e:HEV Archives

Honda Civic Hatchback e:HEV Hybrid for Europe – will it come to Malaysia too?

When the latest 11^th generation Civic Hatchback made its global debut from North America last year, it was mentioned that there would be hybrid (which Honda calls e:HEV) as well as combustion engine powertrains. However, the e:HEV powertrain was primarily intended for the European market to meet Honda’s objective for all European mainstream models to have electrified powertrains by 2022.

The Civic Hatchback e:HEV will be available in Europe from the fourth quarter of this year. It will join the Jazz, CR-V and HR-V in the electrified line-up, while the Honda e is a battery electric model (BEV).

While the Jazz, CR-V and HR-V use 1.5-litre petrol engines with their hybrid powertrains, the new Civic Hatchback has a larger 2-litre direct-injection, Atkinson-cycle engine. The total system output is 135 kW (170 ps) and 315 Nm of torque. Honda engineers have introduced several new elements within its architecture to help achieve a thermal efficiency of 41%, one of the highest figures within the automotive industry for a production roadcar engine. This allows the engine to provide better performance as losses through friction are less.

The two compact electric motors, powered by a 72-cell lithium-ion battery, work together to provide the primary propulsion for the car. The engine is controlled by a new, compact Power Control unit which now sits under the bonnet with the rest of the powertrain. Located under the rear seats is the latest version of Honda’s Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) and whilst smaller and lighter, it benefits from an increased energy density. This system delivers a feeling of instant torque and powerful acceleration whilst still offering outstanding efficiency.

While on the move, the advanced powertrain shifts seamlessly between electric, hybrid and engine-only modes. When each mode is used depends on various factors, but the driver does not make the determination. The computer will consider the battery level, load conditions and speed, and choose the optimum mode to run in. It is possible to run a few kilometres on just electric mode, usually when starting a journey.

And while on the move, the battery is constantly recharged (even during braking or coasting) so there should be no ‘range anxiety’ or the need to search for a charging station. In fact, with the presence of the petrol engine, the operation is just like a normal car with a combustion engine and fuel can be added when necessary. However, with the electric motor doing part of the work, the consumption will be quite low (20 kms/litre claimed).

While the driver cannot control the powertrain modes, he or she can select specific programming for economical, sporty, or normal driving characteristics. The Civic Hatchback also has one more mode not seen in all e:HEV models and that is an Individual mode. This allows separate control of the engine, transmission and meter display and will be appreciated by drivers who want to fine-tune their car’s performance. Central to the e:HEV system is the fixed gear transmission which has been designed to minimize mechanical friction and is controlled by the IPU.

As for styling, the overall appearance follows that of the latest Civic generation with a more dramatic roofline that gives a sleek coupe-like profile. Depending on the variant, the front end may have a different grille (like the RS versions in Malaysia). At the rear where the big differences are, with larger side windows and a new small corner window in the C-pillar to enhance rearward visibility,

The roofline flows downwards to a lightweight composite tailgate (a first for the Civic). Developed using new manufacturing technology, the weight has been reduced by 20% compared with the previous Civic, making it easier to open and close.

The overall height of the car has been reduced by 50 mm by moving the hinge mechanism outwards. The design of the rear lights is different from the sedan’s and the third brake light lens spans nearly the entire width of its hatch, visually emphasizing the Hatchback’s wider rear track.

Compared to the 10th-generation Civic Hatchback, the windscreen pillars have been moved back by around 50 mm while the wheelbase is 35 mm longer and the rear track is 13 mm wider. However, the rear overhang is less which reduces the overall length by 124 mm but Honda says rear legroom is better in this new variant.

With the large opening at the back, additional attention was given to body rigidity. The Civic Hatchback’s structure has 19% better torsional rigidity versus the previous generation. The stiffer structure, with an aluminium front subframe, benefits ride, handling and refinement, with reductions in noise, vibration and harshness augmented with the extensive use of structural adhesives, spray-in foam in the pillars, and additional sound deadening in the firewall and under the floor.

The suspension is shared with the Sedan but Honda mentions chassis updates such as new low-drag front brake calipers, and low-friction front and rear wheel bearings to reduce rolling resistance.

While the latest City Sedan and Hatchback RS have e:HEV powertrains, the new Civic Sedan does not. Whether we get the new Civic Hatchback e:HEV depends very much on whether it is offered in Thailand. Sales of the Civic Hatchback have not been good so there may not be interest offer the new generation.

However, since it uses the same platform as the sedan, Honda might be willing to develop a sedan with e:HEV technology for ASEAN where there should be sufficient volume to justify it. According to Maduko Chujo, Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia, the company is looking at the possibility of offering a hybrid powertrain with the Civic later on. One of the challenges for the company is to get the cost down so the pricing can be more attractive to a larger segment of buyers.

11th generation Honda Civic Sedan arrives in Malaysia, with 1.5-litre turbo engine for entire range

Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV price announced as RM107,783

Following the launch of the Honda City Hatchback in December, for which there are more than 5,200 bookings, Honda Malaysia has now announced the price of the City Hatchback RS e:HEV which was not revealed earlier. Without insurance, the price is RM107,783.09 and this price without sales tax will be applicable until June 30, 2022. There are 3 colour options – Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Platinum White Pearl.

This is the first time that the City model is offered in a hatchback bodystyle and the flagship version also comes with e:HEV technology that uses the 1.5-litre Sports intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain coupled with Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT). The hybrid powertrain produces 109 ps/253 Nm and can run in hybrid, engine or even fully electric mode, the latter available for a limited distance depending on the battery pack level.

*The City Hatchback’s e:HEV system can run on just the electric motor powered by the battery pack, saving fuel and with no exhaust emissions.*

However, as a hybrid electric vehicle, there is no need for recharging from an external source as the battery pack will recharge while the car is being driven. Recharging constantly takes place either by the engine or through regeneration during braking and coasting. This is therefore a more practical approach to electrification for Malaysians at this time when the network of recharging stations is still very small.

Specific to the City Hatchback are a Gloss Black front Grill, Solid Wing and Door Mirrors, and standard are LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED front foglights, a rear spoiler and LED rear light units, along with 16-inch alloy wheels.

The interior follows the layout of the sedan and comes with red-stitched Ultrasuede® Seats. The City Hatchback offers additional versatility as it comes with the 4-mode ULTRA Seat, a feature that originated in the first Jazz. The ULTRA Seat allows for different seating layouts in the cabin to suit different usage requirements, including one for carrying tall items like plants.

*With the ULTRA Seat, it is possible to fold the seats upright to create more vertical space to carry tall items like plants.*

This variant also comes with a 7-inch Interactive TFT meter, 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity as well as rear air conditioning. Other first-in-segment features are Honda LaneWatch to monitor the blind spot on the left side, Electric Parking Brake and Remote Engine Start.

*Honda LaneWatch uses a small camera on the left door mirror to monitor the blind spot behind the car and display real-time images on the centre screen.*

Like the City Sedan RS e:HEV, this hatchback variant also has Honda SENSING, the camera-based driver-assistance system which allows Level 2 autonomous driving as well. Honda SENSING consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Auto High Beam. With the systems active, the workload on the driver is less so fatigue on long journeys can be reduced as well as motoring safety being enhanced.

Honda CONNECT is also included and this smart Telematics Technology allows owners to connect with the City Hatchback via a smartphone application. The owner can be easily informed of the car’s status as well as other useful information.

For more information or to locate a showroom for a test-drive, visit www.honda.com.my.

New Honda City Hatchback officially launched, priced from RM75,670

New Honda City Hatchback officially launched, priced from RM75,670

Not everyone may know that the City name did not begin with the model that is known today which was born in the mid-1990s. There was another Honda City – a small car mainly sold in Japan which was called the City as well. That model was interesting in the interior packaging that made it even possible to include a tiny scooter called the MotoCompo in the boot. And it was a hatchback. So it is interesting that while the original City was not mentioned before as a predecessor of today’s City – which is a sedan – it was mentioned with the launch of the new City Hatchback.

The original City was a small hatchback produced between 1981 and 1986. It was only around 3.8 metres long with a wheelbase of 2.2 metres – while the modern City Hatchback is 4.3 metres long and sits on a wheelbase of 2.6 metres.

The City Hatchback takes the place of the Jazz which will no longer be offered in Malaysia but will still be sold elsewhere outside the region. Some may ask why it is necessary to drop the Jazz. It has been a successful product since being launched in 2001 and was the first model to beat the Toyota Corolla in the domestic Japanese market in overall sales. Like the Civic, which began as a low-priced hatchback, the Jazz evolved and perhaps became more sophisticated and more expensive to build.

It could be for this reason that Honda decided to develop a hatchback on the City platform which was originally conceived as a ‘Asian Car’. It was created at a time when the Civic began to cost more and could no longer be an entry-level model so a new lower-cost approach was needed to offer a new model at the entry level.

*Prices shown above do not include insurance and sales tax. For private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.*

The City Hatchback was planned and developed at the same time as the current 5^th generation City Sedan but its introduction was delayed due to the pandemic. While the Jazz will be sold in other regions, this model is intended mainly for the Asia-Oceania market. The factory in Thailand is the hub for producing the City in both variants and markets like Malaysia also have it assembled locally.

Four variants, two powertrains
For the Malaysian market, there are four variants being assembled at the Melaka plant, essentially like what is offered for the sedan. And like the sedan too, one of them (the RS variant) has a more advanced i-MMD e-HEV powertrain. This is a hybrid powertrain which is greatly improved from the first Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system Honda used over 20 years ago. It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine working with dual electric motors and can generate up to 253 Nm of torque – which is a figure normally seen from bigger engines. The City Hatchback RS will not, however, be immediately available (which was the same case with the City RS), so we won’t get into too much detail at this time.

As for the other three variants (S, E and V), these all share the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a DOHC cylinder head. This engine (also used in the sedan) produces 121 ps/145 Nm which is the highest in its class and the power gets to the front wheels through a CVT. These three variants are expected to account for 95% of the sales, the same proportion as for the City Sedan.

Shorter but heavier
While the sedan and hatchback have similar mechanical items and parts, the bodywork is obviously different at the rear with the absence of the ‘third box’ for the boot. The rear side doors appear similar, probably retaining the same hard points but further back, the rear end is shorter. The difference in overall length is about 206 mm but the wheelbase is identical at 2600 mm as is the 1748 mm width. The hatchback is a bit heavier even though it is shorter and that’s likely to be because it has a larger piece of glass at the back.

The versatility of a hatchback
When hatchbacks started to appear in the 1970s, the selling point was their versatility. SUVs as we know them today were not in existence yet so to have a car that could provide comfortable transport and yet carry more stuff than a sedan, the hatchback with its large rear opening was a practical approach.

While one can say that when folding rear seats were also available in sedans, the extended load capacity also became possible, along with a longer floor. But what a hatchback offers is more vertical space so more items can be stacked or taller items can be accommodated (keeping in mind the rear view, of course).

The ULTRA Seat
Honda’s designers went one step further in making the cabin of a hatchback versatile by adding the ULTRA seat. This innovation was developed after hours of watching people at supermarkets and shopping centres. They took note of the sort of items loaded and saw that there were items that were tall (like plants) and could not readily fit. This led them to design the rear seat to fold upwards against the backrest and create a generous vertical space from the floor to the ceiling.

The ULTRA seat was introduced in the first generation of the Jazz in the early 2000s. It was then offered in the second generation of the City, giving it a unique selling point. However, it was not consistently offered and then disappeared.

Now the ULTRA seat is back in the City Hatchback which extends its versatility. Instead of being bolted to the floor and fixed in place, the seats have a hinge under the backrest and are supported on U-shaped tubular bars. They can be flipped up against the backrests, or the backrests flipped down flat to get more floor length.

While they are similar in concept to the original ULTRA seats, they no longer have a hard plastic panel underneath. In the early version, the panel was moulded and included circular teh tarik hooks which were useful if you had some plastic bags to hang.

As before, the ULTRA seats have four ‘modes’ – UTILITY, LONG, TALL or REFRESH. For the LONG and REFRESH modes, the front passenger’s seat can also be folded flat so there is an open space from the back door all the way to the dashboard to carry a really long item or just to stretch out. For those who frequent IKEA, this would definitely be the sort of car to own.

Similar design and features as sedan
The cabin layout is the same as the sedan’s and the equipment levels are also similar. The best-equipped version is the top RS e:HEV which has Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT. However, this version would cost more than the RM87,860 that the top version (1.5V) of the petrol-engined variants is priced at. For the sedan, Honda Malaysia introduced an additional version which brings Honda SENSING to the 1.5V version and they might do the same for the City Hatchback later on.

In any case, the City Hatchback 1.5V is still pretty well equipped and good value for money. It has standard features like Auto LED headlights (high beam automatically switches to low beam when necessary), LED front foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels, Honda LaneWatch and 6 airbags.

Honda Lanewatch is another innovative feature which provides the driver with a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car by using a small camera mounted on the door mirror. The real-time image is displayed on the 8-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard so the driver doesn’t have to turn the head all the way to the left to see the mirror. The camera is only on when the left signal is activated.

Other notable features are Remote Engine Start, paddle shifters, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning a reverse camera (these items are also standard for the 1.5E). For those with compatible smartphones, there’s added connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Comprehensive safety systems
While the Honda SENSING package is available only for the very top RS variant, the safety systems that come standard with the City Hatchback are also pretty comprehensive and can help to reduce accidents. These include ABS with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hillstart Assist.

There’s also an Emergency Stop Signal system which will keep the brake lights illuminated and activate the hazard lights automatically if the braking action is sudden and heard (indicating emergency braking). This can alert drivers behind so that they will respond earlier and possibly avoid a rearend collision.

As childseats are now required by law, there is an ISOFIX point for compatible childseats to be installed easily and securely. The Seatbelt Reminder is also wired to include the rear seatbelts so that the driver will be aware when someone is not belted up (an offence).

For those who don’t like SUVs
The Jazz may be missed by some but if it is versatility that you are looking for, then the City Hatchback would be just as practical. This extra capability is available without compromising on space and comfort and can be considered something like a stationwagon too. And for those who want the versatility of a SUV but don’t like the tallness, the City Hatchback could also be a great alternative as it sits as low as the sedan.

First Impressions Of The All-New Honda City Hatchback V-Variant

Highlights of all-new Honda City Hatchback which you can book now

The all-new Honda City Hatchback is nearing launch in Malaysia and as bookings can now be placed at authorised dealers nationwide, Honda Malaysia has provided an overview of the features available. While silent on the prices, the company has confirmed that the new model will be launched before the end of this year. It is unlikely that the prices will be far different from the latest City Sedan (RM74,191 – RM105,950) as it is also assembled locally at the plant in Melaka.

The City Hatchback, which shares the same platform as the City Sedan, replaces the Jazz which has been in the market since 2003. Based on the Thai-spec model, it is around 390 mm longer than the Jazz and 54 mm wider, but 36 mm lower. With the wheelbase at 2589 mm, there is 59 mm extra length between the front and rear wheels, which suggests that the interior should also be a bit more spacious (although the packaging in the Jazz has always been pretty good too).

Hybrid or petrol engine choices
As with the City Sedan, customers can choose the advanced hybrid electric system (e:HEV) or the conventional and proven 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine with 121 ps (highest in class) and maximum torque of 145 Nm. The e:HEV powertrain has Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) with 2 electric motors working with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Besides good fuel efficiency, the performance is also strong, thanks to the 253 Nm of torque which is comparable to a D-segment car with a conventional powertrain.

Incidentally, the City Hatchback assembled in Malaysia differs from the one sold in Thailand as the powertrain offered there is only a 1-litre DOHC 3-cylinder turbocharged VTEC unit. That engine produces 122 ps/173 Nm.

ULTRA Seat
The features and equipment follow those of the sedan in general, but the City Hatchback also as the added versatility of the 4-Mode ULTRA Seat in the rear. This is a variable seating arrangement which was introduced with the first generation of the Jazz in the 2003 (and also the City in the same year). The practical and innovative idea was developed by interior designers after long periods of watching people at supermarkets loading various items. They saw that there was a need for more vertical space for tall items like plants, and made it possible for the entire seat to be flipped up so that the height available would be from ceiling to the floor. This is known as the Tall Mode, which is complemented by Utility, Long, and Refresh modes for different needs.

Honda Malaysia will also offer Remote Engine Start which allows the engine to be started from outside the car, enabling the air-conditioner to be switched on to cool down the cabin before entering. Passengers at the rear will also have added comfort with cool air being brought to them via the dedicated vents.

Honda SENSING and LaneWatch
As would be expected, the City Hatchback (RS only) will have Honda SENSING, the driver assistance suite of systems. This uses front wide-angle view camera (at the top of the windscreen) to scan the road ahead of lane marking as well as other vehicles. Besides automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, it also has adaptive cruise control and control the car from moving out of its lane unintentionally. Auto High Beam is also provided to keep maximum illumination available but automatically dipping the headlights if there is approaching traffic.

Also installed as standard in the City Hatchback (RS and V versions) is Honda LaneWatch. This innovative blindspot monitoring system uses a small camera mounted on the left door mirror to capture real-time images of the area along the side of the car. The image is displayed on the centre screen whenever the left turn signal is activated and the driver can see if there is any approaching vehicle. The advantage of this approach is that the driver’s head turns left less and the image shown is also easier to see than on the door mirror which is some distance away.

“Honda is not new to the hatchback segment in Malaysia as the popular Jazz which was introduced back in 2003 has sold more than 122,000 units to date. The Jazz is well-known for its practicality and versatility, and is highly popular as one of Malaysians’ favourite urban cars. We believe, with the introduction of the All-New City Hatchback, this model will raise the benchmark to be another game-changer in the market and soon also become Malaysians’ most favourite hatchback car,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

For more information or to place a booking for the City Hatchback, visit any authorised Honda dealership in Malaysia. To locate a showroom, visit www.honda.com.my.

Honda Malaysia offers two extra benefits for new vehicle purchasers until the end of 2021

New Honda Civic Hatchback has global debut in America

Almost 50 years ago, when the Honda Civic was born, it was only a hatchback, the sedan coming from the beginning of the 1980s. In Asian markets, the hatchback had a subordinate position to the more popular sedan and due to limited numbers being sold, it disappeared from Malaysia (officially) after a few generations.

In markets like North America, the hatchback was more appreciated and has been accounting for about 20% of Civic sales in the USA. Like the sedan, it evolved through the generations, gaining in size and performance. The 11th generation hatchback variant has now been revealed, joining the new Civic Sedan which was launched some months back, also in the USA.

2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Gen 11 — *Comparison between rear ends of the new Civic Hatchback (above) and the Sedan (below).*

Same styling elements as latest Sedan
The overall styling follows that of the latest generation with a more dramatic roofline that gives a sleek coupe-like profile. While the front end has a similar form but a different grille (mesh with a slight concave shape) from the sedan, it is at the rear where the big differences are. There are larger side windows and a new small corner window in the C-pillar to enhance rearward visibility,

The roof line flows downwards to a lightweight composite hatch and the overall height of the car has been reduced by 50 mm by moving the hinge mechanism outwards. The design of the rear lights is different from the sedan’s and the third brake light lens spans nearly the entire width of its hatch, visually emphasizing the Hatchback’s wider rear track.

Longer wheelbase but shorter body
Compared to the 10th-generation Civic Hatchback, the windscreen pillars have been moved back by around 50 mm while the wheelbase is 35 mm longer and the rear track is 13 mm wider. However, the rear overhang is less which reduces the overall length by 124 mm but Honda says rear legroom is better in this new variant.

The suspension is shared with the Sedan but Honda mentions chassis updates such as new low-drag front brake calipers, and low-friction front and rear wheel bearings to reduce rolling resistance.

Naturally-aspirated, turbo and hybrid powertrains
As with the current generation in many markets, there will be a choice of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including the 1.5-litre turbo unit Malaysians are familiar with. A 6-speed manual transmission will be available and for the US market, the naturally aspirated engine has a 2-litre displacement. It’s coupled with a revised CVT that has a more robust electric hydraulic pump to reduce the load on the mechanical pump, and a ball-bearing secondary shaft to reduce friction.

*The European market will get the Civic Hatchback with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain.*

For the European and probably Japanese market, Honda will also put a e:HEV powertrain in the Civic Hatchback, the hybrid powertrain meeting the objective for all European mainstream models to have electrified powertrains by 2022.

Sedan functionality with hatchback versatility
Much of the interior is the same as the Sedan with the added layout versatility of a Hatchback adding 65% more cargo space. The standard 60:40 split backrests can be quickly folded for expanded capacity and the side-pull cargo cover provides concealment of items in the boot.

Up front, outward visibility is enhanced by the repositioned A-pillars, low bonnet, flat dashboard, low cowl and outside mirrors which are now mounted on the doors. The instrument panel is designed with a minimum of cutlines to reduce windscreen reflections and visual distractions, while the new metal honeycomb instrument panel accent hides the air vents.

Like all Hondas sold today, there is the Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies. The latest version installed in the Civic Hatchback uses a new single-camera system providing a longer, wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera based system. Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system is capable of more quickly and accurately identifying pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs.

Honda Sensing also includes Traffic Jam Assist, and the new camera-based system improves on existing functionality, such as more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It also has more linear and natural steering action when using the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Low-Speed Braking Control is supported by and front and rear false-start prevention with the addition of eight sonar sensors.

Unlikely for Malaysia
Malaysia has long been a sedan market and while there were hatchbacks too, most faded away after the 1980s. Today, the lines are blurred between sedans and hatchbacks, the latter once defined by having a blunt rear end. But while Malaysian buyers may appreciate the extra versatility a hatchback offers, many will probably get a SUV instead as it may be perceived to be more suitable in different roles.

*Early generations of the Civic Hatchback were sold in Malaysia but it was dropped from the locally-assembled range after the 1990s.*

But beyond that point, there is also the question of potential volume and as Honda Malaysia is committed to assembling products locally with high localization of parts as well, the Civic Hatchback may not have the sort of numbers for a business case. It’s not only that the Malaysian market is not as large as Thailand and Indonesia but also that a huge chunk of the market is occupied by just two brands with strong advantages. The remaining part of the market has to be shared by around 20 makes and the ‘slices of the pie’ for each is therefore small and a variant like the Civic Hatchback won’t generate enough volume.

Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about the models available in Malaysia.

Honda e starts Honda’s electrification strategy in Europe

The automotive industry is changing faster than at any time in its history, with a convergence of trends and developments shaping the face of the sector beyond all recognition. Honda predicts that by 2030, the development of automobiles will be centred around electrification, automation and services. Environmental issues, such as climate change, are driving demand for cleaner mobility and accelerating the electrification of automobiles.

The new fully-electric Honda e is inspired by this 2030 prediction, engineered from the ground up to deliver a package perfect for the modern urban environment. It first appeared in concept form in 2017 as the ‘Urban EV’, followed by an almost production-ready prototype at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Finally having its global debut in Frankfurt last year, the compact EV features cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners in sync with everyday life. The Honda e sets new technology benchmarks in the compact EV segment, with intuitive infotainment services and connected apps that seamlessly integrate with the owner’s modern lifestyle, accessed via the dual touchscreen displays, Honda Personal Assistant artificial intelligence or via the My Honda+ smartphone app.

Design-wise, the Honda e has a simple and clean modern appearance which somehow also brings to mind the original Civic. That Civic was a model of innovation in its time and the Honda e reimagines the identity of a small Honda for the next era of urban mobility.

Exemplifying such design philosophy is the Side Camera Mirror System (SCMS) that replaces conventional side view mirrors, with compact cameras that provide live images to two 6-inch screens inside the vehicle. The camera technology, a first in the compact segment, brings significant benefits for safety, aerodynamics and packaging.

The interior uses subtle, contemporary materials to create a relaxing lounge-like. The generous wheelbase allows passenger space comparable with that of cars in the segment above, with step-through access contributing to the spacious interior environment.

The Honda e also offers Single Pedal Control System to improve driving efficiency in urban environments. When activated, the system enables the driver to seamlessly accelerate, slow and stop the car using only the accelerator pedal. The Single Pedal Control System provides linear deceleration control that gives the car a more agile response. By decreasing in frequency the need to use both accelerator and brake pedals, it helps the driver feel more comfortable in stop/start congested city traffic.

The wide rear bench seat provides sofa-like seating, adding further to the ambience of a modern living space. Ceiling spot lamps above the occupants’ heads and out of direct eyesight contribute further to the comfortable and sophisticated feel, like you are switching on your living room light, and are activated by a button on the B-pillar.

The Honda e provides the most comprehensive range of driver aids in its class, addressing the demand for more safety provisions that is topping consumer expectations today. An enhanced suite of safety features sees the addition of three new safety technologies. These are Collision Mitigation Throttle Control, preventing sudden acceleration in either reverse or drive upon starting the car when there is an obstacle in the way; Low Speed Brake Function which applies emergency braking while driving at low speed, and Lead Car Departure Notification System which notifies the driver when the car in front has started moving.

Providing additional support to drivers is the Honda Parking Pilot, which continues the theme of user-focused technology. The system assists the driver in locating an appropriate space and then manoeuvring the car efficiently into it. It does this through the use of 4 cameras and 12 sonar sensors. A multi-view camera detects the white line of a parking spot, while the sensors recognise the actual parking space. The system can execute up to 5 parking patterns which covers virtually all parking scenarios.

The all-new EV-specific platform (with rear-wheel drive) has been engineered to deliver fun and effortless electric performance (154 ps/315 Nm) with exceptional driving characteristics in urban environments. The claimed acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 8.3 seconds, with a 136 ps variant doing it in 9 seconds.

The 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a claimed range of 222 kms, and 80% of charge can be ‘refuelled’ within 30 minutes in rapid charging mode. Reinforcing the function-led design approach, the car’s advanced charging port is integrated centrally in the bonnet for ease of use from either side of the car. The lid is made of high-strength glass and operated via the key fob or My Honda+ app. LED lighting visible through the sleek cover welcomes the driver upon approach to the car, and communicates by illuminating blue when charging, or red if the charging system detects an error.

In the UK market, the Honda E with the more powerful powertrain will cost £28,660 (about RM152,000) while the lowered powered on will be around 9% cheaper. The prices are after a rebate is given as an incentive for purchases of EVs. The Nissan LEAF, which is the world’s most widely sold EV, costs around £32,500 (RM173,000) even with a rebate but it has a higher-capacity 62-kWh battery pack.

The Honda e is the start of the carmaker’s electrification offensive in Europe. Over the next 36 months, there will be all-new hybrid-only Jazz, a SUV and an additional battery electric vehicle. Honda’s new ‘e: Technology’ branding will unify all its electrified products under the same global name. Ahead of its European 2022 electrification goal, Honda will expand the application of its e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system to the entire line-up of Honda vehicles in Europe, starting with the next-generation Jazz, available from the middle of 2020.

Honda e previews connectivity features you could get tomorrow

All-new 4th generation Honda Jazz/Fit unveiled!

The introduction of the Honda Jazz/Fit in mid-2001 in Japan was significant in that it was the beginning of a new era where consumers had different requirements. This was evident not only with the new model being picked as the Japan’s ‘Car of the Year‘ but also being the first model to beat the Toyota Corolla for No. 1 position in the domestic market. The Corolla had been No. 1 every year for decades but the Fit showed that consumer tastes had changed and Honda understood what they wanted for the new decade and century.

Now comes the fourth generation, launched today at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, and Honda says it has been developed to be the globally-accepted standard for compact cars suited to this new era. The development team pursued an ‘emotional value’ which cannot be expressed numerically and embodied four dimensions of comfort that enable this vehicle to be better able to support the daily lives of customers.

“We developed this vehicle not merely as a means of transportation for our customers. We strived for a vehicle which will become a part of our customers’ daily lives and make their daily lives more comfortable and enjoyable. This is a compact car for the new era, and this vehicle will set a new standard for Honda automobile development,” said Honda’s President & CEO, Takahiro Hachigo.

“What we strive to do with this all-new Fit is to establish the standard for compact cars suited to this new era. We believe this car will be able to become an industry standard for the new era only if it can win admiration in the Japanese market where fulfilling customer needs for compact cars is especially difficult compared to other parts of the world. Based on this belief, we squarely and sincerely faced our customers in Japan and perfected this all-new Fit as a global model that Honda will propose from Japan to the rest of the world,” he added.

Five versions
Although manufacturers typically offer various versions with different features at different price levels, Honda has made it a point with the new Jazz/Fit to emphasise that it is sold in 5 different versions (probably only for the domestic market) to allow customers to choose the version that is right for them depending on their lifestyle and life stage. The five versions, which have individual characteristics, are BASIC, HOME, NESS, CROSSTAR and LUXE. The differentiation is more than just features and equipment but also in exterior appearance.

Honda Fit Basic — *The Fit BASIC will be the entry-level version but still offer a high-quality design and occupant comfort. It features a simple design with a front face and seamless, flowing exterior form.*

Honda Fit Home — As the name suggests, this Fit HOME version is more for a young family . It offers a relaxing and carefully-designed space with high visual and tactile quality by coordinating colours and materials, including natural-looking fabric seats made with high-quality materials, a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and Prime Smooth soft padding.

Honda Fit Ness — The NESS version features vivid colour coordination and adopts water-repellent materials for the seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. It has a sporty and fashionable image which should appeal to customers who enjoy driving just like they enjoy fitness and sports.

Honda Fit Crosstar — The Fit CROSSTAR has a more distinctive exterior developed exclusively for the version as well as larger 16-inch aluminium wheels. As for the interior, water-repellent materials are used for seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. The aim is to project an enhanced image of a compact and yet tough vehicle.

Honda Fit Luxe — The Fit may be a compact hatchback but it can still be a mobile space where people can spend comfortable time. This LUXE version comes with standard genuine leather seats designed as an exclusive feature with high visual and tactile quality. For the exterior, platinum-style chrome plating and 16-inch aluminium wheels add to the high-quality feel.

Powertrains
The new Fit will go on sale in Japan in February next year and details of powertrains available have not been released. It is likely that the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine will continue to be used and would be an improved unit. It is also expected that the 1-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine used for the Civic in some markets will be offered. This compact unit produces around 130 ps/200 Nm and would be highly suited to the model.

*1-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine (left) likely to be offered in new Fit, while the hybrid system is more advanced with the 2-motor system.*

The hybrid version of the all-new Fit will be the first Honda compact car equipped with the 2-motor hybrid system. The system features 3 drive modes designed to enhance efficiency while providing optimum on-road performance during a variety of conditions. Called e:HEV, this powertrain uses a 1.5-litre engine and is an extension of the application of its i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) from large to mid-sized vehicles to small-sized vehicles as it is the core of Honda electrification technologies.

Interior
With the new Fit, Honda is introducing a new-generation body stabilizing seat that the company developed while envisioning application for its high-class sedan models. The planar support structure of the seat stabilizes the body and makes long driving less tiring and enables the user to enjoy the soft feeling of the seat.

The rear seats continue to feature seat arrangements as versatile as that of the previous generation Fit and realize seat comfort equivalent to high-class sedan models by adopting a larger and thicker seat pad which offers stress-free seating even for adult passengers. It’s not clear if the Ultra Seat feature is maintained but that was a clever idea which enhanced the versatility of the model by creating more storage space in the rear half of the cabin.

New safety features
The Fit features a front pillar with a cross-sectional structure that is different from previous generations but dissipation of impact energy in the event of a collision remains effective enough to protect the occupants from harm. While ensuring collision safety performance without compromise, a newly-designed front pillar offers exceptionally wide and superior frontal visibility compared to that of previous models. Moreover, the instrument panel features a flat-topped design which emphasizes horizontal and straight lines, and the windscreen wipers are positioned so low as to be barely visible from inside the cabin.

Depending on the market, the new Fit/Jazz will come with a front camera which covers a wide area in front of the vehicle as part of the Honda SENSING advanced safety and driver-assist system. By combining the front wide view camera and 8 sonar sensors mounted in the front and back of the car, existing Honda SENSING functions can be enhanced.

The new Fit will also be the first model equipped with the Honda CONNECT on-board communication module developed exclusively for Honda vehicles. Starting with this model, Honda will begin evolving Honda Total Care Premium which consists of three services: 1) remote control of some vehicle functions via smartphone; 2) emergency support service which connects the vehicle directly to a support centre in case of an emergency such as a traffic accident and enables prompt and proper responses; and 3) security ‘rush over’ service which dispatches a security guard when an abnormal situation occurring to the vehicle is detected. Of course, availability of Honda CONNECT will depend on the market and whether there is an infrastructure to support it.

Sales in Japan start in February next year and the Honda Malaysia plant in Melaka must already be well into production planning to start local assembly. However, the timing would have to be coordinated with other ASEAN markets, with Thailand (or Indonesia) usually being the first country to launch a new model.

Piston.my

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