Honda Malaysia telah mengumumkan pelancaran City Hatchback baharu pada Suku 2, 2024, sekali gus mengesahkan kedudukannya sebagai salah satu model hatchback terlaris dalam segmen Bukan Nasional. Model facelift kini tersedia untuk tempahan di semua pengedar Honda di seluruh negara.
Encik Hironobu Yoshimura, Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Honda Malaysia, menyatakan keghairahan untuk New City Hatchback, mencerminkan kejayaan awalnya sejak diperkenalkan pada 2021. Dengan lebih 28,700 unit terjual, ia telah memantapkan dirinya sebagai sensasi hatchback terunggul Malaysia.
Diperkenalkan pada 2021, City Hatchback merupakan model kedua Honda Malaysia yang menampilkan teknologi e:HEV. Varian e:HEV RS, yang terkenal dengan daya tarikannya yang sporty, menyumbang dengan ketara kepada jualan hibrid Syarikat, menyumbang 16% daripada jumlah jualan hibrid. Pada tahun 2023, City Hatchback mencapai angka jualan yang kukuh, mengukuhkan kehadirannya dalam segmen hatchback Bukan Nasional.
City Hatchback yang dipertingkatkan menampilkan rupa dan penampilan yang dipertingkatkan, dengan reka bentuk yang lebih ramping dan lebih dinamik bertujuan untuk menawan hati penonton. Varian e:HEV RS menyerlah dengan bahagian luarnya yang lebih tajam dan lebih agresif, menampilkan gril hadapan yang direka bentuk baharu, gril bawah, bumper dan fog garnish.
Menambah daya tarikan sportynya, varian e:HEV RS kini menyertakan hiasan bawah bumper belakang yang anggun dan rekaan hiasan side sill, bersama-sama dengan Roda Aloi 16-inci Berlina Black yang menawan. Dikuasakan oleh rangkaian kuasa 1.5L e:HEV, varian RS memberikan prestasi tork yang dominan, manakala versi petrol 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC memastikan keseimbangan prestasi dan kecekapan bahan api.
Ciri keselamatan telah dipertingkatkan dalam City Hatchback baharu, dengan teknologi Honda SENSING tersedia dalam semua varian, termasuk Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). Varian e:HEV RS mendapat manfaat selanjutnya daripada Low Speed Follow (LSF) untuk menambah kemudahan pemanduan.
Honda Malaysia has announced the upcoming launch of the new City Hatchback in Quarter 2, 2024, reaffirming its position as one of the top-selling hatchback models in the Non-National segment. The facelifted model is now available for bookings at all Honda dealerships nationwide.
Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, expressed enthusiasm for the New City Hatchback, reflecting on its initial success since its introduction in 2021. With over 28,700 units sold, it has established itself as Malaysia’s ultimate hatchback sensation, thanks to its captivating design, advanced technology, and practicality.
Introduced in 2021, the City Hatchback was Honda Malaysia’s second model featuring the e:HEV technology. The e:HEV RS variant, known for its sporty appeal, contributed significantly to the Company’s hybrid sales, accounting for 16% of total hybrid sales. In 2023, the City Hatchback achieved strong sales figures, solidifying its presence in the Non-National hatchback segment.
The facelifted City Hatchback boasts upgraded looks and appearance, with a sleeker and more dynamic design aimed at captivating onlookers. The e:HEV RS variant stands out with its sharper and more aggressive exterior, featuring newly designed front grille, lower grille, bumper, and fog garnish.
Adding to its sporty appeal, the e:HEV RS variant now includes sleek rear bumper lower garnish and side sill garnish designs, along with captivating Berlina Black 16-inch Alloy Wheels. Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers dominant torque performance, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version ensures a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Safety features have been enhanced in the new City Hatchback, with Honda SENSING technology available in all variants, including Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). The e:HEV RS variant further benefits from Low Speed Follow (LSF) for added driving convenience.
The new City Hatchback is poised to appeal to young adults and professionals seeking advanced technology, style, and practicality in their daily commute, catering to the current trend of youthful automotive preferences.
Honda telah memperkenalkan Siri Ye, barisan kenderaan elektrik (EV) baharu yang direka untuk pasaran China. Pelancaran ini termasuk dua model baharu, Ye P7 dan Ye S7, serta model konsep yang dipanggil Ye GT Concept.
Siri Ye adalah sebahagian daripada rancangan Honda untuk mengembangkan penawaran kenderaan elektriknya di China. Mereka menyasarkan untuk memperkenalkan sejumlah enam model elektrik baharu menjelang 2027 bagi memenuhi permintaan yang semakin meningkat bagi kereta elektrik di rantau ini.
Ye P7
Dinamakan sempena watak Cina untuk “bersinar dengan cemerlang,” Ye Series mencerminkan komitmen Honda untuk membenarkan pemandu menyatakan minat mereka untuk memandu dan keperibadian. Model-model ini akan menampilkan lambang “H mark” baharu yang direka khusus untuk EV generasi seterusnya Honda.
Model Ye Series dibina di atas platform EV khusus yang dibangunkan di China, menggabungkan kepakaran Honda dalam teknologi elektrik dan prinsip reka bentuk berpusatkan manusia. Mereka menjanjikan prestasi pemanduan yang lebih baik, keselesaan dan kecerdasan, termasuk pembantu berkuasa AI.
Ye P7 dan Ye S7 adalah model pertama dalam siri ini, masing-masing menawarkan pilihan untuk pacuan roda belakang dan pacuan empat roda. Kedua-dua versi menumpukan pada menyediakan pengalaman pemanduan yang menyeronokkan bersama-sama dengan ruang dalaman yang luas dan pintar.
Ye S7
Konsep Ye GT mempamerkan visi Honda untuk EV grand tourer, menampilkan reka bentuk dinamik dan pengalaman pemanduan yang mengasyikkan. Ia termasuk ciri-ciri inovatif seperti paparan fokus jauh untuk penumpang hadapan, mewujudkan persekitaran yang unik di dalam kenderaan.
Ye GT Concept
Strategi EV Honda di China sejajar dengan matlamat globalnya untuk mencapai neutraliti karbon menjelang 2050. Dengan memperkenalkan 10 model EV jenama Honda di China menjelang 2027 dan menyasarkan EV menguasai 100% daripada jualan keretanya di China menjelang 2035, Honda mengambil langkah penting ke arah masa depan yang mampan.
Honda has unveiled the Ye Series, a new line of electric vehicles (EVs) targeted for the Chinese market. The debut includes the world premiere of two models, the Ye P7 and Ye S7, along with the concept model for the Ye GT Concept.
The Ye Series is part of Honda’s broader strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup in China, with plans to introduce a total of six models by 2027. These new models aim to offer customers a compelling driving experience while aligning with the increasing demand for electrified transportation in the region.
Ye P7
Named after the Chinese character “烨,” meaning “shine brilliantly,” the Ye Series reflects Honda’s commitment to enabling drivers to express their passion for driving and individuality. The series will feature the new “H mark” emblem designed specifically for Honda’s next-generation EVs.
The Ye Series models are built on a dedicated EV platform developed in China, integrating Honda’s expertise in electrification technologies and human-centric design principles. They aim to deliver enhanced driving performance, comfort, and intelligence, including the integration of AI-powered assistants.
Ye S7
The Ye P7 and Ye S7, the first models in the series, offer variations with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, respectively. Both variations prioritise driving enjoyment while providing spacious and intelligent interiors.
Additionally, the Ye GT Concept represents Honda’s vision for a grand tourer EV, featuring a dynamic design and immersive driving experience. It includes innovative features such as a far-focus display for the front passenger, creating a theater-like environment within the vehicle.
Ye GT Concept
Honda’s EV strategy in China aligns with its global goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. By introducing a total of 10 Honda-brand EV models in China by 2027 and aiming for EVs to represent 100% of its automobile sales in China by 2035, Honda is taking significant steps toward a sustainable future.
Berita mengenai kemungkinan perbincangan antara Nissan Motor dan Honda Motor untuk perkongsian strategik adalah berita besar dalam industri kereta. Dengan pesaing baharu memasuki pasaran, kedua-dua syarikat melihat keperluan untuk bekerjasama dan menggunakan kekuatan mereka untuk kekal berdaya saing, terutamanya dalam kereta elektrik dan perisian automotif.
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Honda, Toshihiro Mibe, bercakap tentang kepentingan kerjasama untuk menangani perubahan cabaran dalam industri. Beliau menyebut bidang di mana mereka boleh bekerjasama, seperti perisian automotif, bateri kereta elektrik dan membangunkan produk baharu. Walaupun mereka belum memberikan butiran lagi kerana perbincangan di peringkat awal, mereka mengumumkan bahawa mereka akan mewujudkan kumpulan kerja untuk meneroka peluang kerjasama secara menyeluruh.
The revelation of potential talks between Nissan Motor and Honda Motor regarding a strategic partnership signifies a significant development in the automotive industry. Faced with mounting competition from new market players, both companies acknowledge the imperative to capitalise on their individual strengths and delve into collaborative ventures, particularly within the realms of electric vehicles (EVs) and automotive software.
During a joint press conference, Honda’s President and CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, underscored the necessity of collaboration in tackling the evolving challenges within the industry. He outlined broad areas of potential cooperation, spanning automotive software, EV batteries, and synergistic product development. While specifics were not disclosed owing to the nascent stage of discussions, the establishment of multiple working groups was announced to thoroughly explore collaboration opportunities.
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
Kebanyakan peminat kereta suka ubah suai kereta baru mereka, walaupun mereka tahu bahawa tindakan tersebut mungkin akan memberi kesan kepada jaminan kereta. Salah satu modifikasi yang biasa dilakukan adalah menukar rim untuk memberikan penampilan yang lebih “sporty” kepada kenderaan mereka. Walau bagaimanapun, dengan Honda CR-V e:HEV RS baharu, tindakan tersebut akan mengambil keluar satu ciri penting yang ada pada SUV ini: resonator tayar.
Bunyi berterusan yang dikeluarkan oleh tayar semasa memandu di lebuh raya boleh menjadi punca gangguan bagi pemandu. Bunyi ini berpunca daripada resonans yang berlaku di dalam ruang kosong tayar apabila bertembung dengan permukaan tidak rata di jalan. Bagi pengeluar kereta yang bertujuan untuk menawarkan pengalaman memandu yang lancar dan senyap, ini merupakan cabaran yang besar. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, resonator tayar telah dibangunkan, menggunakan penyerap resonator kosong untuk meredakan resonans yang tidak diingini dan memastikan perjalanan yang tenang dan selesa.
Bunyi yang dihasilkan di dalam tayar menyerupai bunyi resonans tiub apabila memantul bola keranjang atau bola tampar di atas permukaan keras. Dalam kereta, resonans tiub ini, bersama-sama getaran yang menyertainya, bergerak dari roda melalui sistem suspensi dan masuk ke dalam kabin, mencipta bunyi yang tidak diingini dan mengganggu.
Honda memulakan misi untuk mengurangkan masalah bunyi ini. Mengiktiraf bahawa frekuensi resonans tiub berbeza berdasarkan bentuk dan isi padu penutup udara – sama seperti bunyi yang dihasilkan apabila memantul jenis bola yang berbeza – membawa kepada pemahaman bahawa saiz tayar menentukan kekerapan resonans tiub. Dengan pemahaman ini, Honda mencipta kaedah untuk menangani resonans tiub dengan menghasilkan gelombang bunyi yang meneutralkan kekerapan khusus ini.
Untuk mencapai ini, Honda meneroka konsep resonans Helmholtz, di mana bunyi dihasilkan apabila udara ditiup melintasi pembukaan sebuah bekas, seperti botol kosong, dengan bentuk bekas dan isi padu udara menentukan kekerapan yang dihasilkan. Dengan menggunakan prinsip ini, Honda mencipta penyerap resonans yang melingkari roda, mampu mengeluarkan gelombang bunyi yang sepadan dengan kekerapan resonans tiub yang dihasilkan oleh tayar. Reka bentuk inovatif ini berkesan menyekat bunyi yang tidak diingini dan meningkatkan pengalaman memandu secara keseluruhan.
Kini, anda mungkin mempunyai idea bahawa anda boleh membeli resonator tayar secara berasingan dan menggunakannya pada rim baru anda, tetapi semasa sidang media baru-baru ini, Honda menyatakan bahawa ini tidak mungkin dilakukan. Encik Sarly Adle Sarkum, Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Operasi Honda, menyatakan, “Seseorang telah cuba untuk membeli resonator tayar dan menggunakannya pada varian CR-V yang lebih rendah, dan itu tidak mungkin kerana ia tidak akan sepadan.”
Apabila Piston Malaysia bertanya kepada Encik Yujiro Sugino, Penyelaras Eksekutif, dan Encik Eisuke Sato, Ketua Projek Besar (CR-V), sama ada resonator roda, serta sistem bunyi Bose akan diperkenalkan ke dalam varian yang lebih rendah, mereka menyatakan, “Terdapat kemungkinan untuk melakukannya, tetapi kami perlu mempertimbangkan kedudukan model dan apa yang diperlukan untuk model-model tersebut.” Sugino juga menyatakan bahawa “Resonator tayar tersebut direka khas untuk varian hibrid untuk prestasi bunyi, getaran, dan kekasaran (NVH) yang lebih tinggi, itulah sebabnya varian lain tidak memilikinya.”
Dalam perkara yang lain, memandangkan Honda City kini datang dalam lima varian berbanding empat sebelum ini kerana versi petrol sekarang juga mempunyai model RS sendiri, kami bertanya jika konsep yang sama akan digunakan untuk CR-V baru, dan Sugino menjawab dengan “Sehingga kini, tidak.” Ia akan menjadi sentuhan yang bagus jika Honda melakukannya.
Apabila ditanya tentang pengenalan varian hibrid AWD, serupa dengan yang ditawarkan di Thailand, Sugino berkata, “Jika kami melakukannya, kami akan menambah pilihan varian lain, yang akan memberikan pelanggan lebih banyak pilihan tetapi pada masa yang sama ia tidak akan menjadi optimal untuk kecekapan dalam pengeluaran, itulah sebabnya kami memutuskan yang terbaik adalah pilihan 2WD.”
