Aside from being the sole model standard-equipped with 17-inch wheels, the new Vios also features a stylish fastback body – which somewhat backfired a bit as the car now hasn’t got enough space for a spare wheel!

Regardless, the car has decent level of kit like a fully-digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, dedicated rear A/C vents, and many more.

Starting from RM89,600 for the baseline E variant, it is hard to argue the stellar job that UMW Toyota Motor has done to one of its core models, and the Toyota Vios truly deserves all the accolades and credits given by both fans and professionals alike.