The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV may appear similar to its conventional counterparts, but its distinguishing feature lies in its plug-in hydrogen setup, as indicated by the two fuel caps. Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids, this CR-V combines a fuel cell setup with a battery pack, making it a unique offering in the market.
Referred to as the only fuel-cell electric passenger vehicle made in America, the compact SUV boasts a sophisticated powertrain configuration. It features a front-mounted electric motor generating 174hp and 310Nm of torque. The compressed hydrogen gas tank, with a capacity of 4.3 kilograms, provides an EPA-certified driving range of 434km. Additionally, the separate 17.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack offers an EPA-estimated 46km of electric range.
Incorporating bidirectional charging capabilities akin to conventional plug-in hybrids and battery EVs, the CR-V e:FCEV includes a power supply connector that can deliver up to 1,500 watts of power through a standard 110-volt outlet. This feature enables users to power various appliances, camping equipment, tools, and even portable air conditioners.
Given the unique weight distribution of the SUV, Honda has completely re-tuned the suspension system at both the front and rear axles. The CR-V e:FCEV utilises a MacPherson strut front and a multi-link rear suspension setup. Improvements in rear lateral and torsional rigidity, up by 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively, over combustion engine models, are achieved through the implementation of new stabiliser bars, dampers, and springs.
This model marks Honda’s debut of the second generation of its fuel cell module, co-developed with General Motors and manufactured in Michigan. Notable enhancements include increased efficiency, durability, refinement, and cost-effectiveness compared to its predecessor. Production costs for the fuel cell have been substantially reduced by two-thirds compared to the discontinued Clarity Fuel Cell.
Visually, the CR-V e:FCEV features distinct design elements to set it apart from its non-hydrogen counterparts. Changes to the front fenders, bumper, partially black tailgate, clear taillights, and 18-inch black alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design contribute to its unique aesthetic. Underneath the SUV, a fully closed underfloor improves airflow for enhanced efficiency.
For the 2025 model year, the CR-V e:FCEV will be exclusively offered as a Touring trim level, boasting a comprehensive list of standard features. From electrically adjustable heated front seats to a 12-speaker Bose sound system, the Touring trim includes luxurious amenities such as dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a power tailgate, and a wireless charging pad. Standard technology features include a 9-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Scheduled for lease availability in California later this year, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV represents a significant step forward in Honda’s commitment to sustainable mobility and innovative technology.
The year 2024 is not a good time to be a car fan. Sure, you have some mega cars from the likes of Bugatti, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin, but you have to have some deep pockets to be able to indulge in those.
The advent of technology has made it possible to create stratospheric power and aerospace levels of aerodynamics to ensure a car never leaves the ground. But all of this comes at a price, figures that would leave some rich folks short of breath.
On the other hand, the 90s and the noughties were probably the best times for car fans. Technologies from the 80s such as turbochargers and all-wheel-drive systems had been perfected and came together to create such monstrosities as the Nissan GT-R, the Lancia Delta Integrale and even Audi’s RS series of power-mobiles.
And car companies thought of the regular man as well. Ford created the Focus RS, Renault had the mighty Clio, Peugeot with its 308, Mazda its MX-5 and Honda had its Type R. Closer to home, even Proton had something that just about anyone could appreciate – the beloved Satria GTi.
And then something changed somewhere.
In the ever-evolving world of automotive tech, cars needed to produce more power, be faster, look better and stick to the road like a lizard to the wall. And unfortunately, this meant that cars that were once fun and affordable had become more expensive because evolution requires tech and tech is not cheap.
We wouldn’t go so far as to say that electric car’s stole all the fun, but there does lie some blame there. But that’s a debate for another time.
Back tracking to the time when cars were cheap and cheerful, the Civic Type R (CTR) was introduced in 1997 and was based on the EK9 Civic. While some of its competitors relied on force induction to create massive power, Honda went a different route and refined its popular VTEC technology.
The B16B engine of the EK9 Civic is still one of the finest small displacements, naturally-aspirated engines ever made and is still highly sought after by enthusiasts. It created most of its power at the upper end of the 8000rpm redline, which meant that you had to keep the engine on the boil to extract every bit of horsepower. That combined with a livewire chassis and grippy tyres provided a driving experience that is extinct in today’s cars.
Then came the evolution of Type R models such as the Integra Type R models with legends such as the DC2 and DC5. Arguably one of the most memorable of the Civic Type R’s is the 2007 FD2 which was very much a race car for the road with its ultra-stiff suspension, specially developed tyres and once again, an engine that screamed so loud that it would put your former lover to shame.
The subsequent iterations were softened a little as European legislations creeped in. Things like carbon and noise emissions began to threaten the purity of the Type R brand, but fortunately we Asians got none of those models except for in the parallel import market.
Then came the Civic Type R FK8R. It was the second CTR model that came with a turbo engine after the FK2. And despite being developed in Europe, it was heavenly.
But it was unlike older CTR’s, it was heavy, came with adaptive suspension and drive modes, and it was comfortable, a word that could never be used in the same sentence as a Honda Type R.
It did not forget the driver though, for the initiated, it offered one of the greatest manual gearboxes ever made and the turbocharger complemented Honda’s VTEC system perfectly.
Fans of Honda’s naturally-aspirated engines had a hard time faulting it. It also became the fastest front-wheel-drive car to lap the legendary Nurburgring-Nordschleiffe in Germany.
And just when fans and enthusiasts thought that it could not get any better, Honda took the wraps off the Civic Type R FL5 – arguably the greatest Type R, ever.
The new CTR FL5 shares a lot with its predecessors, particularly the powertrain and suspension components.
But while the older model had aggressive styling such as the double spoilers, fins and wings that just looked rude, the newer model is refined and socially acceptable. It looks more matured with its styling, which is every bit as functional. In fact, at 200km/h, the design of the CTR FL5 generates 100kg of downforce to further push the car down to maximise grip.
Just like before, there are several vents and fins that channel air in and around the car to also keep things like the engine and brakes cool.
The real spectacle though is inside the car and in the way it drives.
Current Honda Civic owners will find the interior to be quite familiar, but that is to be expected considering that all Type R’s are built upon the base Civics. So, your Civic Hybrid has the same dashboard as the Type R, except that the Type R has and only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. So, you could spend RM80,000 on a body kit for your Civic, but it will never be a Type R.
On the topic of manual transmissions, the gear knob in the old FK8 is circular and made of aluminium. The one in the FL5 is also made of aluminium but is shaped like a teardrop and it weighs 230 grammes more.
The reason behind the heavier gearknob is that Honda apparently figured that by adding more weight to the knob, it makes the shifts feel more natural, sleeker even. And after jumping into the FL5 after hours behind the wheel of the FK8, the shifts are buttery and precise.
The steering column too has been reworked and this makes it feel lighter, faster and more communicative at the same time. The Alcantara wrapped steering wheel is always twitching and chatting with your palms, sending little nuggets of information back to your brain about what is happening with the tyres.
In comparison, the steering of the FK8 feels heavy and dull.
The real show begins when you drive. Both cars have drive modes – Comfort, Sport and R. But the newer CTR has an individual mode that lets you customise how you want the car to feel, you can have the suspension set to comfortable, the steering set to sport and the engine set for maximum response.
The new car also feels more eager to get off the line. Both are powered by the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-VTEC engine, except that the new CTR produces 319 and 420Nm while the previous one offered 310PS and 400Nm.
That’s not a lot of power difference but the FL5 has other tricks up its sleeves. The turbocharger for one has been re-engineered and now responds quicker. The flywheel is also 18% lighter and this helps to reduce inertia by 25%, which ultimately results in a car that feels more eager and accelerates harder.
In terms of numbers, the new model reaches 100km/h from a dead stop in just 5.5 seconds, while its predecessor took 5.7. You may think that 0.2 seconds can barely be felt, but the FL5 just feels wilder from the moment you take your foot off the clutch.
The FL5 is a bigger car too, much bigger than a Golf R or a Mercedes-Benz A45S AMG, and perhaps closer in size to a BMW 3-Series. But in Sport or R mode, it dances at the edge of grip and rarely feels like it is about to edge into an understeer.
Some describe the FL5 as a grip gorilla; we can understand why as it can charge into corners with the rear neatly tucked in and slingshot out where previous models would just slide into the barriers when you overload the tyres.
But you can also take it easy with the new CTR, and that makes us think that Honda has made a sports car for those 90s kid that are growing old but never want to grow up. These people need space for the family, so Honda fitted a huge booth with foldable rear seats.
These people also need space for the family, so the rear seats come with ISOFIX mounts and cupholders. They need to keep the family comfortable, so the suspension does a great job at keep the occupants comfortable, though the very audible tyre roar is a clear indication of what this car really is underneath.
And on Sundays when the kids and the wife are asleep, these people wake up at 6am to go barrelling down their favourite roads with the rev-match function making them feel like driving gods as they carve corner after corner, appreciating the decades of engineering that has gone into making one of the finest driver’s cars this decade has seen.
By 11am, they are back with the family, and the car has mellowed down and is ready for Sunday lunch with the family at the local banana leaf shop. On the way, the wireless Apple Carplay or wired Android Auto keeps the occupants entertained. There are safety systems to keep the family secure while features like adaptive cruise control and ultra-comfortable sport bucket seats make long journeys bearable.
It is a pity that the world has evolved into a place where such cars may soon go the way of the Dodo, but we can all be thankful that there are manufacturers like Honda who still care about driving pleasure. The only thing that stands in the way is the RM399,900 asking price.
Afeela, usaha sama antara Sony dan Honda, memperkenalkan versi yang dikemas kini dari produk pertamanya, sebuah sedan elektrik, di CES 2024. Sedan tersebut, yang masih belum diberi nama, menampilkan reka bentuk yang disemak semula dan butiran powertrain yang lebih spesifik. Ia akan mempunyai sistem pemanduan empat roda dengan motor elektrik 241hp pada setiap gandar dan bateri 91.0 kWh yang mampu mengecas sehingga 150 kW.
Afeela merancang untuk melancarkan sedan tersebut di Amerika Syarikat pada tahun 2026, setelah debut pada tahun 2025. Walaupun pesanan untuk sedan akan dibuka pada tahun 2025, jualan sebenar dijangka bermula pada tahun berikutnya.
Selain dari sedan, Afeela bercadang untuk memperkenalkan dua lagi kenderaan elektrik dalam beberapa tahun akan datang. Pada tahun 2027, sebuah SUV elektrik yang berkait rapat dengan sedan akan diperkenalkan, diikuti oleh model kompak pada tahun 2028. Model-model ini akan berkongsi platform untuk mengurangkan kos dan masa pembangunan.
Model kompak itu, kira-kira saiz sebuah Toyota Corolla, kemungkinan akan berkongsi komponen dengan barisan kenderaan elektrik Honda. Untuk mengekalkan kos rendah, beberapa peralatan dan fungsi mungkin akan dikecualikan dari model kompak tersebut.
Laporan menunjukkan bahawa sedan Afeela akan berharga lebih dari 10 juta yen di Jepun, kira-kira RM318,189.
Afeela, the joint venture between Sony and Honda, showcased an updated version of its first product, an electric sedan, at CES 2024. The sedan, which remains unnamed, features a revised design and more specific powertrain details. It will feature an all-wheel drive with a 241hp electric motor on each axle and a 91.0-kWh battery capable of charging up to 150 kW.
Afeela plans to launch the sedan in the U.S. in 2026, following its debut in 2025. While orders for the sedan will open in 2025, actual sales are expected to commence the following year.
In addition to the sedan, Afeela intends to introduce two more electric vehicles in the coming years. In 2027, an electric SUV closely related to the sedan will be introduced, followed by a more affordable compact model in 2028. These models will share a platform to reduce costs and development time.
The compact model, roughly the size of a Toyota Corolla, will likely share parts with Honda’s lineup of EVs. To keep costs down, certain equipment and functions may be omitted from the compact model.
Reports indicate that the Afeela sedan will be priced at over 10 million yen in Japan, approximately RM318,189.
Peminat Honda di seluruh Asia Tenggara bergembira dengan pelancaran Edisi Honda BR-V N7X di Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2024, penggemar kereta Malaysia pula terpaksa berfikir; adakah model edisi istimewa ini akan tiba di jalan raya Malaysia?
Kenyataan sebenar dan kenyataan yang pahit ialah adalah tidak mungkin bagi BR-V baru ini ditawarkan di sini, kerana BR-V telah dihentikan pengeluarannya di pasaran Malaysia tahun lalu, dan digantikan oleh WR-V.
Menurut Yujiro Sugino, Koordinator Eksekutif Honda Malaysia, BR-V dihentikan pengeluarannya kerana kelas SUV mempunyai potensi pasaran yang lebih besar, terutamanya di celah di bawah HR-V.
Tetapi mari kita lihat spesifikasi Honda BR-V N7X yang baru dilancarkan.
Dengan elemen reka bentuk yang menarik minat terinspirasi oleh model konsep N7X yang futuristik, Edisi BR-V N7X sudah menarik perhatian. Dari aksen krom menarik yang mempercantik gril hingga aksen hitam glossy yang licin dan rim aloi hitam 17 inci, setiap butiran memancarkan kesan kemewahan dan gaya.
Selain itu, pengenalan Edisi BR-V N7X dalam warna sand khaki pearl baru menambah sentuhan elegan kepada kenderaan ini yang sudah menarik perhatian, membezakannya dari pendahulunya.
Di bawah hud, Edisi BR-V N7X mengekalkan enjin 1.5 liter DOHC i-VTEC, memberikan prestasi yang baik sehingga 121PS dan 145Nm tork, digabungkan dengan transmisi CVT. Pasaran Indonesia terus menawarkan varian kotak gear manual enam kelajuan juga.
Keselamatan tetap menjadi keutamaan utama, dengan ciri-ciri terkini seperti Honda SENSING, termasuk Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support (AHB), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), dan Honda LaneWatch, tersedia untuk varian tertinggi. Ini menekankan komitmen Honda untuk menyediakan teknologi terkini yang meningkatkan keselesaan dan keselamatan di jalan raya.
Soalan yang timbul, adakah Edisi BR-V N7X akan diberi harga yang kompetitif di pasaran Malaysia jika ia ditawarkan di sini lagi? Harga permulaan di Indonesia berkisar antara Rp 319,400,000 hingga Rp 363,400,000, setara dengan kira-kira RM97,639 hingga RM111,090. Dengan pesaing seperti Perodua Alza, Toyota Veloz, Mitsubishi Xpander dan Proton X50 sudah menawarkan harga yang sukar ditandingi, kami membayangkan BR-V tidak akan berjaya di sini. Jadi mungkin Honda Malaysia sudah betul untuk memberi tumpuan kepada segmen SUV kecil dengan WRV, di mana hanya ada Perodua Ativa yang perlu diberikan perhatian.
As Honda fans across Southeast Asia buzz with excitement over the launch of the Honda BR-V N7X Edition at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2024, Malaysian car aficionados are left wondering; could this special edition model make its way to Malaysian roads?
The reality and the bitter truth is that it is unlikely that the new BR-V will be offered here, since the BR-V was discontinued in the Malaysian market last year, and was instead replaced by the WR-V.
According to Yujiro Sugino, Executive Coordinator for Honda Malaysia, the BR-V was discontinued because the SUV class had a larger market potential, especially in the gap below the HR-V.
But let’s take a look at the specifications of the newly launched Honda BR-V N7X.
With its captivating design elements inspired by the futuristic N7X concept model, the BR-V N7X Edition is already turning heads. From the striking chrome accents adorning the grille to the sleek glossy black accents and 17-inch black alloy wheels, every detail exudes sophistication and style.
Furthermore, the introduction of the BR-V N7X Edition in a new sand khaki pearl colour adds a touch of elegance to this already eye-catching vehicle, setting it apart from its predecessors.
Under the hood, the BR-V N7X Edition retains the reliable 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, delivering a robust performance of up to 121PS and 145Nm of torque, coupled with a CVT transmission. The Indonesian market continues to offer a six-speed manual gearbox variant as well.
Safety remains a top priority, with advanced features such as Honda SENSING, including Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support (AHB), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Honda LaneWatch, available for the highest variant. This underscores Honda’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that enhances both convenience and safety on the road.
The question is, will the BR-V N7X Edition be priced competitively in the Malaysian market if it were ever to be offered here again? The starting price in Indonesia ranges from Rp 319,400,000 to Rp 363,400,000, equivalent to approximately RM97,639 to RM111,090. With competitors like the Perodua Alza, Toyota Veloz, Mitsubishi Xpander and of course, the Proton X50 already offering hard-to-beat prices, we imagine that the BR-V would not do well here. So perhaps Honda Malaysia was right to focus on the small SUV segment with the WRV instead, in which there is only the Perodua Ativa to worry about.
Para peminat Honda sedang mendapat gambaran awal tentang masa depan dengan video teaser mengenai CR-V FCEV yang akan datang, yang dijadualkan untuk muncul pada tahun 2024. Walaupun masih dibalut dengan camouflage, versi SUV popular ini berfungsi dengan hidrogen dan memberikan petunjuk mengenai ciri-ciri tambahan berkat adanya bateri yang dibenamkan.
Apabila ia meluncur ke jalan-jalan pada penghujung tahun ini, Honda CR-V FCEV akan membuat sejarah sebagai kenderaan pengeluaran pertama di Amerika Utara yang menggabungkan bateri dengan sel hidrogen. Gabungan unik ini membolehkan SUV ini diisi seperti kereta elektrik biasa apabila stesen hidrogen adalah sukar didapati.
Inovasi ini membebaskan CR-V FCEV dari kebergantungan sepenuhnya pada stesen pengisian hidrogen yang terhad. Selain itu, caj dwi-arahnya bermaksud pemilik boleh menggunakan kuasa bateri yang disimpan untuk perkara seperti menjalankan peranti, seperti yang ditunjukkan dengan mesin pembuat kopi dalam video.
Walaupun butiran mengenai saiz bateri dan kapasiti tangki hidrogen masih dirahsiakan, semua orang ingin tahu mengenai julat pemanduan SUV ini. Apa yang kita tahu adalah bahawa rangkaian kuasa baru ini, yang dibangunkan dengan General Motors, dijangka lebih berkos efektif daripada model Clarity Fuel Cell terdahulu Honda, dan dijangka bertahan dua kali lebih lama.
Dari segi penampilan, CR-V bahan api hidrogen mempunyai bahagian hadapan yang segar dengan gril yang lebih anggun dan salur bampar yang lebih besar, memberikan ciri-ciri berbeza dari CR-V petrol biasa. Anda juga akan melihat port caj di fender hadapan dan kluster lampu belakang yang jelas.
Pengeluaran Honda CR-V FCEV akan berlaku di kilang Marysville di Ohio, dan ia bukan hanya untuk Amerika Utara – ia juga menuju ke Jepun. Dengan begitu banyak keghairahan yang dibangun, para peminat dengan penuh keterujaan menunggu butiran lebih lanjut mengenai SUV inovatif yang akan mengubah bidang teknologi automotif.
Honda enthusiasts have been granted a tantalising glimpse into the future with a short video teaser of the upcoming CR-V FCEV, scheduled for its debut in 2024. While still shrouded in camouflage, this hydrogen-powered rendition of the beloved SUV hints at enhanced functionality thanks to the integration of a battery pack.
Upon its anticipated arrival later this year, the Honda CR-V FCEV is poised to make history as North America’s first production vehicle to combine a battery pack with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. This innovative fusion equips the SUV with the flexibility to be charged akin to a conventional EV when access to a hydrogen pump is scarce.
This groundbreaking feature alleviates the CR-V FCEV’s dependence on the limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, while its bi-directional charging capability empowers owners to harness stored battery power for various electronic devices, as showcased with a coffee maker in the teaser video.
Although specifics such as battery capacity and hydrogen tank size remain undisclosed, driving range details are eagerly anticipated. Nonetheless, the new powertrain, developed in collaboration with General Motors, promises significant cost savings compared to the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, while boasting double the durability.
Visually, the fuel-cell EV flaunts a redesigned front end, characterised by a sleeker grille and enlarged bumper intakes, setting it apart from its gasoline-powered counterpart, the CR-V. Notable alterations include the addition of a charging port on the front fender and distinct clear taillight clusters.
Production of the Honda CR-V FCEV is slated to take place at the Marysville plant in Ohio, with distribution plans encompassing not only North America but also the Japanese market. As anticipation mounts, enthusiasts eagerly await further revelations about this pioneering SUV poised to redefine automotive innovation.
A Honda HR-V owner, who encountered issues with her car at a Honda service centre in Terengganu, has confirmed the return of her SUV in impeccable condition following a thorough inspection and repair process.
The owner disclosed that her SUV was returned to her last Monday after undergoing a 16-day assessment at Honda Malaysia to identify the root cause of the problems she had experienced.
According to her, Honda conducted a comprehensive examination of her car and determined that the misaligned headlights, flashing dashboard indicator lights, and activated emergency lights were attributed to a malfunction in the light sensor.
Seorang pemilik Honda HR-V, yang mengalami masalah dengan keretanya di pusat servis Honda di Terengganu, telah mengesahkan pemulangan SUVnya dalam keadaan sempurna selepas menjalani proses pemeriksaan dan pembaikan yang teliti.
Pemilik tersebut mendedahkan bahawa SUVnya dikembalikan kepadanya pada Isnin lepas, selepas menjalani penilaian selama 16 hari di Honda Malaysia untuk mengenal pasti punca masalah yang dialaminya.
Menurutnya, Honda telah menjalankan pemeriksaan menyeluruh terhadap keretanya dan menentukan bahawa lampu hadapan yang tidak seiring, lampu petunjuk pada papan pemuka yang berkelip-kelip, dan lampu kecemasan yang diaktifkan adalah disebabkan oleh kerosakan pada sensor cahaya.
