The 10th generation Honda Accord is finally coming to Malaysia and will be launched before the end of March 2020. Announcing this today, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB) said that bookings for its all-new flagship model can be made at 100 authorised dealerships nationwide from today.
Prices have not been revealed nor the variants available. The current generation, launched in September 2013, has two variants priced at 147,733.50 (2 litres) and RM167,862.00 (2.4 litres). HMSB says over 32,500 units of the 9th generation have been sold and it has maintained its position as segment leader.
While the full specifications are not available yet, HMSB’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, revealed that the new Accord will have an enhanced turbocharged engine. “The much-anticipated All-New Accord is set to move the yardstick for next-generation sedans and further excite the market and segment. Honda is the only Japanese mass market manufacturer to introduce the powerful engine in the D-segment,” he said.
1.5 more powerful than 2.4
This would be the 1.5-litre VTEC engine and it would be the smallest engine ever offered in the Accord since the model line was added to Honda’s range in 1976. The earliest generations (up to the third generation) had 1.6-litre engines before the model began using engines with larger displacements as its size grew.
In the 21st century, displacement is no longer an indicator of performance and with turbocharging, the new Accord’s engine can produce maximum power of 201 ps/260 Nm – more powerful than the 2.4-litre engine! While the turbocharger gives stronger acceleration, the smaller displacement means better fuel efficiency and you also pay less roadtax each year.
The Accord line started with a hatchback in 1976 and 1.6-litres was the smallest engine size for the first three generations.
The design of the new Accord is described as a ‘revolutionary design incorporating fastback styling’. It has a wider stance, coupled with lower bonnet height as well as lower and longer roofline. At the front and rear are stylish full LED headlights and taillights. There’s a Twin Tailpipe Chrome Finisher and newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels.
Complete Honda SENSING system
In line with HMSB’s aim of providing Next Generation Advanced Technology, the new Accord will have more advanced safety features. The 10th generation will come with the complete Honda SENSING system that has three categories and eight features:
Driver Cruising Aids – Adaptive Cruise Control, Low Speed Follow, Auto High-Beam
Side Collision Deterrence – Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning
In addition to the Honda SENSING package, there will also be Smart Parking Assist System with Brake Assist (Rear), a Multi View Camera System and Honda LaneWatch which uses a camera on the left door mirror to give the driver an image of the blind spot along the side of the car.
Visit www.honda.com.my to locate an authorised dealer anywhere in Malaysia.
The automotive industry is changing faster than at any time in its history, with a convergence of trends and developments shaping the face of the sector beyond all recognition. Honda predicts that by 2030, the development of automobiles will be centred around electrification, automation and services. Environmental issues, such as climate change, are driving demand for cleaner mobility and accelerating the electrification of automobiles.
The new fully-electric Honda e is inspired by this 2030 prediction, engineered from the ground up to deliver a package perfect for the modern urban environment. It first appeared in concept form in 2017 as the ‘Urban EV’, followed by an almost production-ready prototype at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Finally having its global debut in Frankfurt last year, the compact EV features cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners in sync with everyday life. The Honda e sets new technology benchmarks in the compact EV segment, with intuitive infotainment services and connected apps that seamlessly integrate with the owner’s modern lifestyle, accessed via the dual touchscreen displays, Honda Personal Assistant artificial intelligence or via the My Honda+ smartphone app.
Design-wise, the Honda e has a simple and clean modern appearance which somehow also brings to mind the original Civic. That Civic was a model of innovation in its time and the Honda e reimagines the identity of a small Honda for the next era of urban mobility.
Exemplifying such design philosophy is the Side Camera Mirror System (SCMS) that replaces conventional side view mirrors, with compact cameras that provide live images to two 6-inch screens inside the vehicle. The camera technology, a first in the compact segment, brings significant benefits for safety, aerodynamics and packaging.
The interior uses subtle, contemporary materials to create a relaxing lounge-like. The generous wheelbase allows passenger space comparable with that of cars in the segment above, with step-through access contributing to the spacious interior environment.
The Honda e also offers Single Pedal Control System to improve driving efficiency in urban environments. When activated, the system enables the driver to seamlessly accelerate, slow and stop the car using only the accelerator pedal. The Single Pedal Control System provides linear deceleration control that gives the car a more agile response. By decreasing in frequency the need to use both accelerator and brake pedals, it helps the driver feel more comfortable in stop/start congested city traffic.
The wide rear bench seat provides sofa-like seating, adding further to the ambience of a modern living space. Ceiling spot lamps above the occupants’ heads and out of direct eyesight contribute further to the comfortable and sophisticated feel, like you are switching on your living room light, and are activated by a button on the B-pillar.
The Honda e provides the most comprehensive range of driver aids in its class, addressing the demand for more safety provisions that is topping consumer expectations today. An enhanced suite of safety features sees the addition of three new safety technologies. These are Collision Mitigation Throttle Control, preventing sudden acceleration in either reverse or drive upon starting the car when there is an obstacle in the way; Low Speed Brake Function which applies emergency braking while driving at low speed, and Lead Car Departure Notification System which notifies the driver when the car in front has started moving.
Providing additional support to drivers is the Honda Parking Pilot, which continues the theme of user-focused technology. The system assists the driver in locating an appropriate space and then manoeuvring the car efficiently into it. It does this through the use of 4 cameras and 12 sonar sensors. A multi-view camera detects the white line of a parking spot, while the sensors recognise the actual parking space. The system can execute up to 5 parking patterns which covers virtually all parking scenarios.
The all-new EV-specific platform (with rear-wheel drive) has been engineered to deliver fun and effortless electric performance (154 ps/315 Nm) with exceptional driving characteristics in urban environments. The claimed acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 8.3 seconds, with a 136 ps variant doing it in 9 seconds.
The 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a claimed range of 222 kms, and 80% of charge can be ‘refuelled’ within 30 minutes in rapid charging mode. Reinforcing the function-led design approach, the car’s advanced charging port is integrated centrally in the bonnet for ease of use from either side of the car. The lid is made of high-strength glass and operated via the key fob or My Honda+ app. LED lighting visible through the sleek cover welcomes the driver upon approach to the car, and communicates by illuminating blue when charging, or red if the charging system detects an error.
In the UK market, the Honda E with the more powerful powertrain will cost £28,660 (about RM152,000) while the lowered powered on will be around 9% cheaper. The prices are after a rebate is given as an incentive for purchases of EVs. The Nissan LEAF, which is the world’s most widely sold EV, costs around £32,500 (RM173,000) even with a rebate but it has a higher-capacity 62-kWh battery pack.
The Honda e is the start of the carmaker’s electrification offensive in Europe. Over the next 36 months, there will be all-new hybrid-only Jazz, a SUV and an additional battery electric vehicle. Honda’s new ‘e: Technology’ branding will unify all its electrified products under the same global name. Ahead of its European 2022 electrification goal, Honda will expand the application of its e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system to the entire line-up of Honda vehicles in Europe, starting with the next-generation Jazz, available from the middle of 2020.
When Soichiro Honda began making motorcycles, the logo which he chose as a brand mark had wings, and this was inspired by a sculpture of the goddess Nike (the ancient Greece goddess of Victory) which he saw. Over the years, from the 1950s onwards, the Honda Wings would evolve while maintaining the same side view.
For automobiles, which began in 1963, the brand logo did not use the wings as a basis but a simple ‘H’. This was prominently placed on the front of the T360 mini truck, Honda’s first automobile. The shape of the ‘H’ was trapezoid with the top wider than the bottom. It is believed that this was intended to look like ‘reaching for the sky’ – well known of Honda, the ambitious founder.
Apart from a few variations in size, the logo design has remained unchanged for over 50 years. It has been finished in silver (or grey), black on some models and for the Type R versions, the background has been in red. In earlier years, when the brand was still young, the HONDA name was inserted below or within the ‘H’ but over time, this became unnecessary as Honda became well known all over the world.
Here’s a collection of the different badges on grilles over the years, starting from the first one on the T360 in 1963. They are not in chronological order but show the way the ‘H’ has changed from its broad presentation to a tall and slim one today.
After 57 years, the Honda badge maintains the same design, with high-performance Type R versions having a red background.
Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about Honda models available in Malaysia.
The Honda Civic Type R started off in 1997 as a Japan-only model in 1997, offering drivers a Civic with greatly enhanced performance. By the next generation, which debuted in 2001, Honda decided to offer it in the European market where it found a strong following. The third generation got more international and by the current fifth generation, it has been engineered as a global model with even the US market in mind.
The current generation of the Civic Type R went on sale in 2017 in many markets and after 2 years, the 2020 model has been revealed at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. The latest model has a number of changes and improvements that include revised styling, improved aerodynamic performance, and the addition of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology as standard.
Exterior design changes are a new larger front grille opening for improved engine cooling and the availability of a new, Type R-exclusive Boost Blue.
The 2020 Civic Type R continues to be powered by a race-bred 2.0-litre direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder VTEC engine which develops 306 ps/400 Nm. That’s a big leap from the first generation which used a B16B engine (that boasted one of the highest power outputs per litre of all time for a naturally aspirated engine) with 185 ps/160 Nm.
The power reaches the front wheels through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. As before, drivers can choose between 3 driving modes – Comfort, Sport and +R – that vary suspension firmness, steering and throttle response. The selectable drive modes enhance driving on twisty roads while enabling the driver to optimise performance for the race track.
The Comfort mode makes the car ‘civilized’ for daily driving, something which could not be said about earlier Type R models which were focussed on track use. Also new for 2020 is Active Sound Control, which modifies interior sound in concert with chosen drive mode.
Other changes improve its already stellar driving dynamics, including new 2-piece brake rotors and new brake pads designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency. Suspension revisions for 2020 include updated dampers for better ride comfort, stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and modifications to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel.
For the 2020 model year, drivers get extra cabin refinement with a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new shifter with a restyled knob and shorter shift throws.
The global production hub for the Civic Type R is in England but the engine comes from a Honda factory in the USA. The price is not known but deliveries will start only from mid-2020.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the car companies are counting on many Malaysians wanting to start the Year of the Rat – which is the beginning of a new zodiac cycle – with a new vehicle. If you are already shopping around, you may be interested to know that Honda Malaysia and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia are offering cash rebates and bonuses, as well as other incentives for selected models.
Honda Malaysia’s ‘2020 Starts Now’ campaign offers triple rewards totalling up to RM10,000 (depending on the model). These consist of a Prosperity Rebate, RM888 Extra Bonus and customers also receive an Exclusive Gift. The models applicable during the campaign are the Jazz, Jazz Hybrid, City, City Hybrid, HR-V, HR-V Hybrid, BR-V, CR-V and Odyssey.
If you prefer a pick-up truck, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is offering an interest rate as low as 0.88% per annum for selected Triton variants. This interest rate is only applicable if the H-P loan is taken from Maybank or Public Bank (subject to terms and conditions).
Mitsubishi Triton Adventure X
Alternatively, for those who prefer a lower price to reduce their loan amount, there is also the option of taking a cash rebate instead. Depending on the variant, the rebates range from RM2,000 to RM9,000. Imported as fully built-up units from Thailand, all Triton variants (except the Triton Quest 4×2) come with a warranty of 5 years or maximum of 200,000 kms.
The Outlander SUV 2.0-litre/2.4-litre is also available with cash rebates up to RM4, 000 and RM2,000, respectively, plus 2 years of free scheduled maintenance. The Outlander 2.0 is priced at RM137, 888 while the Outlander 2.4 is priced at RM152, 888.
Mitsubishi Outlander
For the ASX Compact SUV, cash rebates available are RM12,000 for the 4WD variant and RM8,000 for the 2WD variant. The ASX 4WD is priced at RM133, 336 while the ASX 2WD is priced at RM118, 866.
Whether you choose a Honda or a Mitsubishi, you have to complete the purchase and have the new vehicle registered by January 31, 2020 in order to enjoy the special deals.
The Honda City started off in the mid-1990s as an ‘Asian Car’, a lower-priced model that could be slotted below what had been the original entry-level model, the Civic. With the appreciation of the yen after the mid-1980s, the Civic’s price level had gone beyond what was ‘entry-level’ so Honda had to offer a model that could help it retain a strong presence in that important segment which brought people into the Honda family.
It was certainly a good move as the primary market, Thailand, was also moving upscale in its own way. Consumers were showing a preference for passenger cars with more comfort instead of the pick-up trucks that dominated the market. The City was an affordable and well built product from a brand that was well respected.
Fast forward to 2019 and four generations have passed; what had been a regional product has become a such a significant model for Honda that the launch of the 5th generation today was billed as a World Premiere.
Speaking at the launch, Masayuki Igarashi, Chief Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and President & CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd, said: “Honda City, one of our most important models, was developed and launched as a regional model back in 1996. It has consistently received overwhelming feedback from the 1st through the 4th generations, with accumulated sales of 4 million units in 60 countries worldwide. The Asia & Oceania region is an important market for Honda City, with more than 100,000 units sold in the region in 2019 (January to September 2019), which accounts for almost 70% of Honda City sales worldwide.”
He said that as Thailand is the leading market for the City, the Thai people are given the honour of being the first to see the al-new generation of the City. “We expect to create an unprecedented phenomenon as it exceeds the expectations of customers and sets a new standard for Thailand’s automotive market once again,” Mr. Igarashi said.
A bigger City
Just as the Civic ‘grew up’ and became a larger car in many aspects – just compare today’s generation to the first Civic sedan of the late 1970s – so too has the new City gained additional millimetres. Now measuring 4553 mm in overall length, it is 113 mm longer with 53 mm added to the width to broaden it to 1748 mm. But interestingly, the wheelbase has been marginally shortened by 11 mm to 2589 mm, which is negligible. The roofline is also lower by 10 mm and this reduction helps in giving a sleeker profile for the lengthened body.
Sharp character lines give the new model distinctiveness and sportiness, along with the projector headlights incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and LED tail lights. Chrome is used for the front grille with a Shark Fin Antenna on the roof. There are also newly-designed 15-inch alloy wheels fitted (16 inches for the RS variant).
Premium with more space
“Premium” is what carmakers strive for these days and even at the lower end of their range, they try their best to give a ‘premium’ feel because it helps in creating a more positive perception. Honda has been pretty good at it and this is evident in the cabin.
The interior design, with efficient ergonomics and more space creates an environment with seating that provides optimal comfort for the driver and all passengers. For the Thai market, customers can choose a black interior or leather seats with a two-tone ivory/black interior (SV variant only); a Piano Black console, and chrome inside door handles.
As before, there are useful features such as the Multi-information Display (MID) with illumination, 8-inch Advanced Touch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Siri Voice Control, Multi-function Steering Wheel with HFT, Bluetooth connectivity, and an automatic air-conditioning system.
RS variant for the first time
For the first time, the City is available in a RS variant that gives it a sportier and more premium look. The RS variant comes with a complete set of sporty aeroparts including a Gloss Black front grille with RS logo emblem, sporty front bumper and grille, LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, Sporty Black Power-retractable Side Door Mirrors with Turning Lights, Gloss Black Boot Spoiler with an ‘RS’ logo, and new sporty-design 16-inch Alloy Wheels.
The RS cabin is undeniably sporty with newly-designed suede leather seats with red stitching, a Multi-information Display with red illumination, and an eye-catching new Ignite Red exterior colour only available for the RS variant.
All-new 1-litre engine
This will be the first City with a 1-litre Earcth Dreams engine, but the displacement belies the real performance of the powerplant. It’s a new 1.0-litre DOHC 3-cylinder, 12-valve, VTEC TURBO engine with an output of 122 ps at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 173 Nm from 2000 to 4500 rpm. With driving performance said to be superior to the 1.5-litre engine in the previous generation and torque equivalent to a 1.8-litre engine, customers are likely to ignore the displacement that traditionally indicated performance levels.
The engine is mated to a 7-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) for high fuel efficiency which is claimed to be up to 23.8 kms/litre. The environmental credentials of the new City are also strong with a low carbon dioxide rating of 99 gms/km, Euro5 emission levels and compatibility with E20 petrol.
As for safety, it is only to be expected that Honda will raise the standards and offer better protection for the occupants. The new City’s advanced safety technologies include a G-CON (G-Force Control) body structure with 6 airbags, ABS + EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and A Multi-angle Rearview Camera.
First deliveries
Manufactured in Thailand, the all-new City will be in showrooms there from December 24, 2019. It will be launched progressively in other markets although Malaysia may require some extra time as there is a high degree of localisation of parts.
Looking at the prices in Thailand won’t really give an indication of how much the new model will cost in Malaysia when it is launched as the tax structures are different. However, for those who are interested, the range is from 579,500 baht (equivalent to RM80,000) to 739,000 baht (RM102,000) for the RS variant.
The combination of RealTime Racing (RTR) and the Acura Integra Type R forged a race-winning record that remains unbroken after nearly two decades. RTR’s #42 Integra Type R is now returning to the track with Sports Car Club of America Hall-of-Famer Peter Cunningham behind the wheel and the video below documents the story.
The video showcases the Integra Type R’s original run in near-stock form; its dominant performance in the SPEED Touring Car championship, and its return to racing glory. At the WeatherTech International Challenge vintage race weekend at Road America, the #42 car qualified and finished fourth in a field of over 60 vehicles.
“It was our first race back out with the Acura Integra Type R, and it was like we never skipped a beat. We had a great time!” said Cunningham, team owner of RTR. “There were some 60 cars in our group and only a few vehicles in a class above beat us, so it was a great day for RealTime and Acura and great to have the Type R back on track.”
The ‘97 Acura Integra Type R
When it debuted in 1997, the Acura Integra Type R was much more than a faster Integra GS-R, the previous top-line trim. The Type R’s B18C5 engine became a legend in its own right for its factory modifications, the highlights of which included a hand-ported head, thinner valves and unique valve springs, robust connecting rods and numerous other upgrades, to give a screaming 8400-rpm redline.
The Integra Type R body also benefited from extra welds for additional chassis strength and stiffness. There was an under-bonnet chassis-stiffening strut bar straight from the factory, and the suspension and brakes were unique to Type R.
Ready to race ‘out of the box’
The fundamental goodness of the Type R wasn’t lost on RTR, and the factory car was so good out of the box that racing modifications for the track were limited to race-spec springs and shocks, mandatory safety equipment, such as a roll cage, and a stripped-out interior. Even the transmission was unmodified from stock.
When the Integra Type R debuted, RTR had already been competing, and winning, with Acura cars for nearly a decade. The team began with Acura’s first-generation Integra and later raced with the legendary first-generation Acura NSX.
RealTime Racing has been in motorsports for over 30 years. competing in a variety of different types of races.
From its racing debut in 1997 through the 2002 season, RTR’s Integra Type R dominated the SPEED Touring Car Championship, capturing 23 race wins on the way to 5 Drivers’ Championships. The record remains unbroken to this day.
“We knew from the start the Acura Integra Type R was a very special car,” said Cunningham. “But now, after all these years, it’s achieved legendary status, and rightly so. I believe it’s still one of the best performing front-wheel drive cars ever built.”
Today’s younger generation of Honda fans love the N-series of kei cars in Japan which drew inspiration from the original N360/600. It was one of Honda’s early 4-wheelers and although tiny enough (about 3 metres long) to fit between the front and rear axle lines of American cars of the 1970s, Honda decided to sell the model in the US market. It was the start of the brand’s automobile sales in that market which would become very successful to the extent that a Honda sedan would be the bestselling car in the market.
The N600 had an all-aluminium air-cooled engine with a 9,000 rpm redline that could take it 130 km/h. It was a simple car, nimble and helped Honda gain the reputation of offering fuel-efficient cars that would be advantageous in later years.
12,000 rpm Honda VFR engine
Recently, a 1972 N600 owned by Stephen Mines won the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series, which joined the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in 2019 as the exclusive tuner component of the program. Customized over a 5-year period, this particular N600 is powered by a 12,000 rpm Honda VFR 800 cc V4 motorcycle engine in a rear-wheel drive configuration.
Stephen’s customised N600 that won the inaugural Honda Super Tuner Legends Series also boasts a modified Mazda MX-5 Miata suspension system, seats from a Polaris RZR, and modified front and rear bumpers from a 1967-68 Chevy Camaro!
Other finalists for the 2019 Honda Super Tuner Legends Series included a 1978 Honda Civic, 2003 Honda S2000, and 2015 Honda Civic Si. The first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series kicked off in May 2019, as an extension of the second annual Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a national search (in the USA) for a life-size custom car worthy of being immortalized as a Hot Wheels toy car.
Two of the finalists in the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series
Local Honda enthusiasts entered their custom-tuned Hondas in the hopes of being selected as one of four finalists competing for the ‘Honda Super Tuner’ title and the opportunity to have their vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas next month.
The introduction of the Honda Jazz/Fit in mid-2001 in Japan was significant in that it was the beginning of a new era where consumers had different requirements. This was evident not only with the new model being picked as the Japan’s ‘Car of the Year‘ but also being the first model to beat the Toyota Corolla for No. 1 position in the domestic market. The Corolla had been No. 1 every year for decades but the Fit showed that consumer tastes had changed and Honda understood what they wanted for the new decade and century.
Three generations of the Jazz. The first generation was Japan’s bestselling model in 2002, outselling the Toyota Corolla which had been No.1 in the domestic market for decades.
Now comes the fourth generation, launched today at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, and Honda says it has been developed to be the globally-accepted standard for compact cars suited to this new era. The development team pursued an ‘emotional value’ which cannot be expressed numerically and embodied four dimensions of comfort that enable this vehicle to be better able to support the daily lives of customers.
“We developed this vehicle not merely as a means of transportation for our customers. We strived for a vehicle which will become a part of our customers’ daily lives and make their daily lives more comfortable and enjoyable. This is a compact car for the new era, and this vehicle will set a new standard for Honda automobile development,” said Honda’s President & CEO, Takahiro Hachigo.
“What we strive to do with this all-new Fit is to establish the standard for compact cars suited to this new era. We believe this car will be able to become an industry standard for the new era only if it can win admiration in the Japanese market where fulfilling customer needs for compact cars is especially difficult compared to other parts of the world. Based on this belief, we squarely and sincerely faced our customers in Japan and perfected this all-new Fit as a global model that Honda will propose from Japan to the rest of the world,” he added.
Five versions
Although manufacturers typically offer various versions with different features at different price levels, Honda has made it a point with the new Jazz/Fit to emphasise that it is sold in 5 different versions (probably only for the domestic market) to allow customers to choose the version that is right for them depending on their lifestyle and life stage. The five versions, which have individual characteristics, are BASIC, HOME, NESS, CROSSTAR and LUXE. The differentiation is more than just features and equipment but also in exterior appearance.
The Fit BASIC will be the entry-level version but still offer a high-quality design and occupant comfort. It features a simple design with a front face and seamless, flowing exterior form.As the name suggests, this Fit HOME version is more for a young family . It offers a relaxing and carefully-designed space with high visual and tactile quality by coordinating colours and materials, including natural-looking fabric seats made with high-quality materials, a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and Prime Smooth soft padding. The NESS version features vivid colour coordination and adopts water-repellent materials for the seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. It has a sporty and fashionable image which should appeal to customers who enjoy driving just like they enjoy fitness and sports.The Fit CROSSTAR has a more distinctive exterior developed exclusively for the version as well as larger 16-inch aluminium wheels. As for the interior, water-repellent materials are used for seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. The aim is to project an enhanced image of a compact and yet tough vehicle.The Fit may be a compact hatchback but it can still be a mobile space where people can spend comfortable time. This LUXE version comes with standard genuine leather seats designed as an exclusive feature with high visual and tactile quality. For the exterior, platinum-style chrome plating and 16-inch aluminium wheels add to the high-quality feel.
Powertrains
The new Fit will go on sale in Japan in February next year and details of powertrains available have not been released. It is likely that the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine will continue to be used and would be an improved unit. It is also expected that the 1-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine used for the Civic in some markets will be offered. This compact unit produces around 130 ps/200 Nm and would be highly suited to the model.
1-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine (left) likely to be offered in new Fit, while the hybrid system is more advanced with the 2-motor system.
The hybrid version of the all-new Fit will be the first Honda compact car equipped with the 2-motor hybrid system. The system features 3 drive modes designed to enhance efficiency while providing optimum on-road performance during a variety of conditions. Called e:HEV, this powertrain uses a 1.5-litre engine and is an extension of the application of its i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) from large to mid-sized vehicles to small-sized vehicles as it is the core of Honda electrification technologies.
Interior
With the new Fit, Honda is introducing a new-generation body stabilizing seat that the company developed while envisioning application for its high-class sedan models. The planar support structure of the seat stabilizes the body and makes long driving less tiring and enables the user to enjoy the soft feeling of the seat.
The rear seats continue to feature seat arrangements as versatile as that of the previous generation Fit and realize seat comfort equivalent to high-class sedan models by adopting a larger and thicker seat pad which offers stress-free seating even for adult passengers. It’s not clear if the Ultra Seat feature is maintained but that was a clever idea which enhanced the versatility of the model by creating more storage space in the rear half of the cabin.
New safety features
The Fit features a front pillar with a cross-sectional structure that is different from previous generations but dissipation of impact energy in the event of a collision remains effective enough to protect the occupants from harm. While ensuring collision safety performance without compromise, a newly-designed front pillar offers exceptionally wide and superior frontal visibility compared to that of previous models. Moreover, the instrument panel features a flat-topped design which emphasizes horizontal and straight lines, and the windscreen wipers are positioned so low as to be barely visible from inside the cabin.
Depending on the market, the new Fit/Jazz will come with a front camera which covers a wide area in front of the vehicle as part of the Honda SENSING advanced safety and driver-assist system. By combining the front wide view camera and 8 sonar sensors mounted in the front and back of the car, existing Honda SENSING functions can be enhanced.
The new Fit will also be the first model equipped with the Honda CONNECT on-board communication module developed exclusively for Honda vehicles. Starting with this model, Honda will begin evolving Honda Total Care Premium which consists of three services: 1) remote control of some vehicle functions via smartphone; 2) emergency support service which connects the vehicle directly to a support centre in case of an emergency such as a traffic accident and enables prompt and proper responses; and 3) security ‘rush over’ service which dispatches a security guard when an abnormal situation occurring to the vehicle is detected. Of course, availability of Honda CONNECT will depend on the market and whether there is an infrastructure to support it.
Sales in Japan start in February next year and the Honda Malaysia plant in Melaka must already be well into production planning to start local assembly. However, the timing would have to be coordinated with other ASEAN markets, with Thailand (or Indonesia) usually being the first country to launch a new model.
Honda Malaysia is recalling 23,476 units of Honda vehicles to replace the Takata front airbag inflator modules as a preventive measure. According to a statement from the company this evening, these vehicles have been recalled before but the reason for being recalled again is not explained. But whatever the reason, this is a very serious matter so don’t delay in responding to it.
The affected models are shown below:
Models involved in recall for Takata front driver airbag inflator replacement Civic: 2006 – 2007 & 2009 – 2011 CR-V: 2007 – 2008 & 2010 – 2011 Stream: 2010 & 2012 Insight: 2011 – 2012 City: 2009 – 2013 Jazz: 2012 – 2013
2011/2012 Honda Insight Hybrid is also on the recall list.
The company apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers once again. However, it stresses that this replacement is necessary as a precautionary action and urges affected customers to respond as soon as possible.
Honda Malaysia would like to emphasise that all its current selling models are not affected and the company will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls to ensure customer safety. Affected customers will receive notification letters from Honda Malaysia with the details of this recall and stock availability.
File photo of Takata airbag inflator modules at the Honda Malaysia warehouse.
The replacement of Takata front airbag inflator stock for these 23,476 units of Honda vehicles will be available in stages and Honda Malaysia is doing its ubest to ensure 100% stock availability in the shortest period of time. The replacement of the defective Takata front airbag inflators is free of charge and all related costs of the replacement will be borne by the company.
More than 249,000 modules replaced in Malaysia
This particular recall phase this year does not significantly change the total number of recalled vehicles as it involves replacement of inflators installed in vehicles previously subject to recall. As at October 1 2019, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 249,000 units of Takata front driver airbag inflator replacements, which translates to 91% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 537,000 units or 89% completion ratio.
Honda Malaysia has been the most pro-active company in Malaysia where the Takata airbag inflator module recall has been concerned. It has used many different approached to get owners of affected vehicles to respond, making the process as convenient as possible. Personnel have even visited used car lots to locate affected vehicles and carried out the replacement.
Honda Malaysia appeals to owners of vehicle affected who have yet to have their Takata front airbag inflators replaced to do so urgently as it may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated. The defective airbag inflator casing might rupture which may result in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.
If you are not the original owner of the vehicle, Honda might not have your contact details and you may not receive a notification. If you believe that your vehicle is affected, you can check its recall status either by logging on to www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my or by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020. Authorised Honda dealers nationwide can also provide assistance to check.
