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Honda CR-V

With the all-new Honda CR-V launched in Malaysia, we found another interesting feature besides the body stabilising seats, the active shutter grille.

Since 2017, Honda has incorporated active grille shutters in models like the Odyssey. This system is designed to enhance aerodynamics by utilising vents to regulate airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.

The active grille shutters are positioned in front of the radiator and consist of motorised vanes that can move to either allow or block airflow. Controlled by the car’s engine control module, these vanes can be adjusted to various positions, ranging from fully closed to fully open, depending on the cooling air requirements for the condenser and radiator.

When airflow is necessary to cool the engine, the vents open, and when no airflow is needed, they shut. This dynamic adjustment significantly reduces aerodynamic drag, providing benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. When fully closed, the active grille shutters can contribute to a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Additionally, the system keeps the vanes closed for as long as possible during cold starts, helping the engine reach its most efficient operating temperature quickly and contributing an extra 0.3% to fuel efficiency.

Honda Malaysia has just officially launched the all-new Honda CR-V. We test-drove the new CR-V in Thailand last month and we loved it!

The interior is spacious and provides excellent comfort. To enhance the comfort level, it comes with Honda’s body stabilising seats. This is the first CR-V to use Honda’s body stabilising seat 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.

Additionally, the new structure makes it easier to maintain a comfortable and stable driving posture, even when cornering and on uneven road surfaces.

The next-generation body stabilising seat, which Honda developed to use for its high-end sedan models, was first available on the fourth-generation Jazz that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2019.

Bookings for the new Honda CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) were open to Malaysians a month ago and now, Honda Malaysia has officially launched the CR-V here. The CR-V, a model with a 20-year history, holds the distinction of being the first Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) model produced at Honda Malaysia’s Melaka manufacturing plant in 2003. It has been one of Honda Malaysia’s most successful models with close to 130,000 units sold.

What’s new for the sixth-generation CR-V? First, there are four trim levels to choose from, which are the 1.5L S and 1.5L E, both of which are 2WD models. At the top of the turbo range is an AWD variant, and the 1.5L AWD now has a V-grade identification. The well-known 1.5L VTEC Turbo from the previous generation is present in all three, along with the similarly well-known CVT gearbox and, lastly, sitting at the top is the brand-new 2.0L e:HEV RS, which is a powertrain we first saw in the new Honda Civic.

The 2.0L e:HEV powertrain puts out 184PS and 335Nm of torque while the 1.5L turbo puts out 193PS and 243Nm of torque.

The new CR-V introduces a modern design concept that combines refined elegance with a sophisticated appearance, embodying Honda’s design language. The e:HEV RS has a premium feel with distinct styling, featuring a bold mesh pattern front grille, full LED headlights and tail lights, LED front fog lights, and front LED sequential turn signals. Sleek door handles and Berlina Black 18-inch alloy wheels further contribute to its modern and stylish profile. In terms of sizing, compared to the fifth generation CR-V, the new body is 10mm wider, 80mm longer with a 40mm longer wheelbase.

The model (S, E and e:HEV RS variants) is bigger and wider than its predecessor, setting an imposing stance with its 4,691mm length, 1,866mm width, 1,681mm height and 2,701mm wheelbase.

Enhancing both aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the e:HEV RS variant incorporates an Active Shutter Grille, a first for the CR-V model. This grille, mounted on the Front Lower Bumper, intelligently regulates cooling airflow based on speed, engine temperature, and cooling requirements and it contributes 0.3% to fuel efficiency.

The boot capacity now sits at 589 litres when the rear seats are up and increases to a capacious 1,072 litres when the seats are laid flat. It has a low loading height, making it easy to move heavier items onto and off the SUV.

Inside, the new CR-V e:HEV RS comes with a 12-speaker Bose sound system while the other variants come with eight speakers. You will also find an improved dashboard as seen in the Civic and with it is a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, seven-inch for the base S variant. The V and e:HEV RS variants offer interior ambient lighting.

 

Additionally, the new CR-V features Honda Body Stabilising Seats. This is the first CR-V to use Honda’s Body Stabilising Seat for front passengers, which has a planar resin mat construction to support the occupant’s entire lower body for increased support and stability, extending from the pelvis to the lumbar spine. This raises the hip point position, which facilitates getting in and out of the SUV.

Qi wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, a Honda key card, and wireless Apple CarPlay are among the new features of the CR-V, which also has Android Auto connectivity. Depending on the model, the instrument cluster is either a 10.25-inch fully digital display or a seven-inch semi-digital one with an analogue speedometer, similar to the Civic.

Safety wise, the new CR-V comes with Honda Sensing with advanced technology such as the combination of radar, camera and sonar sensor for better detection angles. This helps with lane departure warning (LDW), road departure mitigation (RDM), lane keep assist system (LKAS), forward collision warning (FCW), collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), lead car departure notification system (LCDN), adaptive cruise control (ACC), low speed follow (LSF), and the RS trim comes with adaptive driving beam.

For the first time in Honda Malaysia, the model incorporates a total of eight Airbags with the inclusion of two Knee Airbags. This feature, along with Honda Connect, comes as standard across all variants.

The all-new CR-V provides customers with a choice of five attractive colours. Available for the first time in Honda Malaysia is Canyon River Blue Metallic, joining the line-up of Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic.

The S variant is priced at RM159,900.00, the E at RM169,900.00 and the V at RM181,900.00. The e:HEV RS variant will only be available in early 2024, and Honda Malaysia will announce the price closer to the delivery period.

The comprehensive SUV package of the all-new CR-V contributed to its soaring popularity, amassing over 2,000 bookings in just one month.

This year, Honda is commemorating its 75th Anniversary, coinciding with Honda Malaysia’s celebration of 20 years of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) CR-V production as this model was the first car assembled in its Melaka plant. In conjunction with the celebration of these milestones, the All-New CR-V S Variant is offered at RM157,900 only for 750 units on a first-come, first served basis.

Honda Malaysia has officially initiated bookings for its highly anticipated SUV, the 6th Generation all-new Comfortable Runabout Vehicle (CR-V). With plans to wrap up 2023 on a high note, the official launch of the CR-V is scheduled for December 2023. The CR-V, a model with a 20-year history, holds the distinction of being the first Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) model produced at Honda Malaysia’s Melaka manufacturing plant in 2003.

To date, the CR-V has exceeded 129,000 units in sales, solidifying its status as one of Honda Malaysia’s top-selling models. The new CR-V introduces a modern design concept that combines refined elegance with a sophisticated appearance, embodying Honda’s design language. The e:HEV RS variant, in particular, boasts a premium feel with distinct styling, featuring a bold Mesh Pattern Front Grille, Full LED Headlights and Tail-Lights, LED Front Fog Lights, and Front LED Sequential Turn Signals. Sleek door handles and Berlina Black 18-inch Alloy Wheels further contribute to its modern and stylish profile.

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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.

Honda’s electrification plans will still include hybrid models, at least until 2035

Where active safety systems like ABS, traction control and vehicle stability control used to work independently, the new approach over the past 10 years has been to integrate many of the systems, which also share sensors, to increase proactive performance. Many manufacturers have such integrated systems now and they have various names, with Honda calling its system Honda SENSING.

Honda SENSING was developed as part of the company’s long-standing R&D program to realise the global concept of ‘Safety for Everyone’. This aims to have a collision-free society encompassing all the different road-users. While the driver’s responses are still major factors in preventing an accident, Honda SENSING can also take independent action if the driver fails to do so.

Honda SENSING

The current CR-V was the first model in Malaysia to have Honda SENSING when it was introduced in 2017, Since then, Honda Malaysia has included the system with other models in its range, including the latest City (below).

For example, if sensors detect a vehicle ahead and a collision is likely to occur if the car does not decelerate or the driver does not brake, then the system will activate the brakes to bring the car to a stop before it hits the other car. During cruising at set speeds, the system can also ensure that a safe gap is maintained between vehicles by varying the speed.

With Honda SENSING, first introduced in 2014, motorists have gained an intelligent ‘co-driver’ to help with some of the driving work, making motoring safer and also reducing stress and fatigue. Now Honda has upgraded the system to Honda SENSING 360. This is an omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system which removes blind spots around the vehicle and contributes to collision avoidance and the reduction of driver burden while driving. Further evolved from the previous system, Honda SENSING 360 features an expanded sensing range not only in the front and rear, but omnidirectionally around the vehicle.

Honda SENSING 360 will be introduced next year in models sold in China, and then offered in other markets in following years. No doubt it will also be available in models in Malaysia in due course, upgrading the Honda SENSING system that was first introduced with the CR-V in 2017.

Honda SENSING 360 2022
The upgraded Honda SENSING 360 system has more sensors for greater situation awareness around the vehicle body.

Honda SENSING 360, as the name indicates, provides 360-degree sensing which means complete coverage all around the vehicles. This is achieved by adding a total of 5 millimetre-wave radar sensors in front and at each corner of the vehicle, in addition to the monocular camera mounted at the top of the windscreen (already used in the present system). With the additional sensors, there is expanded sensing range which covers blind spots around the vehicle.

Honda SENSING 360 2022

Advancement of Collision Mitigation Braking System
More advanced than the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) of the current Honda SENSING, the new CMBS has a broader range of detection that is expanded from in front of the vehicle to include all directions around the vehicle. When making a right or left turn at an intersection, if the system detects other vehicles or pedestrians and recognizes the risk of a collision, the CMBS will activate assist the driver in the avoidance and mitigation of a collision with the other vehicle or pedestrian.

Honda SENSING 360 2022

Front Cross Traffic Warning
When the vehicle is driving at a low speed or starting from a stop at an, the system notifies the driver of information about vehicles approaching to cross the intersection from the sides and front. Should there be a risk of a collision with the crossing vehicle, the system provides audio warnings and visual warnings on the meter to alert the driver and prompt collision avoidance actions.

Honda SENSING 360 2022

Lane Change Collision Mitigation
With multi-lane highways, vehicles move at varying speeds in each lane and there are also occasions when a driver may wish to overtake a slower vehicle. This requires changing lanes to get past and when executing such a manoeuvre, the system can help avoid a collision with a vehicle in the adjacent lane approaching from behind. When the system detects a vehicle approaching from the blind spot behind the vehicle, it provides audio warnings and visual warnings on the meter to alert the driver and also assist steering for collision avoidance.

Honda SENSING 360 2022

Active Lane Change Assist
While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and the Lane Keeping Assist System activated and when certain conditions are satisfied on a highway, if the driver activates the turn signal, the system will assist with steering for the lane change.

Honda SENSING 360 2022

Cornering Speed Assist
Although ACC is a more intelligent form of cruise control, it was only applicable for straight roads. When a tight corner was encountered, the driver would have to take control and reduce speed to drive around the corner safely. With Honda SENSING 360, the system will adjust vehicle speed accordingly (if ACC is on). Using a front camera, it detects the curvature of the lane before reaching the curve and assists the driver to drive around it smoothly.

Honda SENSING 360 2022

Just as systems like ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist have limitations, Honda SENSING 360 also has a limit to the capabilities (eg recognition capability and control capability). Honda reminds drivers of this and that they still need to pay attention and be ready to act accordingly. The day when the driver can be totally uninvolved in the operation of the vehicle is not here yet, but such systems are taking motorists towards it.

Honda SENSING Elite adds more advanced autonomous capabilities to Legend flagship

The Takata airbag matter may have quietened down after many years of frantic efforts by many car companies to get owners of affected vehicles to have the dangerously flawed airbag inflator replaced. Nevertheless, with millions of vehicles affected – the largest ever recall exercise in history – there are still vehicles out there which have not had the crucial replacement done.

Honda Malaysia was among the companies which was very pro-active and should be commended for its strong commitment and efforts. And it has not stopped trying to make sure that every single affected vehicle has its airbag inflator replaced. Of course, a 100% score is probably impossible but it should be close to that achievement.

The company now has identified another 2,784 units of Honda vehicles which also need to be recalled as a preventive measure to carry out the replacement of the driver’s side airbag inflator. These vehicles are the 1999 model year Accord and 2000 model year CR-V. All currently sold models are not affected.

1999 Honda Accord
1999 Honda Accord

Warranty ended but replacement free
Yes, they are pretty old models, which goes to show how far back the problem went. Fortunately, the manufacturers have not dismissed the matter as being something ’beyond the warranty period’ and have taken the necessary action even over 20 years after the vehicle was sold. This is, after all, literally a matter of life and death.

In case you have forgotten what the fatal flaw was, it was related to the inflator module for the airbag system. In certain cases where inflation was triggered, the internal pressure – already very high – would become critically high and break the module. This would send sharp metal pieces shooting at the driver or front passenger, some cases causing serious injuries that led to death.

So it’s a very, very serious problem that needed to be fixed. While there were incidents, some fatal, all over the world, Honda Malaysia says that it has no report in Malaysia of any incidence or injury caused by the Takata driver front airbag for these two particular models.

2000 Honda CR-V
2000 Honda CR-V

As before, the owners of the affected will be informed via notification letters. They will be asked to contact any authorized Honda dealer to make an appointment to make the replacement (subject to parts availability).

Current owners may not be known
However, one problem that could be faced is whether the current owners of the vehicles get the recall letters. As the vehicles are already 20 years old, ownership is likely to have changed and Honda Malaysia may not have the contact details of the current owner. And the original owner who receives the letter may also not know who has the vehicle now, so the latter can’t be forwarded.

Honda Malaysia hopes that members of the public who have relatives or friends owning these two models can help to make them aware so they can contact Honda Malaysia for assistance in getting the replacement inflator module. All parts and labour related to this recall will be borne by the company.

Owners of who are unsure if their vehicle is affected can obtain information by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit the Honda Malaysia Product Recall page to check their vehicle status.

Honda Malaysia also wishes to remind the public that there are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) introduced during the Movement Control Order (MCO) which are still in force nationwide. To protect the well-being of customers and Honda personnel, the company requests customers to make an appointment in advance  and adhere to the SOPs when they are at the service centre.

Recalled vehicles being recalled again. Click here to read more.

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

The Honda CR-V is one of the two models which began the ‘soft-roader’ trend, offering passenger car comfort and convenience in the SUV. The first generation was launched in the mid-1990s, around the same time as Toyota’s RAV-4 but unlike Toyota, Honda decided to assemble the model locally. This gave it a price advantage which also helped it to dominate the SUV segment.

Two decades later, it continues having a dominant position as the updated version of the fifth generation officially goes on sale. More than 36,000 units have been sold since it was launched in 2017.

Upgraded Honda SENSING SYSTEM
As the segment leader, the CR-V has set the benchmark for others to follow (or beat) and with this updated version, Honda Malaysia aims to pull away by using Next Generation Advanced Technology features. In particular, the Honda SENSING system has been upgraded to a full suite with 8 systems – some of which work together – to assist the driver.

A Rear Seat Belt Reminder has also been added, alerting the driver when the rear passengers have not fastened their seatbelts. This complements the ISOFIX mounting points for compatible childseats, which have been required by law since the beginning of 2020.

While Honda SENSING does not directly contribute to the CR-V being awarded the full 5-star rating by ASEAN NCAP, the G-CON structure, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and 6 airbags do. Additionally, the CR-V has Honda LaneWatch (a blindspot monitor), Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Auto Brake Hold and even a Driver Attention Monitor.

New features
Other new features include handsfree/keyless opening of the rear hatch by using the foot, and Remote Start which allows starting of the engine from a distance. This then allows the air-conditioning system to be run, cooling down the cabin before entering. Certainly a welcome feature in out hot climate!

As for the looks, there’s a new black grille and bumper as well as a New Wing-style Chrome Fascia. At the rear end, the latest version can be identified by the new  Dark Chrome, Smoked Finish Taillights, and rear bumper garnished with the new Wing-style Chrome Fascia as well as chrome twin tailpipes. The 19-inch alloy wheels also have new Dual-Tone styling.

There are three variants with a choice of two engines – a 193 ps/243 Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC unit or a 2-litre i-VTEC unit with 154 ps/189 Nm. Only a CVT is available but the CR-V with the smaller engine can be ordered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine

Pricing before and after December 31
The new CR-V, with 5 colours choices, is now in the showrooms nationwide with the following prices (excluding insurance and sales tax) until December 31, 2020:
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD – RM162,910.18
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD – RM157,615.91
CR-V 2.0 2WD – RM139,912.53

After December 31, when the sales tax exemption stops, the prices will be:
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD – RM169,900
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD – RM164,300
CR-V 2.0 2WD – RM145,400

Visit www.honda.com.my for more information or to locate a showroom in Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia introduces HondaTouch application for owners and customers

The rush of new model introductions, some delayed by the MCO earlier in the year, continues and today, Honda Malaysia has announced that an updated Honda CR-V will be in showrooms before the end of this year. Bookings are now accepted at all 101 authorised dealerships nationwide.

The CR-V was the first model that Honda Malaysia assembled at its new plant when the facility opened in Melaka in 2003. Since then, over 100,000 units have been sold, of which more than 36,000 have been of the 5th generation which was launched in 2017.

Restyled front bumper of New CR-V has a bolder look than the previous one (below).

“We are confident that the New CR-V will not only continue to live up to this stellar track record, but also regain its status as No.1 in the Non-National SUV segment as it offers a complete package comprising bold exterior, VTEC Turbocharged engine as well as Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology – Honda SENSING. We believe the enhanced New CR-V is an ideal SUV for families and professionals with a keen sense of sophistication and style,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

The changes
The exterior of the New CR-V receives cosmetic changes with a new black grille combined with Honda’s signature LED headlights. The restyled front and rear bumpers have a wing-style chrome fascia, while the rear end has new dark chrome and new smoked finish taillights, plus a new tailpipe finisher. The 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels have a new design as well.

Owners of the New CR-V will no longer have to press a button to open the tailgate. It now comes with a Handsfree Power Tailgate which will open (and close) when a foot is positioned under the rear bumper.

The CR-V has a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged Earth Dreams engine with an output of 193ps/243 Nm, which makes its more powerful than a conventional 2.4-litre engine. Having a smaller displacement helps in fuel efficiency which can be enhanced with activation of the ECON mode.

The CR-V is available with all-wheel drive (AWD) that is managed by an Intelligent Control System. Torque is distributed optimally to the wheels, providing better traction and control on all surfaces.

Full Honda SENSING suite
The New CR-V will come with a full suite of Honda SENSING that that consists of eight systems, all of which work with a camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. The systems are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High-Beam (AHB).

In addition, Honda LaneWatch (shown above) is now a standard feature. This is a noteworthy innovation by Honda which provides a real-time image of the blind spot along the left side of the vehicle from a small camera mounted on the left door mirror. The image, which is clear day and night, is displayed on the infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard, so the driver does not have to turn the head so much to view.

Pricing for the New CR-V is not revealed yet but it would, of course, have full exemption of the 10% sales tax until December 31, 2020. Visit www.honda.com.my for more information or let a Honda dealer know of your interest to be updated.

Honda Insurance Plus plan upgraded with more benefits

Ever wanted an SUV that not only drives well but looks badass at the same time? Don’t want just any ordinary ‘soccer mum’ vehicle? Well, Honda Malaysia has got you covered with their latest Honda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition and just like the youths keep saying today, it is fire.

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