To help celebrate the recent launch of the adidas ‘Wakanda Forever Collection’, the team at adidas sought to bring their ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’-inspired designs into the automotive space. For this, they had the latest Lexus RX 500h F SPORT transformed in a collaboration with the carmaker, adidas S.E.E.D, Calty Design Research and 3D printing company Carbon.
The re-imagined exterior of the RX features the Wakandan-inspired print and purple colourway used throughout the adidas sportswear collection. A diamond pattern inlayed across the hood is inspired by the Black Panther’s claw necklace. The same pattern is applied to the door panel inserts and in purple sections of the steering wheel. Gold details, a tie to the new Black Panther’s suit, accent the exterior, with unique ‘F’ centre caps on the wheels.
At long last, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has launched the Toyota Veloz, a crossover MPV that takes over from the Avanza in the B-segment. The Veloz is a notch higher with a more premium image than the Avanza, reflecting Toyota’s ongoing aim of delivering ever better cars.
It’s no secret that the new Veloz is a similar model to the new Perodua Alza and it is even assembled in the same factory near Rawang, Selangor. It isn’t the first time UMWT is using Perodua’s factory also assembled the first Avanza as well as the Rush. It’s a practical approach when the model is similar as there is no point duplicating assembly for a smaller volume at another plant.
Shared models are nothing new in the industry and have been a practice for many decades. In earlier years, the sharing was usually between different brands of the same manufacturer. However, as model development grew much more expensive, it made sense to collaborate and share the costs. The advantages in this include cost-savings in many parts as the suppliers can have orders with bigger volumes for the same part or system.
However, the Veloz does cost more to Malaysian consumers at RM95,000, compared to the Perodua model which has a price range of RM62,500 to RM75,500. That the Veloz costs more than the Alza will raise the question of why anyone would want to pay more for what is essentially the same product. This is where brand preference and loyalty come in and while Perodua is the market leader in Malaysia, Toyota is also a strong brand with a longer history in the market. Interbrand’s assessment of brand value for 2021 placed Toyota at the top of the list among carmakers and seventh among all companies worldwide.
Now that we’ve got that point out of the way, let’s look at what the Veloz offers. Only one variant is available so they’ve loaded it with everything and customers won’t need to make a choice of which variant to buy. But they will have to choose one of 5 body colours, two of which have a black roof.
The electrification journey for Lexus began in 2005 with the RX400h, the world’s first hybrid SUV, and since then the brand has continued to add more electrified models to its range. The latest model, introduced today in Japan, is the updated UX 300e which was the first Lexus production BEV (battery electric vehicle) model.
For this latest version of the company crossover SUV, the main improvement is in the electric powertrain (203 ps/300 Nm) which has a newly developed battery pack with capacity increased from 54.4 kWh to 72.8 kWh. This has extended the claimed range up to 450 kms, an improvement of 40%, with energy consumption reduced to 166.7 Wh/km.
Authorised Toyota dealerships are now accepting bookings for an updated Toyota Harrier which will soon be launched in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT). The current generation has been in the market since February 2021 and now gets an improved look and feel.
The new Harrier, with a Dynamic Force 2-litre engine, will be available in Luxury and Special Edition versions and a choice of 5 exterior colours – Slate Grey Metallic, Precious Black, Steel Blonde Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic and Platinum White Pearl – with the Special Edition having an exclusive Metallic Red finish. The on-the-road price without insurance will be from RM274,000.
Bermaz Motor is accepting bookings for the latest Core variants of the Mazda CX-3 with a choice of two SKYACTIV-G petrol engines – 1.5 litres and 2.0 litres. The model is imported from the Auto Alliance factory in Rayong, Thailand, with the engines also being manufactured at the nearby Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing Thailand plant.
Prices (without Insurance) for the 2 versions are RM107,870 for the CX-3 1.5 and RM118,159 for the CX-3 2.0. Both SUVs have 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions. Only front-wheel drive is available.
PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM)/Audi Malaysia, which took over the Audi distributorship in July this year, has added the Audi RS Q8 to its range of offerings. A fairly recent model in Audi’s SUV range, the Q8 made its global debut in 2018, with the performance-enhanced RS version coming the following year.
The Q8’s coupe SUV design was Audi’s response to the appearance of the new generation of coupe crossovers from BMW (X6) and Mercedes-Benz (GLE-Class) which had been enjoying good sales. It thus introduced new design language for the brand, created by Marc Lichte. The design also has some elements from the original Audi Quattro rallycar of the 1980s.
Honda Malaysia has begun delivering the new Honda HR-V and the first customer to receive the new crossover SUV was Nurul Hafida binti Mohd Jais. Cik Nurul Hafida received her new vehicle at MJN Motors Sdn. Bhd. in Cheras, Selangor, where she had booked the RS e:HEV version with a red finish.
As the first HR-V owner in Malaysia, she received some extras as token of appreciation from Honda Malaysia. These were Honda Authorized Accessories, Ultra Glass Body Coating and Honda official merchandise valued at RM5,700.
Explaining the reasons why she chose the new Honda, Cik Nurul Hafida said: “I did my research even before the official launch of the All-New HR-V in Malaysia. The exterior styling and looks caught my attention and that’s when I decided to book the model the moment it was opened for booking. I have been anticipating the delivery of my new car and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that I was the first customer to receive the car!”
“What’s even more exciting is the additional surprise of receiving gifts from Honda! I am looking forward to taking my family out and about on my new ride,” she added.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Hironobu Yoshimura, said: “The response we have received for the All-New HR-V has been overwhelming and we believe this new model will be sensational once again as it did in the past. Today, we are excited to deliver the All-New HR-V to the first owner, Cik Nurul Hafida. In addition to this momentous occasion, Honda Malaysia will deliver over 1,300 units of the All-New HR-V within one month of its launch. We would like to take this opportunity to convey our sincere gratitude to all our customers for their continuous support to the Honda brand.”
Demand for the new HR-V is high, according to Wan Hazmi bin Dato’ Wan Mustafa, owner of MJN Motors Sdn. Bhd. “We are so honoured to be the dealer to deliver the first HR-V to our beloved customer! We are committed to continue providing our customers with excellent service in all aspects,” he said.
The new HR-V is available with a choice of three 1.5-litre powertrains. The RS version has the e:HEV system with Honda’s unique 2-motor hybrid system which generates 131 ps/253 Nm and the other two are a VTEC turbocharged engine (181 ps/240 Nm) and a naturally-aspirated i-VTEC engine (121 ps/145 Nm).
For this second generation, a more modern feel is evident and features available (depending on version) include leather upholstery, sports pedals, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with an Air Diffusion System, and a Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Walkaway Close function. Honda SENSING, the suite of active safety systems, is standard across the range.
For more information on the latest HR-V or any Honda models, visit any of the 102 authorized Honda dealerships nationwide or www.honda.com.my.
While attention in Malaysia is on the new Honda HR-V, another new model is capturing the attention of Honda fans in America – the new CR-V. Predictably, the company is starting the launch of the popular SUV in its bestselling market where, along with the Toyota RAV4, it created a new market segment almost overnight over 25 years ago.
While retaining the form of a traditional SUV, the new CR-V adopts the new design language with a large front grille. It’s almost 70 mm longer, with the A-pillar moved back 127 mm and 75 mm outwards. This is to improve forward visibility although, in an SUV, the driver already has a commanding view with the higher seating position than in a passenger car.
Focus on hybrid po
For the North American market, there will be two hybrid powertrains – one with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and the other with a 2-litre engine. Honda says the engines, which are also used in other models, have been refined and for the smaller engine, the 4-2 exhaust port cylinder head helps maintain peak power over a broader range of rpm.
The CVT has been updated to reduce noise and vibration with significant drivability and performance improvements include Step-Shift programming that simulates gear changes at full throttle. An updated Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System improves traction management in slippery conditions and can now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels.
Civic-themed interior
Inside, the new interior layout has the most cabin and cargo space in CR-V history. While it has functionality, its styling theme is also similar to that of the latest Civic. Body Stabilizing Seats for the front occupants reduce fatigue and improve posture, while there are lots of mut-have tech features for the driver and passenger.
More advanced safety features
The 6th-generation CR-V also gets more advanced active and passive safety technology. This includes the latest version of Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) architecture that has been enhanced for even better compatibility with larger vehicles.
First introduced on the new Civic, the new driver and passenger front airbags can minimize the potential for severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions. The new front driver’s airbag uses an innovative donut-shaped structure to cradle and hold the head to reduce rotation. The passenger-side front airbag uses a 3-chamber design to achieve a similar result, with two outer chambers designed to cradle the head and minimize rotation.
Updated Honda SENSING safety and driver-assistive technology is installed, with a new camera and radar. The camera has a 90-degree field of view while the radar has a 120-degree field of view for maximum coverage of the area ahead.
The new CR-V shown here is for the North American market (where it is also manufactured) and the model which will eventually come to the ASEAN markets (probably in 2023) is likely to have cosmetic and technical differences to suit the region’s needs.
The Crown is one of Toyota’s oldest models, having made its initial debut in 1955 as the company’s first mass produced passenger vehicle. It has remained in the line-up to this day, elevating to flagship status during the 67 years. However, times have changed and Toyota feels the Crown has become unable to fully meet the diversifying needs of its customers, and its role as a flagship model has also become less significant.
This has led to a complete rethink for the new generation which sees 4 different models that will carry the nameplate. In addition to a new Crossover, there will be a Sport as a new addition. There will still be a Sedan, of course, and this will continue with a formal design (although the pictures show something very advanced), and a Stationwagon/Estate which is now more of a functional SUV.
Due to the diverse range, Toyota won’t be launching all the versions together and, as a reflection of the current market preference, it will start with the Crossover. This model will go on sale from the fourth quarter of this year and will be offered in around 40 countries, Malaysia being a possibility. The eventual annual production is expected to reach 200,000 units.
Incidentally, the Crown was assembled in Malaysia at one time back in the early 1980s but large limousine-type Japanese cars were not favoured then so the model was discontinued. Times have changed, of course, and while the German brands still command the premium segment, Lexus has shown that the Japanese can also offer comparably premium products. So it’s likely that the new Crown will eventually appear in Malaysia as a complement to the Alphard.
The Crown Crossover
At this time, Toyota is only providing details of the Crossover so that’s what we’ll look at. As the term suggests, the bodystyle is a ‘crossover’ from a sedan to a SUV (‘the fusing a sedan and an SUV’ as Toyota puts it) and is a popular approach these days. The design has a coupe-like silhouette for a sporty image, while the elevated body satisfies the SUV side.
The lighting units at the front and rear connected from left to right in a single straight line, emphasising width visually. The side view shows surface variation without relying on character lines, creating a clean but sophisticated appearance. The overall length is 4930 mm, with a width of 1840 mm, on a wheelbase of 2850 mm. That’s larger than a Lexus RX and around the same length as a BMW X6.
The new Crown also uses TNGA, the versatile platform with Toyota’s New Generation Architecture. This has been adapted for use (TNGA-K) in the new model and provides a lightweight and well-balanced body with high rigidity. As with all SUVs and crossovers, the hip point is high for ease of entry and exit which is prioritised. This has been helped by having large-diameter wheels that raise the floor level. Additional space is provided above the head and to the front and rear for a more comfortable cabin.
The 2-row interior is typically Toyota with a lot of attention to visual and physical comfort. Horizontally integrating the display and operating equipment creates a functional layout that can be operated intuitively from any seat. The wrap-around form from the instrument panel to the doors also gives a sense of security.
As befits a flagship model, much attention has been given to every interior element, with the use of an understated and welcoming material known as WARM STEEL. The finishing of the seats, designed to be ‘first class’, helps a space with a sense of quality and richness.
While other carmakers may use the opportunity to go fully electric, Toyota remains cautious in how it moves into the electric era and still strongly believes hybrid electric vehicle technology is a practical solution for now. Thus the new Crown will come with two hybrid powertrains – 2.5-litre Series Parallel Hybrid System and 2.4-litre Turbo Hybrid System.
The 2.4-litre Turbo Hybrid System combines an inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with strong torque (550 Nm/350 ps) even at low RPM with the latest eAxle electric powertrain. The rear wheel eAxle uses a high output water-cooled electric motor combined with the engine to directly transmit force to all four wheels.
Electrical power will be supplied by a newly-developed bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery pack, a first for Toyota.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite is an upgraded one with advanced and improved functions. The range of situations it can respond to has been expanded even further, giving the driver more peace of mind to enjoy motoring.
Also available will be Toyota Teammate, a suite of driver-assistance technologies. Advanced Drive support during traffic congestion), and Advanced Park. The latter can automatically park and exit from a parking space in a variety of situations and can be operated remotely as well.
“The Crown has long served as the flagship of the Toyota brand. This flagship has represented Japanese success and pride, bringing together Japan’s world-class technology and skilled workforce. The new Crown is full of these underlying strengths,” said Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, at the presentation of the new model today.
New Honda models almost always grab a lot of attention and the interest shown by the public actually translates into strong sales that remain constantly high. The HR-V is one such example; even from the time before the first generation was officially launched in Malaysia, it already drew crowds wherever it was displayed. And when it finally arrived in showrooms, even more orders flooded in and placed the crossover SUV in a leadership position in its segment.
After putting around 111,000 units on the road in 7½ years, it’s now time for a new generation and again, there has been the same strong interest that the first generation had. Prior to the launch today, one unit was sent around the country for exclusive previews at selected showrooms and drew a lot of potential customers.
Bookings were accepted from June 9 and with the sales tax exemption set to expire at the end of the month, many did not want to miss the opportunity to save money so they made their bookings right away. By today, Honda Malaysia has received more than 20,000 orders – more than 12 times the monthly sale target the company has set. As such, the waiting period will stretch to at least 12 months!
It’s been a while since a Honda model has had such a long waiting period, the last one in memory being the Accord back in the 1980s. However, the company is uncertain of the actual number that will be taken because there may be cancellations so it can only get an idea of the real demand after the July numbers are reviewed. Those who did book before June 30 will be entitled to the sales tax exemption and save money but for those who do want to get one, the following are the retail prices:
With the success of the first generation, coming up with the next generation must have proved to be a challenge. While maintaining the profile with a coupe-like fastback, the designers took the opportunity to use this generation change to also start introducing a new design language which is a total departure from the previous ‘wing’ theme.
The front appearance is bolder with a new and dominating grille design. As it is a big visual change, some may like it and some may not. But lack of enthusiasm for the new look is likely to fade away in time as it becomes more familiar. It is often the case that there are some designs which are not so well received when a new model is launched but eventually, the negative views diminish. In fact, a designer once said that he would be worried if a new design generated too much excitement at the start because there was a danger it could also become dated quickly. He preferred designs to ‘mature’ and gradually become more accepted amd appreciated over time.
New exterior features include front LED Sequential Turn Signals (the signals ‘move’ as the illuminate), and a full-width LED Taillight Strip which adds a visual signature visible from a distance. Other key exterior features include new LED headlights with DRLs, LED foglights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Sizewise, the new HR-V measures 4385 mm in length, which is 39 mm longer than its predecessor. The 1790 mm width is similar to the previous RS version, while the roof is 15 mm closer to the road so the profile is more low-slung. The contemporary, uncluttered form has a crisp horizontal shoulderline running from the rear light cluster to the front headlights, generating a sense of forward momentum.
This time round, Honda Malaysia is offering a choice of three powertrains in four variants. There is no longer a 1.8-litre engine and all the powertrains have a 1.5-litre displacement. At the lower end is the HR-V 1.5S which has a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 121 ps/145 Nm. The other two variants – the E and V – have the widely used 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine (shown below right) which produces up to 181 ps/240 Nm. The S, E and V variants all use a CVT delivering power to the front wheels.
The top variant, as before, is the HR-V RS which has e:HEV technology with the intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. Already available in the City RS, this 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with 2 motors (above left) generates 131 ps with an impressive 253 Nm of torque. From our experience with its in the City RS, it not only delivers strong performance but can also be very economical because it can run on just the electric motor for short distances, meaning no petrol is used at all. And as the battery pack recharges while driving, the e:HEV approach is the best one for Malaysia at this time, rather than moving to full electric vehicles so quickly.
Honda e:HEV powertrain
Compared to the e:HEV powertrain in the City RS, the one in the new HR-V has received improvements to increase performance. The battery pack in the Intelligent Power Unit has 60 cells, 25% more than the one in the City RS, so storage capacity is greater. The system also generates 20% more power and the CVT has a lower ratio, probably to suit the higher weight of the HR-V.
The chassis is the same as before with MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam at the rear, a common layout in many of today’s vehicles. Feedback from customers identified certain areas that needed improving in the vehicle dynamics. The improvements have been achieved by small engineering revisions in the suspension, body architecture and electric power steering. Adding reinforcements in some areas has contributed to better rigidity.
The torsional rigidity and spring rate of the steering column has also been increased by 15%, affording a smoother feel during direction changes. Initial corner turn-in is more direct when compared to the previous HR-V, and the overall feel during manoeuvres is much more linear and precise.
At the rear, the compliance bushes have been modified in both construction and design to improve rear wheel control and ride comfort. The liquid-filled bushes have increased damping performance and good low-frequency performance providing excellent primary ride, whilst absorbing certain frequency vibrations to improve secondary ride. In revising the bush design, a flange has been added to reduce lateral movement across the bush.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are what the passengers constantly experience and making them as low as possible makes a big difference to not just comfort but also the perception of quality. To lower NVH, the engineers focussed on two areas – engine acceleration and road noise. They didn’t just mask the noise and vibrations by using more insulation but also made changes to certain parts or added reinforcements so that the frequencies would become less disturbing.
Contributing to reducing accidents, Honda Malaysia has made Honda SENSING standard in every variant. This suite consists of 9 active safety systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, and they rely on a camera positioned at the top of the windscreen. The omission of a radar helps to lower cost and to ensure that the camera alone is enough, it has been given a wide forward view (about 100 degrees left to right) and the image processing software is also more advanced for enhanced recognition capability.
The system can identify other vehicles, people and also lane markings as well as gravel and grass edges. The latter is important for the Lane Keeping function which limits the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. On long distances, this feature can help reduce fatigue as the driver does not have to make minor corrections to the steering to stay in the lane.
When driving on slopes, there are also systems that will help the driver. Hill Descent Control, when activated, will manage the speed safely downhill so all the driver has to do is steer to avoid obstacles. There is also an AUTO HOLD function to keep the vehicle motionless on a slope without having to keep the foot on the brake. This is now possible with the electrically-operated parking brake.
Honda LANEWATCH, the innovative camera-based blindspot monitor, is fitted to the V and RS variants. This system shows real-time images of the left side of the vehicle, allowing the driver to spot if there is a motorcyclist or other vehicle coming up. The image is shown on the centre panel and comes on whenever the left signal light is activated.
The compact dimensions of the HR-V allow for only two rows of seats but the legroom is generous, with rear passengers getting 35 mm more space. This is helped by having the fuel tank situated under the centre (an idea which originated with the first Jazz). Like the City Hatchback, the HR-V cabin can be configured in three layout modes – Utility, Long and Tall. In the Long mode, there is a floor length of up to 1.9 metres when the rear backrests are folded down. Along with the high ceiling, this allows for 2 mountain bikes (with front wheels removed) to be stored on board. The Tall mode allows tall items (like plants) to be carried as the floor to ceiling height is maximised by folding the rear seats up. The idea has been used in some Honda models for around 20 years, since it first appeared in the Jazz.
For those who own the RS variant, loading cargo is even more convenient with the handsfree feature that opens the rear door automatically. Just placing a foot under the rear bumper unlocks and raises it and even better, it will close by itself too when the owner has gone further than 2 metres away.
The dashboard has the same clean design with a combination of touch and physical controls. It’s clear now that touch controls are not necessarily ideal for every function so the interior designers have provided rotary controls and pushbuttons for the air-conditioner and ventilation system. These can be operated without having to look, unlike touch controls where you have to look and then focus on an icon – which is not so good for driving safety.
Talking of air-conditioning, besides having two zones so the front passenger and driver can set their preferred temperatures, there is also an Air Diffusion System which is a first for Honda. This introduces a new concept of air conditioning, with L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard that deliver the restorative effects of a natural breeze to all occupants.
The idea was born from the concept of designing light and wind to improve passenger comfort, with nature as inspiration. The new ventilation approach resolves a disparity in traditional vent configurations, where passengers often feel uncomfortable with air blowing directly onto them. When activated by turning a dial, the Air Diffusion System creates a new gentle flow of air which discreetly flows like a soft breeze along the side windows.
The air also travels to the roof, creating a gentle vortex of air that is barely perceptible to passengers. We’re not sure if the breeze will reach the back but the rear passengers will also be comfortable as there are vents closer to them behind the centre console.
Being a Honda, the equipment list can be expected to be extensive with many features thoughtfully included. The infotainment system has Android Auto and Apple Carplay which expands its useability to include apps from smartphones (like Waze and Spotify) while there are 4 USB ports for recharging devices. The driver of the V and RS variants gets 8-way adjustment on their seats and those in the V variant also have paddle shifters. All variants have pushbutton start/stop and also auto locking when walking away (with the engine off).
Except for the S variant, all the other three HR-Vs can be started from a distance with the Remote Start. In movies, such a feature would be used as a precaution in case there’s a bomb under the car (set to go off when the engine starts) but in real life, Remote Start is useful for starting the engine so the air-conditioner can run and cool down the cabin.
For those who like the extra class that leather gives, this is standard for the upholstery in the V and RS variants. For the other two variants, fabric upholstery is provided. Throughout the cabin though, there are many areas where the panels have soft padding for a more premium feel.
Honda CONNECT, a telematics system that provides safety, security and convenience, is provided with the E, V and RS variants. This system can track the vehicle’s position so it can be located if stolen and owners can also set ‘geo-fencing’ so they will be alerted if the vehicle moves out of a designated zone. In the event of a severe collision, an automatic notification will be sent out so that help can be quickly sent. Honda CONNECT also allows the owner to check on the condition of the battery and fuel level without being inside the vehicle, and there will be reminders when routine maintenance is due.
As with other Honda models, there is also the option of adding genuine accessories to personalize the HR-V. Honda Malaysia offers 5 packages with different themes, with prices ranging from RM1,106 to RM3,780. As the cost of these packages would be included in the total price of the vehicle, they would also be part of the financing plan.
The new HR-V is now at Honda dealerships nationwide and if you want to view or test-drive on, locate the nearest showroom at www.honda.com.my.
