Honda’s popular HR-V Sport Hybrid has received updating with revised lighting units front and rear, a new exterior body colour and some interior enhancements. The crossover SUV is priced from RM113,954.82 (excluding insurance) with full exemption of sales tax until the end of this year.
New lights, new colour
The revisions to the lighting units see a change to LEDs which should provide longer service life while drawing less electrical energy. The new exterior colour is Platinum White Pearl (with a surcharge of RM272.72), a distinctive finish which joins the other choices of Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. The door handles are also finished in chrome for this updated model.
For the interior, the HR-V Sport Hybrid now comes with a 7-inch colour display with large icons for easy management. The infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so compatible smartphones can be easily connected. There are also two USB ports available for recharging of portable electronic devices, while a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is now provided.
8-year warranty for battery pack
The hybrid version of the HR-V, which was first introduced in 2015 and then updated in 2019, uses the i-DCD hybrid powertrain. Developed with Earth Dreams technology, this consists of a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor. Electricity is supplied by a high-power lithium-ion battery pack and the combined system output is 152 ps/190 Nm, which is comparable to a conventional 2-litre engine. The battery pack has a warranty of 8 years and unlimited mileage, 3 years longer than the warranty for the rest of the vehicle (which also has unlimited mileage).
Over 103,000 units on Malaysian roads
Over 103,000 units of the HR-V have been sold in Malaysia and it has accounted for 18% of Honda sales in this country in 2021. According to Honda Malaysia, it continues to be the leader the non-national compact SUV segment with a 71% market share (as of June 2021).
“The HR-V has remained Malaysians’ favourite Compact SUV with its versatility, spaciousness and stylish exterior appearance. Having considered market feedback and demands, we have introduced exterior upgrades to the hybrid variant. With the overall package and attractive pricing, we believe it will be the preferred choice for customers who are seeking a Compact SUV body type with a thrilling hybrid performance,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.
Honda Malaysia has surprised the market with the latest addition to the Company’s Hybrid line-up. The New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD launched recently is yet another milestone for Honda in Malaysia as it’s the only country outside Japan to introduce the intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) Hybrid system in the Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Honda Malaysia was the pioneer in bringing Hybrid technology into Malaysia in 2004. Honda Malaysia was also the first car manufacturer to produce Hybrid vehicles locally and the third country among Honda globally after Japan and United States of America to produce the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Hybrid model since 2012. Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the Sport Hybrid i-DCD line-up, starting with the launch of Jazz Hybrid, City Hybrid and now with the New HR-V Hybrid, which holds the record as the first in the compact SUV segment in Malaysia with Sport Hybrid i-DCD.
Launched in 2015, the HR-V has performed positively, achieving total sales of more than 72,300 units in the year ending 2018. Honda Malaysia made history as the first marque to introduce Compact SUV to the mass market and revolutionized the segment to be one of the fastest growing segments in the Malaysian market. The
HR-V has captured an average of 81%* market share in the Compact SUV segment since its launch. It continues to maintain its No. 1 position in the segment for the third consecutive years.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The compact SUV market in Malaysia has been growing over the last 3 years, with HR-V being the main contributor towards that growth. HR-V emerged as the top 3 contributors for Honda Malaysia with an average contribution of 20%* towards the overall sales. For that, I would like to thank Malaysians for their continuous support in making this possible.”
Mr. Ishiyama also added, “At Honda, our focus now is to lead the way in introducing Next Generation Advanced Technologies in all our products, providing the Joy of Buying to our customers. We have introduced the Sport Hybrid i-DCD, Turbo engine and advanced safety technology known as Honda SENSING in order to meet the demands and provide the best products to our customers in Malaysia.”
The New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection which provides a boost to the vehicle performance with excellent fuel efficiency. This is combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor. The combined output of the engine and motor assisted by the High-Power Lithium-Ion Battery provides Hybrid power that is equal to a 2.0L engine with quick response and an exhilarating drive. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD system enables the vehicle to transfer power from its battery to motor during EV Mode which results in an efficient drive.
The system also includes an Electric Servo Brake System for improved energy regeneration and Fully Electric Driven Compressor air-conditioner system for the comfort of drivers and passengers. Other Hybrid exclusive features include the 3D Illuminated Meter Cluster Multi Information Display, Shift by Wire and Sport Mode. Besides the Hybrid variant, Honda Malaysia also launched the RS variant to complete the HR-V family with a total of 4 variants (Hybrid, RS, V and E). This is the first time the RS is being introduced in Malaysia. To date, Honda Malaysia has received more than 4,600 bookings for the New HR-V.
The New HR-V RS is powered by a 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine combined with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It is also equipped with an exciting new feature – Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system for sportier driving. Introduced for customers wanting performance and a Compact SUV, the RS variant also comes with a Sporty 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels, Sporty Design Front Grille and black front and rear bumper to further enhance its sportiness.
The New HR-V does not only feature technological advancement, but also exudes a sophisticated personality with practical and functional features such as the Multi-Utility Cargo Space which offers class leading cabin space. The New HR-V also setting new benchmark in the Compact SUV segment by introducing value added features such as Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, 8-Way Driver Power Seat (V & RS), full leather seats (V & RS), Honda LaneWatch camera (V & RS), Cruise Control and Paddle Shift. Standard Safety features in the New HR-V include Six Airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ISO Fix.
The New HR-V is available in 5 colour options** namely Passion Red Pearl (a new colour in the Honda model line-up), Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl***. Offered together with the New HR-V are three accessories packages namely Modulo Package at RM5,737****, Urban Package at RM1,716**** and Utility Package at RM902****. Honda Malaysia continues to offer an 8-years warranty with unlimited mileage for the Hybrid battery.
The New HR-V Petrol are priced as follows; RM108,800***** for E variant; RM118,800***** for V variant and RM124,800***** for RS variant, while the New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is priced at RM120,800*****.
All 4 variants of the New HR-V (Hybrid, RS, V, and E) are designed to meet the differing requirements of Honda customers. The strategic price positioning would be an appealing factor for customers to purchase the New HR-V especially for both single and married national upgraders, young working adults looking for a stunning ride performance and sporty looks while the New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is likely to attract working adults considering their lifestyle and better performance for daily usage. The monthly sales target for the New HR-V Petrol variant is 1,000 units while sales target for the New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is 100 units.
Customers can visit any of Honda’s 97 Authorised Dealers to view, test drive and place a booking for the New HR-V from today onwards. For more information, please call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my
*Data from year 2015 – 2018 (up to June)
**Depending of variants
***Surcharge for White Orchid Pearl colour is RM300
