Honda Malaysia has officially introduced its first fully electric vehicle, the e:N1 SUV, marking a pivotal step in the company’s journey towards sustainable mobility and carbon neutrality in the local market. We tested it out a few months ago, which you can read about here, and found it to be impressive in every way.
The e:N1 represents a new chapter in Honda’s electrification strategy, combining cutting-edge battery-electric technology with the marque’s hallmark emphasis on driving enjoyment, innovation, and everyday usability. According to Honda Malaysia, the e:N1 has been carefully engineered to meet the demands of contemporary Malaysian motorists and serves as a foundation for the brand’s broader battery electric vehicle (BEV) plans in the country.
Developed on Honda’s dedicated e:N Architecture F platform, the e:N1 adopts a front-wheel-drive layout designed to deliver responsive acceleration and stable handling. The SUV is powered by a high-output electric motor, producing 201hp and 310Nm of torque. It is paired with a 68.8kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a claimed driving range of up to 412km on the WLTP cycle (500km NEDC), positioning the e:N1 as a practical option for both urban and long-distance driving.
Aesthetically, the e:N1 showcases Honda’s evolving design identity with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette and contemporary styling cues. Key design elements include full LED headlights, a continuous LED light bar at the rear, and bespoke 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels exclusive to this model. A new white “H” badge features prominently on the charging port cover, steering wheel, remote key, and centre wheel caps, reinforcing the car’s all-electric credentials. The rear also carries a spread-letter “Honda” emblem, giving the e:N1 a more premium appearance.
Functionality remains a central focus of the e:N1’s design. The SUV supports both AC and DC charging, with the port cleverly integrated into the front fascia for ease of access. A visible charging indicator placed above the grille allows the driver to monitor charging progress at a glance.
Measuring 4,380mm in length with a 2,610mm wheelbase and a height of 1,592mm, the e:N1 slots into the compact SUV segment, offering a blend of urban-friendly proportions and interior space suitable for daily use.
For comfort and practicality, the e:N1 retains HondaŐs signature spaciousness with 60:40 split rear seat configuration and 344 litres of cargo space.
When it comes to the interior, the standout feature is the massive 15.1-inch vertically oriented infotainment screen, which is digitally divided into three sections. This setup works well despite the lack of physical buttons, as all essential functions remain easily accessible with just a touch. For instance, while there are no traditional controls for the air-conditioning, the intuitive layout at the bottom of the screen allows quick and effortless adjustments to temperature and fan speed.
It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto connectivity and a Navigation system.
In terms of safety, the e:N1 is equipped with the comprehensive Honda SENSING suite, which includes nine advanced driver assistance systems. These are further supported by Blind Spot Information (BSI) and Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), both of which work together to improve situational awareness and ensure a safer driving experience. Honda Malaysia reaffirmed that these features reflect its ongoing commitment to customer safety and peace of mind.
To commemorate the launch, the Company is offering a special Price That Drives Excitement at RM149,900.00, available for a limited quantity. The e:N1 comes with an eight-year or 160,000km warranty (whichever comes first) on the electric vehicle battery and electric drive system.
For added peace of mind, the Honda Insurance Plus (HiP EV) package is also available for the e:N1, providing Additional EV Benefits including coverage for damage or injury while using public EV chargers, protection for EV Home wall charger against fire, lightning, theft or natural disasters, coverage for loss or damage to the portable charging cable and personal liability coverage for bodily injury or damage to third-party property arising from the use of the EV home wall charger.
To support the rollout of the new electric SUV, Honda Malaysia has identified eight authorised dealerships across three regions to serve as dedicated hubs for the e:N1. These dealerships have been specially trained to manage customer enquiries, provide test drives, and deliver servicing tailored to the needs of EV owners—facilitating a smoother transition for Malaysians moving from conventional combustion engines to electric mobility.
The launch of the e:N1 not only reinforces Honda Malaysia’s ambition to be at the forefront of electrified transportation, but also aligns with the company’s global and regional objectives in tackling climate change and promoting innovation through sustainable mobility solutions.
Honda Malaysia kini membuka tempahan untuk model kenderaan elektrik (EV) pertamanya, e:N1 serba baharu, menandakan langkah strategik dalam kemasukan syarikat itu ke pasaran kenderaan elektrik bateri (BEV). Model SUV kompak elektrik sepenuhnya ini dijadualkan dilancarkan secara rasmi pada suku kedua 2025, dan boleh dipra-tempah melalui laman web rasmi Honda Malaysia serta aplikasi mudah alih HondaTouch.
e:N1 merupakan model sulung Honda yang dibangunkan khas di bawah strategi elektrifikasi syarikat, direka untuk memenuhi keperluan pengguna moden Malaysia. Menurut kenyataan rasmi, model ini menjadi asas penting dalam membentuk masa depan barisan BEV Honda di negara ini.
Dibina di atas platform e:N Architecture F, e:N1 menggunakan konfigurasi pacuan roda hadapan (FWD) dan dipadankan dengan motor elektrik berkuasa tinggi serta bateri lithium-ion 68.8kWh, menghasilkan 201hp dan tork 310Nm. Julat perjalanan yang dianggarkan mencecah sehingga 500 kilometer (berdasarkan kitaran NEDC), menjadikannya sesuai untuk pemanduan jarak jauh yang efisien.
Dari segi reka bentuk, e:N1 menampilkan garis aerodinamik yang kemas dan moden, selari dengan evolusi bahasa reka bentuk Honda. Ciri luaran utama termasuk lampu LED penuh di hadapan, lampu belakang LED berjalur penuh, dan roda aloi dua tona 18 inci. Model ini juga memperkenalkan logo “H” putih yang ikonik, yang disepadukan ke dalam stereng, penutup pengecas, alat kawalan jauh dan penutup roda tengah — mengukuhkan identitinya sebagai kenderaan elektrik tulen dari Honda.
Honda Malaysia has begun accepting bookings for its first fully electric vehicle, the all-new e:N1, as the company accelerates its entry into the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market. The highly anticipated SUV is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2025 and is available for pre-booking via the company’s official website and HondaTouch mobile application.
The introduction of the e:N1 represents a significant step forward in Honda Malaysia’s electrification journey. Developed with a clear focus on the needs of modern Malaysian motorists, the e:N1 blends advanced electric powertrain technology with the brand’s signature approach to driving enjoyment, innovation, and daily usability. According to the company, the model serves as a strong foundation for Honda’s BEV strategy in the country.
Built on Honda’s newly engineered e:N Architecture F platform, the e:N1 is designed with front-wheel-drive configuration to offer smooth acceleration and precise vehicle control under a wide range of road conditions. The platform supports a high-performance electric motor paired with a 68.8kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of producing 201hp of power and 310Nm of torque. With a claimed range of up to 500KM based on the NEDC cycle, the e:N1 aims to offer both efficiency and long-distance usability.
Visually, the e:N1 reflects Honda’s evolving design language with clean, aerodynamic lines and modern aesthetics. Among its most distinctive features are the full LED headlights, a continuous LED taillight design, and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels unique to this BEV model. A new white “H” logo has been incorporated into key design elements of the car, including the keyless remote, the steering wheel, the centre wheel caps, and the front charging port cover — all of which underscore its identity as part of Honda’s electric vehicle lineup. The rear of the vehicle features a refreshed spread-letter Honda emblem, lending a more refined and upmarket look to the overall design.
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. secara rasmi mengumumkan pelantikan Encik Narushi Yazaki sebagai Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) baharu syarikat, berkuat kuasa mulai 1 April 2025. Beliau menggantikan Encik Hironobu Yoshimura, yang telah mengetuai syarikat itu sejak tahun 2022.
Dengan pengalaman lebih daripada 25 tahun dalam kumpulan Honda, Encik Yazaki telah memegang pelbagai jawatan kepimpinan kanan di Jepun, Thailand dan Amerika Syarikat, memberikan beliau perspektif global yang kukuh untuk memimpin operasi di Malaysia. Sebelum pelantikannya, beliau berkhidmat dalam Bahagian Operasi Pentadbiran Korporat di ibu pejabat Honda Motor Co., Ltd. di Tokyo.
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Narushi Yazaki as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, who has helmed the company for the past three years.
Mr. Yazaki brings over 25 years of global experience within Honda, having held senior leadership roles in Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Prior to his Malaysian posting, he was with the Corporate Administration Operations division at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.
If there is any country that has been utterly dominating the electric vehicle, it would be China. And there is no denying that.
Whether you gauge it from sales figures, or production figures, or the number of new brands coming out of China, there is simply no denying that China is at the forefront of the EV segment.
But having said that, the Europeans have a glimmer of a presence in the segment as well, with Mercedes and its EQ series, and BMW’s i models which have had better success than its Stuttgart based competitor by simply creating better electric cars.
Porsche has enjoyed a good run with its Taycan though that is losing steam. Audi and the Volkswagen have had a decent run as well but like Porsche, seem to be losing their edge as well.
The Japanese on the other hand have stayed largely silent. Call it elegant silence but Japanese companies like Honda and Toyota have preferred to use a wait and see method and opting for a safer “multi-pathway” approach by offering everything from internal combustion engines to hybrids as well as EV’s rather than throwing everything behind a single technology. That seems to have worked well for them.
On the local front though, the Japanese have stayed largely silent, with most Japanese EV’ s being offered by local grey importers rather than through official channels.
Until now.
Honda Malaysia has confirmed that it will be launching its first salvo at the EV segment with its e:N1 model.
Based on the HRV, the e:N1 has not exactly been well received where ever it has been offered, which has been mystifying because we just drove it recently and found that it is quite impressive in every way.
What does it have to offer you?
Simply put, everything you need. The HRV is already a great platform to begin with, it is neither very big nor small, which means that it is brilliant for your everyday needs especially in urban areas.
Interior spaciousness is great as well, and because it is an EV, Honda could flatten the floors which means more legroom for taller passengers.
You also get a lot of tech.
The infotainment system is a giant 15.1-inch vertically stacked screen that is digitally split into three, something like that of the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
This makes perfect sense because even though there are no buttons for the essentials, everything is just a touch away. For example, there are no physical controls for the air-conditioning, but because the controls are clearly laid out at the bottom of the screen, adjusting the temperature or blower speed is just a touch away.
Chinese companies and their notoriously complicated infotainment systems can learn a lot from Honda.
The e:N1 is also the first Honda in our part of the world to come with Blind Spot Monitoring system, which is fantastic news because this just perfects the Honda package.
Honda has long insisted to stick with its Lane Watch Assist system, but it did not age very well, and the tech only worked for the left side of the car.
Now with Blind Spot Monitoring, it just means that Honda has finally caught up and is offering technology that makes day to day driving a lot more pleasant.
Besides that, it also comes loaded with electronic safety nets such as road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, lane keeping assist system, rear cross traffic monitoring, agile handling assist, as well as adaptive cruise control with low speed follow.
The thing that excites us the most?
That would be the massive 15.1-inch vertically mounted infotainment screen. You might be wondering why because that is quite common particularly in the EV segment, but it is not the physical device that excites us, it is the software.
The one thing that most car makers including those that claimed to be technologically advanced like Tesla, can never get right is software interaction. The way you use and connect with the software will ultimately dictate your overall experience with the car.
The infotainment system in an EV is one of the most important aspects of the cabin but it is through that that you access your entertainment and navigation, control parts of the car such as switching on and off safety systems and even adjust the air-conditioning.
Like it or not, modern cars have all but ditched physical buttons so intuitive software has never been more important. In a recent interview, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak criticised Tesla for its “miserable user interface” calling it the “worst in the world”.
In my opinion though, Honda on the other hand has absolutely nailed it as far as intuitive software is concerned. The massive screen is separated into three distinct layers with the top part dedicated to navigation, Carplay and Android Auto.
The second layer is for entertainment, the trip computer and vehicle controls such as managing the safety systems and such. This is also where you can turn on and off certain things like Lane Keeping Assist.
The third layer is just for air-conditioning and that is permanently displayed there, just as it should. This is important because in some cars, you have to swipe through two to three layers of software just to adjust the temperature or turn down the blower. But not in the Honda, and this is what makes it such an easy car to get into and just go about your business.
And this means that the learning curve for the e:N1 is not that steep, particularly for older folks who want to trade to an EV but are worried about complicated software.
You interact with the Honda e:N1 just as you would a regular petrol powered Honda HRV, and that makes a world of difference.
The instrument cluster is also digital, and it also feeds you a lot of unnecessary information just like the ones found in Chinese EV’s. But unlike those, you can simplify the readouts so you can focus on what matters most. That I truly appreciate because I don’t like being overwhelmed with information that I don’t particularly care about, like being shown the time in three different angles at once.
What powers the e:N1?
A single front-mounted electric motor, effectively making the e:N1 a front-wheel-drive car.
The motor gets its power from a 68.8kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for a total system output of 204PS and 310Nm of torque.
Acceleration to 100km/h is seen off in 7.7 seconds while top speed is rated at 160km/h.
In a world of face morphing acceleration times, the performance may not sound all that impressive, but it’s a different story in real life.
The accelerator of the e:N1 is rather sensitive, and that makes the car feel like it is always eager to get going. In fact, it is quite easy for the front wheels to break traction if you’re not gentle with the pedal.
It’s a good thing then that the e:N1 comes with three driving modes – Econ, Normal and Sport.
During our drive, we left the car in Econ mode most of the time, which makes the accelerator feel like a regular petrol powered HRV, and that is when the e:N1 is at its best.
How does it drive?
The best thing about the e:N1 is in the way it drives. Honda has been making great cars for decades and all that accumulated know how has certainly trickled down into the e:N1.
A regular person may not feel the difference, but because we drive so many different EV’s, particularly those from China these days, the suspension tuning of the e:N1 truly stands out.
Except for a handful of carmakers from China, a lot of the EV cars from China lack proper suspension tuning. Most of the time the suspension is too soft, resulting in a bobble head effect for passengers.
Apparently Chinese car buyers prefer soft suspension, but not for this writer.
The best suspension is one that keeps the car planted while telling the driver exactly what is going on at the point where the tyre meets the road. And at the same time, it is also absorbing all of the little ruts, dips and bumps, ensuring the passengers feel close to nothing.
This is exactly what you get with the Honda e:N1, a well-tuned suspension.
Other than that, the learning curve of the e:N1 is nearly identical to the one you go through with any new petrol powered car.
This is the not the same with all EV’s though.
EV’s from Tesla, Smart, XPeng, BYD, Leapmotor and some other brands have an incredibly steep learning curve. That is because they are nearly 100% devoid of physical buttons with most of the key controls located in the infotainment system.
You have to dive deep into the menu to do simple things like adjust the position of the air-conditioning vents or even turn up the temperature. For those that are not technologically inclined, this might be difficult.
You don’t get any of that with the e:N1 though, as mentioned earlier in the article, a lot of car makers can take a page out of Honda’s book on how to make intuitive software.
That just means that the learning curve for the e:N1 is incredibly linear. It is truly an easy car to learn and get used to, particularly for the elderly who want to transition to an EV but are afraid of complications associated with software or even charging the car.
How fast does it charge and how far will it go?
The e:N1 takes 78kW of DC charging and 11kW of AC charging. The charging ports, both Type 2 and CCS2, are located at the front of the car.
Charging will either take 45 minutes with the DC charger or six hours with the AC. Either way, this will work best if you have a home charger or a charge port at your workplace or a nearby shopping mall.
As for range, Honda claims a WLTP range of 412km. But during our drive from the traffic laden streets of Bangkok onto the busy highways to Pattaya and around the coastal town, we saw a real world range of 380km with 98% state of charge.
Of course, the overall distance will vary depending on your driving style, but 380km is good enough to go about your business around town and charge the car once or twice a week.
Final thoughts?
As a car, the Honda e:N1 offers everything you will ever need in an EV. In fact, it is quite composed and is akin to one of those ultra smart school kids that can’t seem to get a bad grade and has a bright future cast in stone.
But!
The biggest thorn on Honda’s side is not the car. It is the price tag. We don’t know yet how much the car will cost, but the price tag in Thailand is a good indication, though we hope it is not.
In Thailand, the e:N1 is priced at 1.5 million Baht, which roughly converts to about RM196,000. And that is too steep of an asking price considering the competition.
We hope that it is priced a lot more competitively because it is a great car and people deserve to drive great cars.
But, even if Honda Malaysia does price it competitively, the competition is not going to let Honda’s management team have a good night’s sleep.
Some Chinese brands have a knack of throwing grand discounts at a moment’s notice. Just a few days ago a well-known Chinese EV brand dropped the price of one of its popular EV’s down by an unbelievable RM26,000.
The reason they did that? Supposedly to match the price of the Proton eMas 7.
And that is what Honda Malaysia is up against. But even if Honda offers a great car at a great price, it is unlikely that they will take part in the price war. They simply do not have a knack for that, as history has shown.
Then it comes down to preference, will you want a car from a brand that has just found its footing in Malaysia? Or will you want a car from a brand that has a long history in Malaysia, with established service centres and a strong network of spare parts?
More importantly, will you buy a car from a brand that will drop the price of its cars at a moment’s notice, inadvertently affecting the second-hand value of your car? Or will you buy a car from a brand that holds steadfast to its values?
The choice is clear. For now, though, we just hope that it is priced competitively.
Specifications
Motor: Single, front-mounted
Power: 204PS
Torque: 310Nm
0-100kmh: 7.7 seconds
Top speed: 160kmh
Charging: 45 minutes with 78kW DC / 6 hours with 11kW AC
We like: Infotainment software, easy to drive
We don’t like: Brutal competition may outclass it
Honda Malaysia has unveiled its strategic vision for 2025, targeting sales of 83,000 units and a 10.6% market share. This ambitious goal is supported by the introduction of three new models, including the New Civic launched in January, as well as various brand initiatives to strengthen market engagement.
The company remains optimistic about sustained demand for its existing lineup, reinforcing its market leadership in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment. Honda Malaysia also sees continued relevance in internal combustion engine (ICE) and e:HEV (hybrid) technologies, citing infrastructure readiness, consumer preferences, and technological advancements as key factors. Notably, Honda e:HEV models accounted for nearly 30% of Malaysia’s total hybrid car sales in 2024, reflecting growing acceptance of Honda’s hybrid technology.
Honda Malaysia mencatat kejayaan membanggakan dengan penjualan lebih 11,300 unit Honda CR-V Generasi Ke-6, sekali gus mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai SUV Mid-Size No.1 pada tahun 2024. Dengan pegangan pasaran sebanyak 36% dalam segmennya, CR-V terus menjadi pilihan utama rakyat Malaysia.
Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Honda Malaysia, Encik Hironobu Yoshimura, melahirkan rasa gembira atas sambutan luar biasa terhadap CR-V. “Sejak dilancarkan pada Disember 2023, model ini telah menerima permintaan pasaran yang tinggi, menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan segmen sebanyak 40% tahun ke tahun. CR-V kini merupakan model ketiga terlaris dalam barisan Honda Malaysia untuk 2024,” katanya.
Peningkatan Permintaan untuk Varian Hibrid dan Petrol
Kejayaan ini turut dipacu oleh varian hibrid 2.0L e:HEV RS, yang menyumbang 20% daripada jumlah jualan CR-V. Dalam segmen SUV Hibrid Mid-Size, e:HEV RS menguasai 87% pasaran, mencerminkan kepercayaan tinggi pengguna terhadap teknologi hibrid Honda.
Sementara itu, varian petrol kekal popular, dengan varian E menjadi pilihan utama pelanggan, menyumbang 40% daripada jumlah jualan. Encik Yoshimura turut menzahirkan penghargaan kepada pelanggan atas sokongan yang berterusan.
Honda Malaysia has achieved a significant milestone with the sale of over 11,300 units of its flagship model, the 6th Generation CR-V, securing its position as the No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024 with a commanding 36% market share in the segment.
Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, expressed his delight at the CR-V’s outstanding market performance. “Since its launch in December 2023, the CR-V has received strong market acceptance, further solidifying its dominant position. This growing demand is reflected in its remarkable 40% year-on-year growth within its segment. Notably, the CR-V ranked as the third best-selling model in Honda Malaysia’s lineup for 2024.”
Impressive Sales Contribution from Hybrid and Petrol Variants
The introduction of the 2.0L e:HEV RS hybrid variant has significantly boosted demand, contributing to 20% of overall CR-V sales. Within the Mid-Size SUV hybrid segment, the e:HEV RS commands an 87% market share, reflecting strong consumer confidence in Honda’s advanced hybrid technology.
The SUV market in Malaysia has grown immensely in recent months. The surge in popularity is unsurprising – SUVs offer a perfect balance of style, practicality, and functionality. However, with so many options flooding the market, standing out is no easy feat. Yet, the Honda CR-V continues to rise above the competition, cementing its position as one of the best family SUVs in Malaysia.
This sixth-generation Honda CR-V brings a refined design, advanced features, and the reliability Honda is renowned for. Plenty has been said about the CR-V already but we recently got a chance to get reacquainted with it, so let’s take look once again at why it continues to be a top contender for families.
Spaciousness and Practicality
One of the key selling points of the Honda CR-V is its spacious interior. Compared to the previous generation CR-V, this one is 10mm wider, 80mm longer and has a 40mm longer wheelbase – measuring 4,691mm in length, 1,866mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2,700mm – the CR-V offers an abundance of cabin space. This is particularly beneficial for Malaysian families who often take extended road trips or need room for larger families.
While the CR-V isn’t a seven-seater (not in Malaysia at least), its clever interior layout allows for comfortable seating for up to six passengers (including children), thanks to its wide rear bench. The rear ISOFIX anchors ensure easy and secure installation of child seats, catering to families with younger children.
The boot is another highlight, offering an impressive 589 litres of cargo space. Whether it’s luggage for a weekend getaway, a stroller, or even groceries for a week, the CR-V has you covered. The hands-free power tailgate with a walk-away close function adds a touch of convenience, making it effortless to load and unload cargo even when your hands are full.
Comfort for Long Drives
A family SUV must prioritise comfort, and the Honda CR-V excels in this area. Honda’s body-stabilising seats ensure excellent support, particularly during long journeys. The seats are well-cushioned and ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue for both the driver and passengers. Additionally, the driver’s seat position memory function allows multiple drivers to easily revert to their preferred settings.
Noise insulation is another area where the CR-V shines. While the e:HEV RS variant with wheel resonators offers superior NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance, the non-hybrid models still provide a quiet and serene cabin environment. This allows families to enjoy conversations or music without interruptions from external noise.
Family-Centric Technology
The CR-V’s infotainment system is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its nine-inch advanced display audio touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to connect smartphones for navigation, calls, or music streaming. The eight-speaker sound system delivers crisp audio quality, ensuring every road trip is accompanied by great entertainment.
For the driver, the seven-inch TFT instrument display provides essential information at a glance. It is customisable to show details like audio info, fuel range, or all-wheel-drive (AWD) power distribution. Even for those less tech-savvy, the system’s intuitive design makes it easy to navigate.
Safety First
Safety is a priority in the CR-V, with features like autonomous emergency braking, vehicle stability assist, and eight airbags covering the front, sides, side curtains, and knees.
Additionally, the Driver Attention Monitor alerts drivers when signs of fatigue are detected, promoting safer driving. Adaptive cruise control and low-speed follow functions further enhance convenience and reduce driver fatigue during extended journeys.
Another feature that I really like about the CR-V is the built-in tyre pressure monitoring system. The pressure was low when I collected the car and it kept informing me which I find is really good because I have seen cases of tyres bursting due to negligence of proper tyre care. All you have to do is pump air into the tyres and calibrate the system via the infotainment screen.
Performance That Delivers
The Honda CR-V’s 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC Turbo engine delivers 193PS and 243Nm of torque. Mated to a CVT gearbox, this setup offers smooth acceleration and reliable performance, whether on city roads or highways. With a 0-100km/h time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h, the CR-V balances power and efficiency effortlessly.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system enhances the SUV’s capability on various terrains, making it suitable for occasional off-road adventures. The inclusion of a multi-view 360-degree camera also makes navigating tight urban spaces a breeze.
Small Touches That Matter
Honda is known for its attention to detail, and the CR-V is no exception. Thoughtful features like the walk-away auto-lock, which secures the vehicle automatically as you leave, and the inclusion of multiple USB ports for charging devices, show Honda’s understanding of modern family needs.
The addition of a wireless charging pad is a welcome feature, though it could benefit from faster charging speeds. Families who prefer a clutter-free cabin may find the slower charging speeds slightly inconvenient, as relying on USB cables adds to cabin messiness.
Areas for Improvement
While the CR-V boasts numerous strengths, improvements could be made in some areas. For instance, the absence of a “teh-tarik” hook might inconvenience some users. The LaneWatch system, which activates when the left indicator is used, overrides the infotainment display, temporarily obscuring navigation information. This can be frustrating for drivers relying on GPS guidance but can be turned off, but then again, what is the point of LaneWatch if you are just going to turn it off? A Blind Spot Monitoring system would be a more effective and user-friendly solution.
Another area for improvement is the wireless charging pad, which is slow to charge devices. Although USB ports and a 12V outlet are available as alternatives, they may result in a cluttered cabin with tangled cables. Addressing these issues would further enhance the CR-V’s appeal and functionality.
Value for Money
Priced at RM181,900 for the 1.5 V AWD variant, the CR-V represents excellent value for its segment. Its comprehensive suite of features, spacious interior, and reliable performance make it a worthy investment for families seeking an all-rounder SUV. Compared to rivals, the CR-V’s blend of practicality, technology, and comfort offers a compelling package that’s hard to beat.
The Honda CR-V’s latest iteration builds on its legacy of being a reliable and versatile family SUV. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and thoughtful touches, it remains a top contender in the Malaysian market.
Though it has a few minor drawbacks, the CR-V’s strengths far outweigh them, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a dependable, feature-rich vehicle. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a road trip, the Honda CR-V promises a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
For families in Malaysia, the Honda CR-V is not just a car—it’s a trusted companion ready to meet the demands of modern life with style and grace.
Specifications:
1.5 V AWD:
Engine: 1.5 litre DOHC VTEC Turbo engine
Power: 193PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 243Nm from 1,700 to 5,000rpm
Gearbox: CVT
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Price (as tested): RM181,900
We like: Comfort, space and practicality.
We don’t like: Slow wireless charging and no “teh-tarik” hook