Honda Malaysia telah mendedahkan rancangannya untuk 2024, bertujuan untuk mengatasi cabaran industri dengan keazaman dan keyakinan. Syarikat menyasarkan matlamat jualan sebanyak 95,000 unit dan menyasarkan penguasaan pasaran sebanyak 12.8% untuk tahun tersebut.
Berdasarkan pencapaiannya pada 2023, di mana ia mengekalkan tempat teratas dalam Segmen Kenderaan Penumpang Bukan Nasional untuk tahun kesepuluh dan mencapai sasaran jualannya sebanyak 80,000 unit, Honda Malaysia kekal fokus pada kejayaan.
Honda Malaysia has revealed its business direction for 2024, expressing optimism and determination to achieve its goals despite challenges in the automotive industry. The company sets its sights on reaching a sales target of 95,000 units and capturing a market share of 12.8% for the year.
Building upon the accomplishments of 2023, which included retaining the No.1 position in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the tenth consecutive year and meeting the sales target of 80,000 units, Honda Malaysia remains committed to driving success.
Honda has been a prominent player in the SUV segment since 1995, which is when the first-generation CR-V was introduced. In 2002, the second generation debuted, 2007 the third, 2012 the fourth, 2017 the fifth and now, we have the sixth-generation CR-V.
We drove the sixth-generation CR-V in Thailand back in November 2023 before it was introduced here in Malaysia in December and were immediately blown away by its refinement and features.
In Malaysia, the CR-V comes in four variants, the S, E, V and the top of the line e:HEV RS. It truly stands out in the C-segment of SUVs, rivalling models like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5.
During a recent test drive to Penang, we got to drive the V variant and the e:HEV RS variant. The V variant, priced at RM181,900, features a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol with direct injection that produces 193PS and 243Nm of torque.
The e:HEV RS on the other hand is priced at RM195,900, and features a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle inline-four petrol with direct injection that has an output of 148PS and 190Nm of torque. Why is it so low? Well, because it has an electric motor which has an output of 184PS and 335Nm of torque. No, this is not a combined output. The engine simply acts as a generator that charges up the battery which sends power to the front-mounted electric motor. Through a lock-up clutch, the engine can drive the front wheels directly at higher speeds whenever it is more efficient to do so. So, efficiency is what the e:HEV model does best.
Visually, we find the CR-V to be stunning, especially with the new Canyon River Blue Metallic colour option. The hybrid variant even has an active grille shutter, which has been around since 2017 on models like the Odyssey. But the most eye-catching feature are the taillights. Yes, some might say it looks similar to the Volvo and so on, but that’s a debate for another day. On the CR-V however, it’s a nice finish to the ‘elegant’, yet sporty look.
The standard rims look good, especially the black trim ones that are found on the e:HEV RS. So there is no need to do a rim change. Even if you wanted to, especially for the hybrid variant, you would be making a huge mistake. The hybrid variant comes with wheel resonators which we have actually talked about previously. To simplify it, the resonators assist with noise reduction in the cabin, suppressing annoying road noises, especially on long drives.
Speaking of long drives, we drove the V variant from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and the hybrid variant from Penang back home. Immediately we noticed what a prominent role those resonators play. The road noise that we were hearing in the cabin from the V spec was very obvious but tolerable and in the hybrid variant, that noise was noticeably suppressed. So, kudos to Honda for taking these into consideration.
We asked Honda Malaysia why the resonators were not fitted into the lower variants and Honda stated “The resonators were designed specifically for the hybrid variant for higher noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, which is why the other variants do not have it.”
On the topic of noise in the cabin, the V spec has a screaming CVT gearbox that may annoy you, especially once you reach higher engine speeds. To some, that may not be an issue, or maybe it’s just us..
However, there is one feature that the V spec has on the inside that we wish the e:HEV had; the wood trim that can be found on the dashboard and door panels.
The e:HEV comes with a silver metallic film trim that is not too bad but lacks the elegant finish that the V spec has. Maybe Honda was going with a more sporty feel that is portrayed by the ‘RS’ trim which features red stitching on the inside.
The term ‘sporty’ is not only applied to the looks of the e:HEV RS, but also to the whole driving experience. There are three driving modes to choose from, which consists of Econ, Normal and Sport mode. It basically enhances the throttle feel and response, and in Sports mode, it is more eager to respond to any demand.
Besides that, the e:HEV RS also does not have a gearbox per say besides for a simpler box for reverse and forward drives. It just does not have ratios in the traditional sense. Honda calls this an e-CVT, perhaps because it would be too complicated to explain to its customers how it works.
To add to the driving pleasure, Honda also included a neat little feature called Active Sound Control (ASC). What this does is that it provides amplified engine sounds and gear-shifting sounds piped back to the cabin through the audio system.
According to Honda, this sound was built from scratch and was not based on the sound created by any internal combustion engine. It was built around what many may consider “sporty” and we were not disappointed at all. It sounds believable and does not have an annoying droning sound like some cars do. So we enjoyed hitting the throttle, adhering to speed limits, of course.
This was a four-hour drive. So was it comfortable? Yes. We took turns driving and, bear in mind that we aren’t exactly the smallest of people, length and width. As mentioned earlier, Honda takes these small things into consideration because the CR-V features body-stabilising seats for front passengers.
The enhanced structure in the back of the seat increases lumbar and pelvic support to create a body-stabilising effect. This helps to prevent fatigue, particularly in the hip and waist area of occupants on longer journeys.
On the way back to KL, we did not do a driver swap so we only had one driver, which is this writer and I drove all the way without making any stops. Not even to empty my tank or fill up the car’s tank. So yes, I can confirm that it is most definitely comfortable.
We even tested the stability of both variants and how they handled the winding roads of Batu Ferringhi. With the hybrid variant, it was smooth and easy, had enough power to shoot out of corners and felt a little bit more stable. The V spec, however, had a more heavier feel on the steering wheel which did not make the turns feel as smooth. But both variants kept the front passengers in place because of the seats.
If you’re a family man with kids at the back, this will not matter because you aren’t supposed to be shooting out of corners anyway.
If you do have kids, the CR-V comes with rear ISOFIX child seat anchors and you will not have to worry about baggage space as it comes with 589-litre of boot space.
When it comes to prioritising the safety of both you and your family, the CR-V ensures peace of mind with an array of advanced safety features. These include eight airbags strategically positioned throughout the vehicle, encompassing front, side, side curtain, and knee protection.
Additionally, the CR-V is equipped with enhanced stability provided by the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, complemented by Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist for optimal braking performance.
The Auto Brake Hold feature offers convenience in traffic, while Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control bolster confidence in challenging terrain. Agile Handle Assist (AHA) contributes to responsive handling, and the Emergency Stop Signal alerts surrounding vehicles in sudden braking situations.
Seat belt reminders for all seats ensure occupants’ restraint, while Auto Door Lock adds an extra layer of security. Active Noise Control fosters a serene cabin environment, while the Honda Connect telematics system keeps you connected on the go.
The Honda Sensing driver assistance suite encompasses advanced features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), and Automatic High Beams (AHD). Furthermore, the Lead Car Departure Notification feature enhances driving awareness, collectively ensuring a safer and more confident driving experience.
As for entertainment, the e:HEV RS features a 10.2-inch TFT fully digital instrument panel and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system which is the first time that Honda Malaysia is offering a premium sound system for its locally-assembled model.
However, there is one thing that we wish Honda would fix. The LaneWatch system. We get that it is helpful to watch out for vehicles nearby, but when you turn on the left indicator, the LaneWatch system just overrides the entire infotainment system which means, you won’t be able to see your GPS screen until you turn off the indicator. And this can be particularly annoying when you need to watch out for where to turn next.
Thankfully, we managed to drive this SUV around Penang without bumping into anything or anyone. We say this because the new body, compared to the previous generation, has an 80mm increase in length, 10mm in width, and a 40mm greater wheelbase. The enormity of the new CRV is hard to describe, but as soon as you see it, you will realise how big it is.
Despite being bigger and heavier, which we thought might result in higher fuel consumption, we saw the opposite of that. After fuelling up in Penang, we had a total range of 778km in the hybrid variant. Upon arrival in KL, we had a total of 280km left. The V spec does not lack in this department too as we did not have to fuel up on the way to Penang.
Overall, the CR-V presents itself as the ultimate SUV for the price, excelling in comfort, space, and driving experience. It is no surprise then that Honda Malaysia has already sold over 6000 units in just three months.
Specifications:
1.5 V AWD:
Engine: 1.5 litre DOHC VTEC Turbo engine
Power: 193PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 243Nm from 1,700 to 5,000rpm
Gearbox: CVT
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Price: RM181,900
2.0 e:HEV RS:
Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, DOHC
Power: 184PS @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 335Nm @ 2000rpm
Gearbox: e-CVT
0-100km/h: 9.0 seconds
Top speed: 187km/h
Price: RM195,900
We like: Comfort, space and augmented sound
We don’t like: LaneWatch and its slow wireless charging
The year 2024 is not a good time to be a car fan. Sure, you have some mega cars from the likes of Bugatti, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin, but you have to have some deep pockets to be able to indulge in those.
The advent of technology has made it possible to create stratospheric power and aerospace levels of aerodynamics to ensure a car never leaves the ground. But all of this comes at a price, figures that would leave some rich folks short of breath.
On the other hand, the 90s and the noughties were probably the best times for car fans. Technologies from the 80s such as turbochargers and all-wheel-drive systems had been perfected and came together to create such monstrosities as the Nissan GT-R, the Lancia Delta Integrale and even Audi’s RS series of power-mobiles.
And car companies thought of the regular man as well. Ford created the Focus RS, Renault had the mighty Clio, Peugeot with its 308, Mazda its MX-5 and Honda had its Type R. Closer to home, even Proton had something that just about anyone could appreciate – the beloved Satria GTi.
And then something changed somewhere.
In the ever-evolving world of automotive tech, cars needed to produce more power, be faster, look better and stick to the road like a lizard to the wall. And unfortunately, this meant that cars that were once fun and affordable had become more expensive because evolution requires tech and tech is not cheap.
We wouldn’t go so far as to say that electric car’s stole all the fun, but there does lie some blame there. But that’s a debate for another time.
Back tracking to the time when cars were cheap and cheerful, the Civic Type R (CTR) was introduced in 1997 and was based on the EK9 Civic. While some of its competitors relied on force induction to create massive power, Honda went a different route and refined its popular VTEC technology.
The B16B engine of the EK9 Civic is still one of the finest small displacements, naturally-aspirated engines ever made and is still highly sought after by enthusiasts. It created most of its power at the upper end of the 8000rpm redline, which meant that you had to keep the engine on the boil to extract every bit of horsepower. That combined with a livewire chassis and grippy tyres provided a driving experience that is extinct in today’s cars.
Then came the evolution of Type R models such as the Integra Type R models with legends such as the DC2 and DC5. Arguably one of the most memorable of the Civic Type R’s is the 2007 FD2 which was very much a race car for the road with its ultra-stiff suspension, specially developed tyres and once again, an engine that screamed so loud that it would put your former lover to shame.
The subsequent iterations were softened a little as European legislations creeped in. Things like carbon and noise emissions began to threaten the purity of the Type R brand, but fortunately we Asians got none of those models except for in the parallel import market.
Then came the Civic Type R FK8R. It was the second CTR model that came with a turbo engine after the FK2. And despite being developed in Europe, it was heavenly.
But it was unlike older CTR’s, it was heavy, came with adaptive suspension and drive modes, and it was comfortable, a word that could never be used in the same sentence as a Honda Type R.
It did not forget the driver though, for the initiated, it offered one of the greatest manual gearboxes ever made and the turbocharger complemented Honda’s VTEC system perfectly.
Fans of Honda’s naturally-aspirated engines had a hard time faulting it. It also became the fastest front-wheel-drive car to lap the legendary Nurburgring-Nordschleiffe in Germany.
And just when fans and enthusiasts thought that it could not get any better, Honda took the wraps off the Civic Type R FL5 – arguably the greatest Type R, ever.
The new CTR FL5 shares a lot with its predecessors, particularly the powertrain and suspension components.
But while the older model had aggressive styling such as the double spoilers, fins and wings that just looked rude, the newer model is refined and socially acceptable. It looks more matured with its styling, which is every bit as functional. In fact, at 200km/h, the design of the CTR FL5 generates 100kg of downforce to further push the car down to maximise grip.
Just like before, there are several vents and fins that channel air in and around the car to also keep things like the engine and brakes cool.
The real spectacle though is inside the car and in the way it drives.
Current Honda Civic owners will find the interior to be quite familiar, but that is to be expected considering that all Type R’s are built upon the base Civics. So, your Civic Hybrid has the same dashboard as the Type R, except that the Type R has and only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. So, you could spend RM80,000 on a body kit for your Civic, but it will never be a Type R.
On the topic of manual transmissions, the gear knob in the old FK8 is circular and made of aluminium. The one in the FL5 is also made of aluminium but is shaped like a teardrop and it weighs 230 grammes more.
The reason behind the heavier gearknob is that Honda apparently figured that by adding more weight to the knob, it makes the shifts feel more natural, sleeker even. And after jumping into the FL5 after hours behind the wheel of the FK8, the shifts are buttery and precise.
The steering column too has been reworked and this makes it feel lighter, faster and more communicative at the same time. The Alcantara wrapped steering wheel is always twitching and chatting with your palms, sending little nuggets of information back to your brain about what is happening with the tyres.
In comparison, the steering of the FK8 feels heavy and dull.
The real show begins when you drive. Both cars have drive modes – Comfort, Sport and R. But the newer CTR has an individual mode that lets you customise how you want the car to feel, you can have the suspension set to comfortable, the steering set to sport and the engine set for maximum response.
The new car also feels more eager to get off the line. Both are powered by the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-VTEC engine, except that the new CTR produces 319 and 420Nm while the previous one offered 310PS and 400Nm.
That’s not a lot of power difference but the FL5 has other tricks up its sleeves. The turbocharger for one has been re-engineered and now responds quicker. The flywheel is also 18% lighter and this helps to reduce inertia by 25%, which ultimately results in a car that feels more eager and accelerates harder.
In terms of numbers, the new model reaches 100km/h from a dead stop in just 5.5 seconds, while its predecessor took 5.7. You may think that 0.2 seconds can barely be felt, but the FL5 just feels wilder from the moment you take your foot off the clutch.
The FL5 is a bigger car too, much bigger than a Golf R or a Mercedes-Benz A45S AMG, and perhaps closer in size to a BMW 3-Series. But in Sport or R mode, it dances at the edge of grip and rarely feels like it is about to edge into an understeer.
Some describe the FL5 as a grip gorilla; we can understand why as it can charge into corners with the rear neatly tucked in and slingshot out where previous models would just slide into the barriers when you overload the tyres.
But you can also take it easy with the new CTR, and that makes us think that Honda has made a sports car for those 90s kid that are growing old but never want to grow up. These people need space for the family, so Honda fitted a huge booth with foldable rear seats.
These people also need space for the family, so the rear seats come with ISOFIX mounts and cupholders. They need to keep the family comfortable, so the suspension does a great job at keep the occupants comfortable, though the very audible tyre roar is a clear indication of what this car really is underneath.
And on Sundays when the kids and the wife are asleep, these people wake up at 6am to go barrelling down their favourite roads with the rev-match function making them feel like driving gods as they carve corner after corner, appreciating the decades of engineering that has gone into making one of the finest driver’s cars this decade has seen.
By 11am, they are back with the family, and the car has mellowed down and is ready for Sunday lunch with the family at the local banana leaf shop. On the way, the wireless Apple Carplay or wired Android Auto keeps the occupants entertained. There are safety systems to keep the family secure while features like adaptive cruise control and ultra-comfortable sport bucket seats make long journeys bearable.
It is a pity that the world has evolved into a place where such cars may soon go the way of the Dodo, but we can all be thankful that there are manufacturers like Honda who still care about driving pleasure. The only thing that stands in the way is the RM399,900 asking price.
A Honda HR-V owner, who encountered issues with her car at a Honda service centre in Terengganu, has confirmed the return of her SUV in impeccable condition following a thorough inspection and repair process.
The owner disclosed that her SUV was returned to her last Monday after undergoing a 16-day assessment at Honda Malaysia to identify the root cause of the problems she had experienced.
According to her, Honda conducted a comprehensive examination of her car and determined that the misaligned headlights, flashing dashboard indicator lights, and activated emergency lights were attributed to a malfunction in the light sensor.
Seorang pemilik Honda HR-V, yang mengalami masalah dengan keretanya di pusat servis Honda di Terengganu, telah mengesahkan pemulangan SUVnya dalam keadaan sempurna selepas menjalani proses pemeriksaan dan pembaikan yang teliti.
Pemilik tersebut mendedahkan bahawa SUVnya dikembalikan kepadanya pada Isnin lepas, selepas menjalani penilaian selama 16 hari di Honda Malaysia untuk mengenal pasti punca masalah yang dialaminya.
Menurutnya, Honda telah menjalankan pemeriksaan menyeluruh terhadap keretanya dan menentukan bahawa lampu hadapan yang tidak seiring, lampu petunjuk pada papan pemuka yang berkelip-kelip, dan lampu kecemasan yang diaktifkan adalah disebabkan oleh kerosakan pada sensor cahaya.
Honda Malaysia mengakatakan hari ini bahawa ia telah mencapai jualan melebihi 80,000 unit untuk tahun 2023, memastikan kedudukan nombor satu dalam Segmen Kenderaan Penumpang Bukan Nasional untuk tahun kesepuluh berturut-turut.
Dalam tahun 2023 yang mencabar, Honda Malaysia berjaya melancarkan empat model baharu, termasuk WR-V, City, Civic Type R, dan CR-V. Model paling laris adalah City, HR-V, dan City Hatchback, menyumbang 30%, 25%, dan 13% kepada jualan keseluruhan.
Walaupun menghadapi saingan sengit, Pengarah Urusan Honda Malaysia, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, berterima kasih kepada peniaga, Kerajaan Malaysia, dan pelanggan yang setia. Pelancaran WR-V turut menyumbang besar dengan varian RS menyumbang 60% kepada jualan keseluruhan.
Model hibrid (e:HEV) juga mengalami pertumbuhan mengagumkan, dengan jualan meningkat dari lebih 4,100 unit pada 2022 kepada lebih 7,700 unit pada 2023—pertumbuhan 87%. Model e:HEV Honda menyumbang 28% kepada jualan hibrid keseluruhan di Malaysia, memberi sumbangan besar kepada pertumbuhan xEV negara ini.
Honda Malaysia berkata dalam kenyataan media yang ia berazam untuk terus menyediakan produk berkualiti dan perkhidmatan terbaik. Menjelang 2024, Honda Malaysia yakin tentang sektor automotif dan mengalu-alukan pelanggan untuk meneroka model mereka di pengedar berlesen atau melalui laman web rasmi. Untuk maklumat lanjut, pelanggan boleh menghubungi nombor toll-free Honda Malaysia di 1-800-88-2020 atau layari www.honda.com.my.
Honda Malaysia has achieved its annual sales target for 2023, surpassing 80,000 units in total sales. This accomplishment ensures the company’s continued dominance in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the tenth consecutive year.
Notably, 2023 saw the successful launch of four new models: WR-V, City, Civic Type R, and the all-new CR-V. The top-selling models included City, HR-V, and City Hatchback, contributing 30%, 25%, and 13% respectively to overall sales. The WR-V, HR-V, CR-V, and Civic secured the top positions in their respective segments.
Despite challenges in the competitive market, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, expressed gratitude for the strong support from dealers, the Malaysian Government, and loyal customers. The launch of the WR-V played a significant role in the company’s success, with the RS variant contributing 60% of total sales.
Hybrid models (e:HEV) also experienced remarkable growth, with sales increasing from over 4,100 units in 2022 to more than 7,700 units in 2023—an impressive 87% growth. Honda’s e:HEV models constituted 28% of overall hybrid sales in Malaysia, contributing significantly to the country’s xEV growth. The company remains committed to providing quality products and services.
Looking ahead to 2024, Honda Malaysia says it is optimistic about the automotive sector and invites customers to explore their models at authorized dealerships nationwide or through their online platform. For more information, customers can contact Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit www.honda.com.my.
Baru-baru ini, Honda Malaysia melancarkan CR-V baharu generasi ke-6 tetapi tidak menyatakan harga varian e:HEV RS. Hari ini, Honda Malaysia mengumumkannya harga bagi model flagship mereka, iaitu CR-V e:HEV RS, pada RM195,900.00. Varian ini meluaskan rangkaian e:HEV Honda Malaysia dan dikuasakan oleh enjin generasi baru 2.0L e:HEV, memberikan sehingga 335Nm tork dan 184PS kuasa maksimum untuk prestasi hibrid yang menakjubkan. Transmisi Berterusan Elektrik (e-CVT) memastikan kecekapan bahan api dan kesesuaian kuasa yang tinggi. Sistem Pemacu 3-Mod membolehkan pemandu menukar mod pemanduan, meningkatkan pengalaman pemanduan.
CR-V e:HEV RS baharu ini menampilkan reka bentuk baharu dengan gaya moden, termasuk Lampu Utama LED Penuh, Lampu Belakang LED, Lampu Isyarat Belokan Sequential LED, Lampu Aktif Pusing, Penamat Krom Tiub Pembuangan, dan Gril Depan Corak Mesh yang berani. Reka bentuk ini disempurnakan dengan Rim Aloi 18-inci berwarna Berlina Black, rel atap, bumper hadapan & belakang bawah berwarna badan, dan pembungkus samping. Model ini juga termasuk Gril Aktif Shutter untuk aerodinamik dan kecekapan bahan api yang lebih baik.
Dengan kapasiti ruang but 589 liter, CR-V ini menawarkan kepraktisan dan fleksibiliti. Hands-Free Power Tailgate dengan fungsi Walkaway Close meningkatkan keselesaan untuk memuat naik dan turun. Ruang dalaman adalah luas dan selesa, menampilkan kerusi pemandu kuasa lapan hala dengan dua kedudukan memorinya, ruang kaki belakang yang mencukupi, kerusi geser, meter TFT 10.2-inci, dan sistem bunyi premium Bose dengan 12 pembesar suara. Ciri-ciri berfungsi termasuk Kad Kunci Pintar, Paparan Kepala (HUD), Pengecas Tanpa Wayar, dua Port USB di hadapan & belakang, dan Paparan Audio Advanced 9-inci dengan Sambungan Tanpa Wayar Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto.
Keselamatan adalah keutamaan dengan CR-V e:HEV RS, dilengkapi dengan lapan beg udara, Sistem Kamera Multi-View, Honda LaneWatch, Honda Connect, dan sembilan fungsi Honda Sensing, termasuk Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB). Pakej keselamatan komprehensif ini memastikan pengalaman pemanduan yang selamat.
Untuk varian lain, varian S berharga RM159,900.00, E pada RM169,900.00 dan V pada RM181,900.00.
Honda Malaysia introduced the highly-anticipated all-new CRV at the end of 2023, and it created quite a stir.
The all-new CRV is better in every sense of the word – bigger, more intelligent, better looking and safer than ever.
However, during the launch last year, Honda Malaysia only introduced three variants:
1. The V variant
This sits below the flagship model and is priced at RM181,900.
2. The E variant
This is the mid spec model is priced at RM169,900.
3. The S variant
This is the entry level model that is priced at RM159,900.
The one model that was missing during the launch was the model that everyone was looking forward to, the e:HEV RS.
Honda Malaysia said that it will announce the price of the e:HEV RS in early 2024, and now the time has come.
The highly-anticipated e:HEV RS model is priced at RM195,900, which is a shockingly good price for a car that many expected to cost upwards of RM210,000.
You also get quite a lot for the price.
The all-new CRV e:HEV RS is powered by a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain that makes 184PS and 335Nm of torque.
It sends power to the front wheels through a e-CVT transmission, but that is just Honda speak for “there’s no transmission in the traditional sense and power is sent directly to the motors”.
In terms of aesthetics, the all-new CRV is quite a looker, especially in this RS trim.
The LED headlights and tail-lights are to be expected and are complemented by LED sequential turn signals at the front, and active cornering lights that illuminate blind spots when cornering.
Inside, it is completely unrecognisable as a CRV but stays in line with the current Honda design language. The dashboard, placement of buttons and even the steering wheel is similar to the Honda Civic.
A nine-inch infotainment screen dominates the centre of the dash and gives you access to Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And for the first time for a Honda in Malaysia, music is played back to the cabin via a 12-speaker Bose sound system, which is only available in the flagship e:HEV RS model.
The driver also enjoys a eight-way powered seat with memory function, head-up display, a wireless charger, two USB ports in the front and rear while the rear passengers can get comfortable with ample legroom and sliding seats that can recline with eight different angles.
Safety is of course the name of the game for any family mover and the CRV e:HEV RS delivers in this aspect as well. The comprehensive safety package includes eight airbags with two knee airbags, a 360-degree camera, Honda LaneWatch and Honda Connect.
The new CRV e:HEV RS also boasts nine Honda Sensing functions including Adaptive Driving Beam.
And being well-adapted for families, the all-new Honda CRV also offers great practicality with a class-leading 598-litres boot capacity. There is also a hands-free powered tailgate with Walkaway Close function, which basically means you can simply walk away from the car, and as long as the key is with you, the tail-gate will close automatically.
We drove the all-new Honda CRV e:HEV RS in Thailand before its launch and were particularly impressed with how smooth it was. We later found out that this was down to new body stabilising seats that are more comfortable than ever, and the new CRV also has wheel resonators that practically munch all vibrations before they reach the cabin, giving you an impressively smooth ride.
