Honda Malaysia has announced a campaign aimed at rewarding customers who purchase and register a new Honda Civic Type-R! Between April 2018 and June 2018, these new Civic Type R owners will stand a chance to win an exclusive trip to Japan worth up to RM30,000 to experience the 2018 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit in October.
The exclusive ‘Sprint to the Suzuka Circuit’ campaign will take place over a period of 3 months, from April 2018 to June 2018. Customers who purchase and register a new Civic Type R during the campaign period will need to fill up a form and answer 2 short questions at any of Honda’s 20 Sport Dealers* to be in the running to win the exclusive trip to Japan. 10 exclusive winners will be selected based on the creativity of their answers to the 2 short questions.
The 10 exclusive winners will each receive 2 Business Class flight tickets, 2 tickets to watch the 2018 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, 5 days 4 nights of accommodation in Japan and 2 official Honda merchandise, all worth up to RM30,000.
More on the Honda Civic Type-R…
The All-New Civic Type R which was launched in November 2017, is the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive (FWD) production car. Powered by a highly advanced 2.0-liter VTEC Turbocharged engine, producing 310PS and maximum torque of 400Nm, the All-New Civic Type R was engineered to deliver the most rewarding drive in the hot hatch segment, both on the road and on the race track. The 3-Way Driving Mode offered in the All-New Civic Type R – COMFORT, SPORT and +R allows drivers to experience different dynamic performance depending on the driving environment. The different modes provide drivers with both the race car-like performance and the desired comfort that is required as a daily commute car.
Besides being the most powerful Honda model ever sold in Malaysia, ownership of the All-New Civic Type R is very exclusive. Every Civic Type R sold is unique, each given its own special serial number plate positioned strategically on the center console – which stands as a constant reminder of the Civic Type R’s exclusivity. Since it was open for booking on 1 October 2017, Honda Malaysia has received more than 100 bookings for the All-New Civic Type R. The fully imported All-New Civic Type R is priced at RM320,000 on-the-road without insurance.
So, register now for your very own exclusive All-New Civic Type R! Customers can visit any of Honda’s 20 Sport Dealers* to place a booking for the All-New Civic Type R during the exclusive ‘Sprint to the Suzuka Circuit’ campaign to be in the running for the trip to Japan. For more information on the All-New Civic Type R, please call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my
*List of 20 Honda Sport Dealers
| No | Region | Honda Sport Dealers | |
| 1 | Central | Autoworld Asia Sdn Bhd | |
| 2 | Central | Botanic Auto Mall Sdn Bhd | |
| 3 | Central | Global Amity Sdn Bhd (Bangi) | |
| 4 | Central | Kah Motor Co Sdn Bhd – Selayang | |
| 5 | Central | Sri Utama Auto Sdn Bhd | |
| 6 | Central | USJ Car Express Sdn Bhd | |
| 7 | Central | MH Prestige Auto Sdn Bhd | |
| 8 | Central | Peringgit Sri Motor Sdn Bhd | |
| 9 | Central | Tenaga Setia Resources Sdn Bhd | |
| 10 | Central | The Millenium Auto Carriage | |
| 11 | East Coast | Syarikat Tan Eng Ann Sdn Bhd | |
| 12 | East Malaysia | Syarikat Labuan Automobile Sdn Bhd | |
| 13 | Northern | Ban Hoe Seng (Auto) Sdn Bhd | |
| 14 | Northern | Formula Venture Sdn Bhd | |
| 15 | Northern | Kah Motor Co Sdn Bhd – Sg Pinang | |
| 16 | Northern | Lee Motor SP (Car Div) Sdn Bhd | |
| 17 | Northern | Yooi Cars Sdn Bhd | |
| 18 | Southern | Ban Lee Heng Motor Sdn Bhd (Seremban) | |
| 19 | Southern | Syarikat Motor GS Tay Sdn Bhd | |
| 20 | Southern | Yong Ming Motor Sdn Bhd |
Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB) has extended its model range equipped with Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology by introducing its first model for 2018, the new 7-seater Odyssey MPV with Honda SENSING. Check out this quick 360-degree walk-around and interior video taken at the launch:
The Odyssey is the third model after the CR-V and Accord to be equipped with Honda SENSING, the safety feature which bagged the 2016 ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award in the “Best Safety Technology” from a carmaker category. The launch of the New Odyssey completes the trifecta of Honda vehicles with SENSING in Malaysia, which includes its sedans, sport-utility vehicles (SUV) and multi-purpose/passenger vehicles (MPV).
The Honda SENSING* in the new Odyssey consists of six features, which are divided into the two categories of Safety and Convenience, as well as Comfort:
Features for Safety:
– Forward Collision Warning (FCW) that will trigger a visual warning and audible alerts for the driver when the monocular camera and a millimetre wave radar detect that it is at risk of collision with the front vehicle
– Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which assists in applying brake force progressively when it senses an increasing risk of collision
– Lane Departure Warning (LDW) which monitors vehicle lane position using cameras, and alerts if the driver drives out of the lane
– Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) that provides alerts, applies brakes and assists the driver’s steering to prevent driving off the road
.
Features for Convenience & Comfort:
– Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that sets a desired speed and following interval from the vehicle detected ahead
– Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) which uses camera to read lane markings and assist the driver’s steering to keep the vehicle in the centre of its lane
Honda Malaysia Group Vice President, Akkbar Danial said, “In addition to Honda SENSING, the New Odyssey is expected to elevate the safety benchmark in Malaysia’s MPV segment with its unrivalled premium safety features. These include Multi-view Camera System, Smart Parking Assist System, Blind Spot Information that alerts on oncoming vehicle in the blind spot when the driver is switching lanes and Cross Traffic Monitoring that gives off a warning whistle when a collision with a cross-approaching vehicle is predicted when backing up the MPV. On top of all these features which are exclusively found only in the Odyssey, the New Odyssey is also equipped with six airbags.”
You can see him highlight some of the new Odyssey features in this short video:
The outward appearance of the Odyssey is enhanced with a new front bumper, new front grille, new LED rear lights, LED fog lights, 17” Dual Tone Alloy Wheels, Auto Retractable Door Mirrors and it is also equipped with Auto Dim Rear View Mirror. Meanwhile, the interior of the Odyssey has also received a makeover.
These include new bigger armrests for the driver seat, 4-Way Passenger Power Seat, added storage and enhanced utility as well as bigger headrest for its Premium Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman on the second row to boost comfort and enjoyment for the passengers, especially during long journeys. The Ultra-Low Floor Platform of the New Odyssey eases passenger ingress and egress in addition to enabling this MPV to have a spacious cabin that is equivalent to a large-class MPV.
The Odyssey upholds its predecessor’s characteristics that offer a refined and exquisite silhouette, spacious and elegant interior while being fully equipped with other advanced features of an MPV. Performance-wise, the Odyssey is powered by a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that gives dynamic acceleration at start and also best-in-class fuel efficiency.
The Odyssey is offered in just one variant, the 2.4L EXV with Honda SENSING, and it’s priced at RM254,800 without insurance (including GST). Honda Malaysia has set a sales target of 130 units per year for the New Odyssey.
It will be available in three colour options, of which two are the first in a Honda model. The new colours are Platinum White Pearl and Premium Twinkle Black Pearl, while the popular Super Platinum Metallic is maintained.
It is now open for booking at all 93 Honda dealers nationwide. It comes with 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a service interval of 10,000km.
For more information on the new Odyssey with Honda SENSING or to book a test drive, you can visit any Honda authorised dealer or call Honda’s toll free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.
2018 Honda Odyssey Launch Photo Gallery…
*Low Speed Follow (LSF) is not equipped in the new Accord (below) with Honda SENSING or the new Odyssey MPV.
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) has continued to retain its No. 1 position for Non-National segment for three consecutive years and strongly maintain No. 2 position in overall TIV for two consecutive years from 2016 to 2017. They also announced that all of its CKD models took the lead in their respective segments in 2017.
HMSB recorded total sales of 109,511 units, setting an all-time high record in the history of Honda Malaysia since it was established in 2003. This is also the first time that Honda Malaysia achieved sales of more than 100,000 units and also the highest that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia. Since 2003 and in the span of 14 years, Honda Malaysia has sold more than 730,000 units of vehicles, bringing the Joy of Driving to Malaysia.
In December 2017 alone, HMSB recorded 11,221 units sold. The overall sales for 2017 increased by 19% compared to the 91,830 units recorded in 2016. The Company managed to capture 19% market share, the highest ever achieved in Honda Malaysia history, and an increase of 3.2 points from 2016.
In 2017, Honda Malaysia launched 6 new models. The 2017 models introduced are the BR-V, City, Jazz & Jazz Hybrid, City Hybrid, CR-V and All-New Civic Type R. The City emerged as Honda’s best-selling model in 2017, contributing 27% of total sales, followed by HR-V at 17%, BR-V at 16% and Civic at 14% respectively. In the Hybrid segment, the Jazz Hybrid and City Hybrid contributed 2% to the total sales of Honda Malaysia despite being on sale for only 4 months and the two models are leading the overall Hybrid segment.
Throughout 2017, Honda Malaysia expanded its presence and penetration in East Malaysia, which contributed more than 7,500 units to the total sales achieved. Sales for East Malaysia in 2017 increased by 33% compared to 2016. BR-V was the best-selling model in East Malaysia.
Besides increasing sales and customer base, Honda Malaysia is also mindful of the importance of its after sales service. Last year, the Company introduced Honda Pride with the aim to create awareness amongst Honda customers on the benefits of after sales services and to increase customer satisfaction.
With 12 specially designed benefits such as 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage, genuine parts and comfortable dealer showroom, Honda Pride is dedicated to the customer’s experience of top quality services in after sales from the moment they step into the dealership. The Company increased the number of dealerships in 2017 to cater to the expanded customer base and to continue providing excellent after sales services. In terms of service intake, Honda Malaysia recorded more than 1,150,000 vehicles serviced in 2017, up 13% from the approximately 1,021,000 vehicles serviced in 2016.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama said, “Honda Malaysia achieved outstanding sales achievement in 2017, and we dedicate this milestone year that we have experienced to all our customers, business partners, dealers and Honda associates. It has been an exciting year for Honda and the outstanding results we achieved would not have been possible without the strong support of all Malaysians and the Malaysian Government.”
“Reflectively, we are pleased to note that with the maturing Malaysian market, customers responded well to the various Next Generation Advanced Technologies we introduced such as Honda SENSING, Turbo and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD made history during their introductions as Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the technology. It was also the most affordable Hybrid to be introduced in the market. Honda was also the first brand to introduce the SENSING technology into mass models such as the CR-V and New Accord. Ultimately, we strive to bring the joy of ownership to all our customers,” concluded Ishiyama-san.
The 15-Year Breakdown…
| Honda Malaysia Sales Result (2003-2017) | |
| Year | Sales Unit |
| 2003 | 17,087 |
| 2004 | 24,862 |
| 2005 | 27,462 |
| 2006 | 26,529 |
| 2007 | 28,480 |
| 2008 | 32,491 |
| 2009 | 38,785 |
| 2010 | 44,486 |
| 2011 | 32,482 |
| 2012 | 34,947 |
| 2013 | 51,550 |
| 2014 | 77,487 |
| 2015 | 94,902 |
| 2016 | 91,830 |
| 2017 | 109,511 |
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) has announced the results of an outstanding year in 2017. The company recorded an astounding total sales of 109,511 units, the highest in the history of Honda Malaysia since it was established in 2003. This is also the first time that Honda Malaysia achieved sales of more than 100,000 units. This sales figure is also the highest that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia.
The Central region contributed the highest number of sales at 47%, followed by Southern region and Northern region. The overall sales for 2017 increased by 19% compared to the 91,830 units recorded in year 2016.
Commenting on the outstanding year that Honda experienced, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The year 2017 truly was remarkable for Honda Malaysia. At the beginning of 2017, we challenged ourselves with a sales target of 100,000 units and in March 2017, we achieved a historical milestone with the 600,000th unit (CKD) production within the span of 14 years since Honda Malaysia started in 2003. At the end of 2017, based on internal data our market share was at 19%, an increase of 3.2 points from 2016. For the first time ever, we surpassed the 100,000 units sales achievement within a calendar year. We continue to maintain our No. 1 position for Non-National segment and No. 2 position in overall TIV of the automotive industry.”
“On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all Honda Malaysia customers for their faith and belief in our brand and for making Honda their vehicle of choice. This achievement would not have been possible without our valued customers as well as strong support from our business partners and the Malaysian government,” added Mr. Ishiyama.
Having reviewed an outstanding 2017, Honda Malaysia is all geared up to make 2018 another successful year with many exciting products and services in the pipeline.
(Like maybe this perhaps? Stay tuned! – Chris Wee)
Honda USA has just revealed what the upcoming 10th generation Accord will look like. Sporting a completely new look, the car is lower, wider and has a shorter length. It is said to have a lighter and more rigid body structure featuring an advanced new chassis design as well as two all-new turbo engines.
The signature chrome grille stretches across the entire front end and is flanked by the sophisticated 9-lamp LED headlights system. The front bumper has a two piece design with the blackened centre portion being integrated with the grille assembly. The contours provide the car with a muscular presence while the roof features a sleek and fluidic silhouette that tapers off toward the rear end.
The shorter overhangs, 10mm lower centre of gravity as well as the long and low hood give the entire design a more sporty look especially when viewing the car from the side. This should be to the liking of those who want a D-segment car but with the looks that allow it to fit in just about anywhere.
Like The Honda Civic, the Accord features angular rear taillights but features a broader and more grown up asthetic. Unlike the previous generation one, the new Accord has a hatchback design for the rear, which should help increase cargo carrying capacity.
Honda constructed the new Accord using the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that has a crash stroke front frame and tailor-tempered rear frame members that will improve crash energy absorption. The extensive use of adhesives for the car’s bodywork is to increase rigidity, noise and weight reduction.
Speaking of the new car, Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc, said, “We are redefining the Honda Accord for a new generation of buyers by bringing something unexpected that challenges the idea of what a mainstream sedan can. Even as we advance core values like great driving dynamics, safety performance and efficiency, the distinctive design of this all-new 2018 Honda Accord will help it appeal to both head and heart in equal measure.”
There are two engines to choose from, the first, a 1.5-litre turbo that can be mated to either a CVT or 6-speed manual, produces 192bhp and 260Nm of torque. The 2.0-litre turbo engine, produces 252bhp and is similar to what powers the Civic Type R. This particular engine replaces the 3.5-litre normally aspirated V6 in the previous generation Accord.
This 2.0-litre powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which Honda boasts takes greater advantage of available torque while maximizing quietness and efficiency during highway cruising. The hybrid variant gets two electric motors that aids a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine deliver fuel sipping driving behaviour. These motors utilize magnets that have no heavy rare-earth metals in them, which is a first in the industry.
Inside the cabin, occupants are treated to a panoramic front view thanks to the spacious construction of the A-pillars. The upholstery is tastefully done, complete with well crafted arm rests. Buttons and switches are arranged in a rather neat manner, which is what we have come to expect from automakers like Honda. It has even gone on to say that the meticulous attention to detail on their part has aided the switchgear throughout the cabin, to have the required tactile and visual quality feel.
The instrument cluster is made up of a slim 7-inch TFT display that is complemented by a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers physical volume and tuning knobs. These are welcomed additions considering how cumbersome it can be to turn down the audio volume on a conventional fully touchscreen system.
As far as safety tech is concerned, the new Accord comes with Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard. It comprises of the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and new Traffic Sign Recognition.
Additional available driver-assistive technologies include Blind Spot Information, front and rear parking sensors, Cross Traffic Monitor and Driver Awareness Monitor. All variants feature a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines.
Then, there’s the standard stuff that comes with most Honda cars these days, which are Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), advanced front airbags, driver and front-passenger side airbags and new driver and front-passenger knee airbags.
Over here in Malaysia, we wait with baited breathe for the launch of this new Accord. It may take a while before we hear any news about its local launch, but we are still hoping that Honda hastens the process.
Honda Malaysia has launched their latest addition to their ever-growing fleet of premium vehicles in the Malaysian market but instead of just any model with a few updates, they’ve raised the bar to greater heights with the 2017 Honda CR-V. The fifth generation CR-V has been completely reengineered from the ground up to give the best driving experience coupled with the most state-of-the-art vehicle technology.
Following the recent launch of the all-new Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD and the Civic 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC, the new CR-V has the best of both worlds when it comes to power as well as futuristic vehicle capabilities.
According to Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Katsuto Hayashi, he said “To set a higher benchmark in the segment and exceed customers’ expectations, Honda Malaysia has shifted to focus more on Advanced Technology starting with the introduction of the 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged Civic and New Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD”
“We are very excited to show you the 5th Generation All-New CR-V that is equipped with three key Advanced Technologies, the ‘1.5L VTEC Turbocharged Engine’, ‘Honda SENSING’ and advanced features such as ‘Programmable Power Tailgate’”.
“We believe this focus transition will lead us to make ‘Tomorrow’s Dream, Today’s Reality’. We are also proud to note that Malaysia is the first country in ASEAN that is introducing Honda SENSING, the Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology in the All-New CR-V.”
With a rapid decline on of the CR-V segment here in Malaysia from 2013 until early 2017, the new CR-V is said to be Honda’s ultimate game-changer to take over the market share in the vehicle class. The ever growing demand of SUVs in the market that’s able to provide high levels of safety to the occupants, impressive fuel efficiency and pure driving enjoyment, the new CR-V offers all of these plus much, much more.
In terms of design, the exterior of the new CR-V showcases Honda’s fundamental ideas on modern functional dynamic facade combined with their signature specifications like the Daytime Running Lights and turn signals which you will notice in the car’s front advanced full LED headlights as well as the rear lights. This gives the latest generation CR-V a much bolder and tougher appearance without being too aggressive or tacky.
The interior has gone through a major makeover according to Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ design principle. The sporty yet spacious interior allows for greater driving experience as well as a heighten sense of comfort for all occupants especially for those seated in the rear seats where the new CR-V now offers an extra 90mm of luxurious legroom.
A more dynamic and modern styling design concept has been embedded into essence of the CR-V where all the high-tech goods are available for everyone to enjoy. Features like the 7-inch Advanced Display Audio that is compatible to both Android and Apple compatible with seamless smart connectivity and entertainment.
For all-round creature comforts, the CR-V comes with Dual-Zone Air-Conditioning to ensure all occupants are comfortable according to each individual’s preferences. Seeing how there would usually be more than one occupant apart from the driver, rear USB ports have been installed to allow easy charging of any of your mobile devices. There are also the comfortable combi leather seats with an eight-way power seat for the driver and a four-way for the front passenger for maximum posture position with a lot of comfort thrown into the package.
Going to the back, the new Programmable Power Tailgate (available on the 1.5TC-P 2WD variant only) gives a boost of convenience to future CR-V owners where they can easily control and adjust the opening height with a simple push of a button. This is the first time Honda is offering such a feature in the vehicle line up and best of all, it comes with a ‘Stop and Hold Programmable Height’ function without giving any hassle to the users.
Do also take note on the boot space where when the second row seats are folded flat, you’ll get a whopping 1,084 litres of storage space. The new CR-V is able to provide such space as there’s now an extra 250mm of space compared to the previous generation.
Take a peek under that front bonnet and you’ll get a very pleasant surprise. In total, there are a four different variants available ranging from the lowest 2.0-litre 2WD up to the awesome 1.5-litre turbocharged Premium 2WD. The two variants sitting right in the middle are the 1.5-litre turbocharged 2WD and 1.5-litre turbocharged 4WD.
All the engines have been developed under Honda’s Earth Dream Technology and with the first ever CR-V to be paired with the latest 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine, it can produce a whopping 190hp at 6,500rpm and 243Nm of torque at 4,300rpm. Even the 2.0-litre is able to churn out 151hp and 189Nm of torque.
Earlier in the article, we also mentioned that the new CR-V comes with Honda’s SENSING™ which is Honda’s latest driving technology that’s probably be the ultimate driving aid system ever to be put in any production vehicle. The Honda SENSING™ comes with a few specifications such as Driving Cruising Aid (Adaptive Cruise Control and Low-Speed Follow), Frontal Collision Deterrence (Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking System) and Side Collision Deterrence (Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Keep Assist System).
In the name of safety, the all-new CR-V also comes with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Agile Handling Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Electronic Brake Distribution, Anti-Lock Braking System and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera available in the top variant.
The all new CR-V is priced from RM142,400 to RM167,700 (basic prices with GST) and is available in five different colours; Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl and the brand new Dark Olive Metallic.
To add more functionality to the CR-V, future owners can opt for a number of different accessory packages that ranges from RM1,900 to RM5,900. All new Honda CR-V comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
Together with the launch of the brand new CR-V, Honda Malaysia also introduced their brand new line-up of merchandise centred on the “Challenging Spirit” value as their design core of inspiration. The new merchandise line-up includes t-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, backpacks, water bottles and many more. The entire collection will be available at all 91 showrooms at the end of August 2017.
Sepp Iran
The advent of crossover SUV vehicles has led to the decline in demand for full-size off-roaders. The allure of more compact dimensions, fuel sipping engines, lower maintenance costs and cheaper price tags seem too good to pass up. Vehicles like the Honda HRV, Ford EcoSport and Mitsubishi ASX have made buyers realise that a commanding driving position, wide track, mild off road capabilities and excellent cargo carrying capacity are attributes that are no longer reserved for massive 4×4 trucks.
Crossover vehicles like these can be classified as The Jack Of All Trades. They are able to behave like a city car due to their conventional suspension setup and relatively small dimensions, but when the need arises, be able to take on tougher terrain thanks to higher ground clearances and beefy tyres. Basically, its an SUV in a hatchback-like body or Connor McGregor in a tux.
Fully loaded, these vehicles come with a plethora of safety and tech kits that rival that offered in some luxury cars. Ride quality too, seems very car-like albeit things could be a whole lot better for a lot less money. If this really is the case and that crossovers are able to offer us the best of both worlds, why do we still need SUVs? And to a much larger extent, has Honda lost its marbles to place the HRV so close to its stalwart CR-V?
All this has led some to ask, is the CR-V still relevant when the BR-V and HR-V offer similar allure but at a considerably cheaper price point? Well, I decided to find out for myself, which is why i took the best equipped CR-V that Honda makes, on a road trip to find out if it’s still capable of being the staple of soccer moms and thrill-seeking dads.
This 4th generation CR-V comes from a long line of trusted Honda workhorses hearkening back to 1997 with the introduction of the first generation CR-V to grass our shores. It’s been a mainstay on our roads ever since, thanks to its ability to offer utilitarian-like versatility in a handsome body as well as with plush leather seats and infotainment amenities that millennials can’t do without.
Right off the bat, you will notice that the CR-V is as docile as a Toyota Corolla. Its keyless entry system negates the need to have to pull out the remote every time you need to unlock the doors. It senses your proximity to the door, and unlocks it – it’s that simple. The door handles require little effort to operate, the doors themselves weigh about the same as those on a regular car, the seats offer a snug fit and the controls are very car-like despite having a 4WD drivetrain.
There’s even a little green button adorned with a leaf-like logo, that when pushed, gives the vehicle a more sedate, fuel sipping characteristics and that also acts as your eco adviser, informing you of how frugal you are while prodding the throttle pedal.
Tech wise, this CR-V is a bit long in the tooth and is due for a much needed upgrade. It falls behind in terms of usability and convenience in comparison to the more modern touchscreen setups offered by a number of competitors. But that should soon change when the new generation CR-V is launched in the coming months, but I digress.
Up till this point, there’s very little that will have you believe that you are in fact, seated in a rather large vehicle that is 4,590mm long, 1,820mm wide and weighs nearly 1.6 tons. Everything seems conventional, commonplace and ordinary – it feels like a slightly wider Honda City, by comparison.
Its capacious cabin is very accommodating to taller occupants offering decent head and legroom for four adults to sit comfortably and without an incessant need to make constant positional adjustments in the name of comfort. Another plus point of having a large vehicle like the CR-V is the carnivorous luggage space that is able take in 586 litres of cargo with the back seats up, and 1146 litres with them folded down.
See, after taking all of this in, conventional wisdom will have you believe that the sheer heft of this Honda should put its handling at skittish predisposition. But it doesn’t and that is what baffles most first time drivers. It is a vehicle that can be likened to a Labrador Retriever – ever willing to please its master. You need only put in a smigen of effort and it will try its best to do the rest.
The car we had, was the full spec 2.4-litre variant that had the performance gusto to match its brawny apprearence. Now, Honda does offer the CR-V with a smaller and less powerful 2.0-litre engine and 2WD setup, which should prove to be more economical in the city, but its bigger brother is the one you want. That’s because its more powerful engine, fills in a lot of the glaring gaps in torque of the 2.0-litre powerplant, which robs it of quite a bit of driving enjoyment.
Coupled with the rather smooth shifting 5-speed automatic transmission, our CR-V makes sudden bursts of acceleration an enjoyable affair. Pulling away from traffic stops is a breeze to say the least and stopping power is just as commendable thanks to the powerful 4-wheel-disc brake setup.
These characteristics provide the vehicle with the much needed performance especially when meandering past B-roads or lugging the entire family up steep inclines. It’s almost car-like in performance which relegates its dimensions to the back of your mind while you enjoy flicking it into tight turns with blatant disregard for your passengers impending digestion issues.
Reigning in such behaviour is the job of the vehicle stability assist system, which is very effective at keeping in-check the vehicle’s pitch and traction – ensuring that it is kept out of harm’s way.
Despite my overwhelming adoration for this particular Honda, I do have one major gripe with it. And that pertains to the suspension setup. There’s the MacPherson strut setup upfront and a double wishbone arrangement at the rear – typical of a vehicle of this nature. But the ride quality that this combination offers, is one that leaves a lot to be desired.
It’s pliant at city speeds and on level roads but the moment you come across noticeable undulations at higher speeds, that changes, making the ride irritatingly willowy, which lends a sense of vagueness to its perceived capabilities and its ability to do what you ask of it.
And while the steering is almost effortless to operate, its electrically assisted motorised setup robs much of the feel and confidence that a hydraulic one would offer. Had there been a little more weight to it, the steering would deliver an experience that can be considered the best of both worlds.
Apart from this, there’s very little that I can fault the CR-V for, its a decent vehicle, and while there isn’t much you can do to alter its 4WD power distribution, as is the case for more serious off-roaders, it’s good enough – which brings me back to the point of this article.
Yes, the CR-V is every bit relevant today as it was in 1997, its a dependable all-rounder that can handle long distance road trips without breaking a sweat as well as functioning as the daily runabout of the average home maker. It’s just as at home ferrying the kids to school and tackling the weekly grocery shopping to the more heavy duty offroad stuff.
This isn’t something that can be said of the HR-V or BR-V though. While they can accomplish a number of daunting tasks meant for bigger vehicles, they can’t accomplish it with the poise and confidence offered by the CR-V. This then, lends credence to the notion that the CR-V is the most capable of the lot, and should you find yourself wanting a vehicle that can do it all yet offer worry-free motoring – this is the vehicle for you.
Piston Review Rating: 7/10
Honda CR-V Specifications
Engine: 2.4L 4WD i-VTEC
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Horsepower: 188bhp
Torque: 222Nm
Honda has finally launched the facelifted version of its every popular city car, the Jazz. No drastic changes have been made for the updated car, which features subtle styling changes that include a new chrome front grille and a rear bumper. But this time around, Honda has made the Mugen pack, worth RM5,670 available as an optional extra. The package consists of front, sides, rear lip spoiler and tailgate spoiler that are of a sporty design.
That said, the Mugen pack will only be made available to order in October of this year but if you purchase the new car now, you can opt for the Urban (RM1,580) and Utility (RM820) packages to add a unique touch to the cheerful Jazz.
Two versions of the Jazz were launched simultaneously. There’s the standard petrol powered car and the halo one, the Jazz Hybrid, which is touted as the only such car in its class. The petrol car uses a 1.5-litre i-VTEC mill and CVT transmission found in its predecessor but its electrified brethren comes with a more sophisticated powertrain.
Under the hood is a brand new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine that is mated to a (Shift by Wire) seven-speed dual clutch transmission and its integrated electric motor. This combination, according to Honda, will offer respectible power delivery and sporty character that is relatively unheard of in this category. Juice for the electric motor is supplied by a new Lithium-ion battery pack that can store more electrical energy than the one in the previous generation car but with half the size.
When pushed to the limit, with both the petrol and electric motor being active, the Jazz Hybrid is able to deliver a total output of 137bhp and 160Nm of torque which is similar to what a 1.8 or 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine is able to offer. All this power will be made available by the Sport Hybrid i-DCD unit once the S button is pressed, making power delivery a bit more peppy than its petrol powered equivalent. But, when driven frugally, the car is said to be able to offer a fuel consumption figure of 4.0-litre/100km.
The regular petrol powered Jazz comes in three different variants, S,E and V, which isn’t the case with the hybrid one (only one version is available). The E and V variants get DRLs, touch panel auto air-conditioning, reverse camera and 6.8-inch infotainment system. The top spec V car gets a bit more stuff such as dual-tone color alloy wheels, paddle shifters, cruise control and half leather seats.
The Jazz Hybrid however, gets a 3D Speed Meter design information display that shows Energy Flow, Sport Meter, Fuel Economy, Drive Info, Customization and Eco Display, as well as the same preimum stuff found in the base Jazz.
Safety tech for the cars include standard Brake Assist (BA), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), four airbags (6 airbags for V variant), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
As for body colour options, the Jazz comes in Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Carnival Red, Taffeta White and Crystal Black Pearl whereas the New Jazz Hybrid will be available in Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearl.
The regular base car is priced at RM74,800 for S variant, RM81,000 for E variant, RM88,400 for V variant and the Jazz Hybrid is priced at RM87,500 (on the road with GST). All variants come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty but the Hybrid gets gets an additional 8-years warranty for its battery pack.
If you would like to know more, visit the automaker’s local website and make an informed decision on whether the Jazz is the right car for you.
Honda will be launching the 5th generation CR-V very soon and that should have many Malaysians excited. It is a complete redesign, both inside and out with the vehicle featuring muscular styling and a plethora of driver aids that are more common place in expensive German luxury cars.
For the new CR-V, Honda’s designers incorporated more angular styling compared to that used by its predecessor. The LED projector headlights are elongated and blend with the contours of the front fascia. The grille is wider and more prominent at the front, giving the vehicle a more rugged look. The signature chrome bar that stretches across the grille features a two piece design with the thin upper section stretching across the entire front end.
The side profile is not that far off from the 4th gen vehicle but the lower roof line and wider side countours are more sporty attributes that will make it a more appealing SUV. At the rear, Honda chose a simple yet elegant design with the two piece rear lights arrangement that are integrated with the metal chrome trim panel, which stretches from one side of the boot to the other.
Despite not growing much in size, the new CR-V is still bigger compared to the vehicle it replaces. It’s 4,584mm long, 1,855mm wide and 1,679mm high but that increases 10mm for the 4WD model. It has a wheelbase of 2,660mm and offers decent ground clearance of 198mm for the 2WD one and 208mm for the 4WD variant. Honda says that cabin space is best in class and will be quite accommodating to taller passengers. Cargo space is good too, with about 1,084 litres with the rear seats fare folded flat to the floor.
This is all well and good but the features that deserve the most praise are the driver aids. Unlike previous generation CR-V vehicles, the new one, has cutting-edge tech that should boost any driver’s confidence while on the road. Called Sensing, the system makes use of a monocular camera on the top of the windshield and milimeter wave radar in the grille to detect obstacles, impending collisions and other safety related risks.
This Sensing safety suite consists of seven features, which are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
The ACC and LSF features allow the driver to set a desired cruising speed and take both feet of the pedals, which will then allow the vehicle to maintain said speed, apply brakes and when necessary accelerate to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front. It even works in stop and go traffic situations, which should be a major benefit to those who face traffic jams on a regular basis.
Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking work together to act as the driver’s third eye. When the FCW detects a risk of a collision with the vehicle in front, it triggers visual warning audible alerts to the driver. CMB on the other hand, scans traffic conditions in front of the vehicle and if it detects a potential collision, it will automatically apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down and reduce the severity of a collision.
Besides front collision, impacts from the sides are also a major concern especially when crossing intersections. Here too, Honda’s new CR-V has your back covered. Through the use of Lane Keeping Assist, the system uses the vehicle’s camera to monitor lane markings and adjust steering input to ensure that the vehicle stays in its lane.
Road Departure Mitigation is a warning system that alerts the driver (when speeds are within 72km/h to 180km/h) when he or she veers off into another driver’s lane or too close to the edge of the road. The steering wheel will vibrate to alert the driver, and when necessary, steering and braking input will be made automatically to keep the CR-V out of harm’s way.
Lastly, there’s Lane Departure Warning which is integrated with the Road Departure Mitigation system. It will remind drivers to use the appropriate signal lights if it detects that the vehicle crosses into another lane without the proper use of the turn signals.
Honda will be conducting five roadshows this month across the country to allow Malaysians to have a closer look at the new CR-V before it’s official launch for our market. If you are interested in the vehicle, the following are the respective locations where Honda will conduct the aforementioned roadshows.
4 June 2017 Gurney Paragon, Penang 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
7 – 11 June 2017 Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
11 June 2017 Imago Mall, Kota Kinabalu 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
16 – 18 June 2017 AEON Tebrau City, Johor Bahru 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
18 June 2017 Plaza Merdeka, Kuching 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
If you wish to buy the CR-V, you can pre-book the SUV at any of the 91 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide right now and be one of the first to drive it home when it is offically launched. For more information, visit the automaker’s local website at www.honda.com.my.
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