Boon Siew Honda has announced two new colors for the 2024 Honda ADV160.
The new colors mentioned are grey and white, which will be available at all authorized Honda dealers and Impian X starting from July 18, 2024 with a selling price of RM13,249.
2024 Honda ADV160 still retains the single-cylinder 157 cc eSP+ engine capable of producing 15.8 hp @ 8,500 rpm and torque of 14.7 Nm @ 6,500 rpm.
The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system will optimize engine power and grip rate, assisted by the Idling Stop System (ISS) for enhanced efficiency.
Available features include a smart key system with anti-theft function, USB charger, 30-liter storage under the saddle, and adjustable two-stage wind deflector mirrors.
The suspension system consists of telescopic forks at the front, followed by twin-chamber shock absorbers at the rear, while the front and rear disc brake system is assisted by a single-channel ABS system.
The ADV160 offers a saddle height of approximately 780 mm, along with a fuel tank capacity of 8.1 liters.
Boon Siew Honda offers a two-year manufacturer’s warranty or a maximum mileage of 20,000 km, whichever comes first.
Honda Motor is reported to be closing one of its manufacturing plants located in the Ayutthaya region next year due to the intense competition it is facing.
According to a Reuters report, the manufacturer plans to consolidate vehicle production at the Prachinburi plant, while the Ayutthaya plant will be converted into a parts production hub.
Honda is also reported to be making additional investments at the Prachinburi plant to enable them to switch from assembling internal combustion engine vehicles to producing hybrid engine vehicles.
Honda’s first vehicle assembly plant in Thailand was opened in the Ayutthaya region in 1996, while the second plant was opened in Prachinburi in 2016.
Intense competition from Chinese automotive manufacturers has seen Honda settle for sales below the 100,000 units over the past four years.
In fact, since 2019 the total production figures recorded by the two plants in Thailand have decreased from 228,000 units to below 150,000 units in the same period up until last year (2023).
You must have read a story on social media where a girl set a condition that her future husband must have a Honda car to marry her.
There are even women who are willing to leave their boyfriends to be with someone else who owns a Honda. Is the obsession with Honda really that intense?
Approved by prospective mothers-in-law
We believe such things only happen in Malaysia. The Honda brand is so revered that it has become a benchmark and a determining factor for many things. Fresh graduates starting work dream of owning a Honda.
There are also those who are already married but are willing to tighten their belts as long as they can drive a Honda. Then, in the middle of the month, the Maggi noodles lifestyle begins, and sometimes in community groups, questions like, “Where can I find cheap tires for a Civic FE? Are these Linglong tires okay?”
It’s not about the tire brand; actually, it’s fine for regular use. But if you drive a Honda Civic designed for a sporty driving experience, you should provide suitable tires.
When you opt for very budget-friendly tires, it will hinder the actual performance of the Civic. It’s like asking Usain Bolt, the world’s sports champion, to run wearing cheap shoes. Do you think he would want that? A regular runner might outrun him.
Usain Bolt surely prefers branded shoes with specific technologies. Single guys need to drive a Honda to earn a living, and girls only have eyes for a Honda, ignoring other cars. It wouldn’t be surprising if potential mothers-in-law also set Honda as a requirement for their future son-in-law, right?
Why is this so?
This has been a mystery for a long time. Even among us automotive media practitioners in Malaysia, we wonder why Honda is so revered by some Malaysians.
Is Honda beautiful? Latest Honda models like the CR-V and HR-V are indeed beautiful, each design meeting consumer preferences. But other models like the Peugeot 2008 and Mazda CX-30 are also beautiful. It’s undeniable that the City Hatchback can look quite sporty when modified, becoming a craze among the younger generation.
When it comes to speed, it’s just average. The Civic with a 1.5 VTEC Turbo engine is attractive and has higher output compared to competitors like the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla. However, speed is subjective and depends on several factors. The City and WR-V are not fast.
The City Hatchback e:HEV RS has the most powerful hybrid engine in its class, with 253 Nm of torque. But it’s not a sports car. If we talk about speed, then the Civic Type R is fast, competing with the Volkswagen Golf R and the Mercedes-AMG A35.
Is Honda spacious? We agree on this. Honda models like the City, HR-V, and CR-V can be considered among the most spacious in their segments, but is this the reason for Honda’s popularity among Malaysians? What do you think?
Reality
All this is actually interpreted based on sales figures, as Honda is often the best-selling non-national brand in Malaysia. In 2023 alone, Honda sold more than 80,000 vehicles in the country. However, it’s a different story in international markets.
In Japan, for example, Honda sells around 590,000 vehicles, ranking fourth compared to Toyota and Lexus, which sold over 1.67 million vehicles and took the first spot.
In Europe, Honda is in a lower position, perhaps something we didn’t have time to count. The first place goes to Volkswagen Group with more than 3 million units sold, but yes, this group comprises many brands.
However, the single brand with the highest sales is Ford (518,371), followed by Tesla (366,326) and Nissan (293,476). Yes, Nissan, which doesn’t shine in Malaysia, is quite popular in Europe. Honda sold approximately 60,606 vehicles there in 2023.
Looking at our neighboring countries, in Indonesia, for example, Honda ranks third after Toyota and Daihatsu. In Thailand, Honda also takes the third spot, but behind Toyota and Isuzu.
In conclusion, each market is unique with its own trends and preferences. If you want to remain a staunch fan of a brand, continue as long as you’re not causing any inconvenience.
Buy whatever car you want as long as your wallet allows. It’s interesting to see and compare whether the same situation applies elsewhere.
If you have other topics you usually discuss at coffee shops and would like us to delve into them, please state them in the comment section. Thank you for reading, see you next time!
Another model has been launched by Boon Siew Honda, the Honda CRF250 Rally 2024 adventure rally machine, with a starting sale price of RM28,599 excluding insurance, road tax, and registration.
Presenting the Extreme Red theme inspired by the CRF450 Rally Dakar HRC, the Honda CRF250 Rally is powered by a 250cc single-cylinder engine producing 24 hp @ 9,000 rpm and torque of 23 Nm @ 6,500 rpm.
Other basic specifications remain unchanged, as it comes with twin asymmetrical LED headlights, floating windscreen mirrors, 43mm Showa USD front fork, assist & slipper clutch system, and switchable anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The Honda CRF250 Rally also features a digital meter panel, a 12.8-liter fuel tank, with a saddle height of around 885mm.
A lighter swingarm structure contributes to a weight reduction of up to 5 kg compared to the previous model.
The braking system includes 296mm floating rotor with dual-piston calipers at the front, followed by a single 220mm rotor with a single-piston caliper at the rear.
The Honda CRF250 Rally 2024 will be available at all authorized Honda BigWing dealers from July 16.
Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd has announced the latest offering of the 250cc scooter, the Honda NSS250 2024.
The Honda NSS250, previously known as the Forza 250 in the Indonesian and Japanese markets, features a single-cylinder liquid-cooled 249cc engine producing 22.8 hp @ 7,750 rpm and torque of 24 Nm @ 6,250 rpm.
As a premium maxi scooter, the Honda NSS250 comes with modern features such as upgraded front and rear LED lights, a new design LCD meter display, and an electrically adjustable windscreen height (up to 180 mm).
Furthermore, it also includes the Honda Smart Key system for convenience, a spacious under-saddle storage of 48 liters, USB-C charging socket, and safety features like dual-channel ABS, emergency stop signal (ESS), and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
The suspension system consists of telescopic fork at the front, followed by twin-sided swingarm and dual shock absorbers at the rear.
The braking aspect is handled by a single 256 mm front disc brake with dual-piston calipers, and a single 240 mm disc brake with a single-piston caliper at the rear.
The Honda NSS250 offers a fuel tank capacity of 11.7 liters, with a saddle height of around 780mm and a weight of 185 kg.
There are three color options available, namely Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic, Pearl Smoky Gray, and Candy Syrah Wine Red.
The starting selling price is from RM25,888 excluding road tax, insurance, and registration.
Boon Siew Honda offers a two-year manufacturer’s warranty or a mileage limit of up to 20,000 km, whichever comes first.
About two weeks ago, several Japanese media outlets reported that Honda would terminate the production of motorcycles with a displacement of 50 cc and below by May 2025.
As a result, it also sparked some commotion in the Land of the Rising Sun, as some claimed that the production of the Super Cub model would also be completely discontinued.
In a latest report by Young Machine, only the production of the 50 cc version of the Super Cub model will be affected.
Meanwhile, production for the 110 cc and 125 cc versions of the Super Cub model will continue as usual.
According to Honda’s motorcycle business unit leader, Minoru Kato, he also confirmed that they are currently developing a new Super Cub model that can meet stricter emission standards as a replacement for the 50 cc Super Cub model.
In accordance with the new framework expected to be implemented by November 2025, moped license holders (with a limit of 50 cc) will be allowed to ride motorcycles with a displacement of 125 cc and below, provided that the power output of the model is limited to only 4 kW (5.4 hp).
Honda has previously revived the iconic Integra name for use in the American and Chinese markets.
Despite sporting a different appearance, it still brings one notable similarity – using the base of the Honda Civic.
Now, another iconic name is set to be given a new lease of life, that is the Honda Prelude where this two-door sports car is expected to be offered in the European market in the coming decade.
Similar to the two mentioned Honda Integra models, this new generation Honda Prelude will also be built based on the Honda Civic platform.
In addition to being offered in left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) versions, Honda is expected to market the Prelude sports car with the e:HEV hybrid technology that already exists in the current Civic model.
In its current configuration, the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter hybrid engine is capable of producing up to 181 hp and 232 Nm of torque, but there are reports that the figures will be increased to 208 hp specifically for the Prelude model.
This new generation Honda Prelude also promises an enjoyable driving experience that can be achieved through the perfect balance between driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.
Certainly, chief engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami has previously emphasized that the Honda Prelude will not be a sportier model than the Honda Civic Type R.
Based on the official images provided, this red Honda Prelude does not bring significant design changes compared to the concept unit showcased during the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
All four wheel arches are now paired with 20-inch black rims, followed by red brake calipers and a carbon fiber body kit to match.
So far, Honda has not revealed details regarding the cabin design, but considering the low hood structure and high windshield, it can offer a wider field of vision.
The good news is that this sixth-generation Honda Prelude will be showcased to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed taking place this week.
THERE are three certainties in life: death, taxes and Mugen developing a bodykit for pretty much every new Honda out there.
After introducing a bodykit for the Civic Type R FL5, Honda’s famed in-house tuner has now pulled the covers off an upgrade package for the newly launched Freed.
According to Mugen, the package is developed based on the concept of “Sports for Everyone” for customers who lead an active lifestyle.
Not much information is provided, but as you can see, the Mugen bodykit gives the otherwise plain MPV a sportier look.
Mugen has developed two separate packages for the Air and Crosstar variants. The former, which appears rather bare bones its standard form, now looks more aggressive with the Mugen grille, along with a pair of air vents and splitter on the front bumper.
As for its side profile, the Freed gains a prominent black stripe, window visors, and side skirts. It also appears slightly lower than the standard version, suggesting that this package may also include lowered suspension.
At the rear, the presence of a roof-mounted spoiler, tailgate garnish, air vents, and a diffuser complete the Freed’s fresh looks.
Meanwhile, the Crosstar variant, which already looks pretty rugged thanks to SUV-like design elements, is further enhanced with black ‘MUGEN’ lettering on the hood and tailgate, camouflage stripes around the body, aftermarket alloy wheels, black side mirrors, and a rear spoiler.
As expected, Mugen’s package includes cosmetic revisions only. In its home market, the Freed is available with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 117 hp and 142 Nm, paired with a CVT transmission with the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
It is also offered in a hybrid e:HEV version featuring a combination of a 1.5-litre engine generating 105 hp and 127 Nm, along with an electric motor producing 121 hp and 253 Nm.
A few weeks ago, Honda Motor Company and Mitsubishi Corporation announced the establishment of a new 50:50 joint venture company named ALTNA in Japan.
The primary goal of this new company is to help optimize the costs of electric vehicle (EV) usage, enhance battery life value, and circulation of resources in Japan, as well as to support the increasing demand for energy through the use of grid storage batteries.
ALTNA is set to introduce three main businesses in the future, namely EV battery leasing, battery recycling, and smart charging plans.
ALTNA will begin offering EV battery leasing plans through the Honda N-VAN e: model, where they will completely manage the leased battery ownership process and monitor usage levels throughout the lease period.
The data collected will be utilized for the purpose of improving reliability levels measured through various parameters.
Once these batteries reach the end of their lifecycle, they will be repurposed as grid storage batteries. ALTNA will also ensure that these batteries are recycled following correct procedures.
Through the smart charging business, ALTNA will offer plans that help users avoid peak charging times, thus reducing costs overall.
Furthermore, ALTNA’s charging plans will prioritize the use of renewable green energy for EV charging if there is surplus energy available on the power grid.
HONDA Malaysia has introduced the upgraded Honda Insurance Plus (HiP), providing the best-in-value automotive insurance plan exclusively for all Honda owners.
The improved HiP package offers a combination of three enhanced benefits including unlimited mileage towing, 100% pay-out up to 15 years, and 100% coverage on accidental repairs (no betterment) up to 13 years.
The upgraded HiP package focuses on three core pillars: Rescue, Protection, and Savings, to provide extended coverage for customers.
Rescue
The enhanced HiP is designed to provide customers with added assurance, including the benefit of unlimited mileage towing for accidents, breakdowns, and floods, while the roadside repair services offer free labour of up to RM200 per event, excluding spare parts.
Customers can call Honda Malaysia’s 24/7 HiP Emergency Assistance at 1-800-18-1177 for vehicle breakdown and accident assistance services. The 24/7 rescue team will be on call to assist customers with unforeseen incidents including flat tyres.
Protection
HiP members whose cars are repaired at a Honda Authorised Body & Paint Centre will benefit from fast claim pre approval for claims below RM30,000. All repairs are carried out using 100% genuine Honda parts with a warranty of six months or 10,000 km mileage.
The customers are also entitled to Personal Accident Coverage of up to RM15,000 in the event of Accidental Death or Permanent Disability in the Named Vehicle Car accident.
Savings
In the event that the vehicle is stolen or not repairable after an accident, the enhanced HiP plan guarantees 100% insurance payout based on the agreed value of the car for up to 15 years from the date of registration (up from 13 years).
Additionally, vehicles covered by this plan are entitled to enjoy 100% coverage for 13 years with no betterment fee, allowing for the replacement of old parts of a Honda vehicle damaged due to accidents with new and original parts.
The enhanced HiP will be rolled out starting 1 July 2024, and all existing and new Honda customers are welcome to renew or apply for their HiP package at any authorised Honda dealership.
WHO still remembers the Honda Freed that previously entered the Malaysian market? The third generation of the Freed has just been launched in Japan with options for a 1.5-liter NA engine and a hybrid variant. Let’s take a closer look at the details.
The 1.5-liter petrol 4-cylinder engine offers 117hp and 142Nm of torque, with a CVT transmission sending power to the front wheels. There is also an option for all-wheel drive.
The hybrid variant is equipped with the e:HEV system, comprising a 1.5-liter engine producing 105hp and 127Nm, paired with an electric motor generating 121hp and 253Nm. This system is similar to the e:HEV found in the City and Civic models.
In terms of dimensions, this new Honda Freed measures 4,310mm in length, 1,720mm in width, and up to 1,780mm in height, with a wheelbase remaining at 2,740mm.
The design of the new Freed is more angular with flat surfaces on the body sides. The front end is more upright, featuring trapezoidal headlights and dotted DRLs. The central grille has only a small opening, while the lower apron is more open.
Visible on the side are sliding rear doors, and there are side lines drawn from the front lights passing through the door handles. Opting for the Crosstar variant provides a unique rugged appearance and styling.
The interior design also appears upright, emphasizing space and practicality. The instrument display is now digital, and the dashboard is wrapped in a fabric finish. According to Honda, the fabric used is water and oil repellent.
Depending on the variant, you can choose a 2+2+2 or 2+3+2 seating configuration, but the Crosstar variant only offers seating for five or six individuals.
The Japanese Honda Freed comes equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and more. The price starts at 2.5 million Yen (RM73,536).
Would it be interesting to bring this model to Malaysia? We believe it could be a choice for small business owners and weekend adventurers.
LAUNCHED alongside the new Honda CBR250RR is the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, also fondly known as Africa Twin.
For the latest model, the torque generated by the 1084 cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine is now increased by 7% to 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm, while power remains at 100.5 hp (75 kW) at 7,500 rpm.
In addition to higher torque output, the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) has also been reworked to give a much more natural, ‘feathered’ clutch feel on initial take-off and between first and second gears.
In Manual Transmission (MT) mode, there are three modes of operation that give allow the rider to shift with the handlebar trigger control buttons. The Automatic D mode is ideal for city and highway riding, while Automatic S offers three levels of sportier riding.
There’s also a G switch that is accessible via the TFT touch screen display. It reduces the amount of clutch slip during gear changes to improve the feel for available tracion and machine control.
Other features include Throttle-by-Wire (TBW) and a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The latter has been improved, offering four levels of power and three levels of engine braking.
Additionally, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) provides seven levels of intervention to give riders a finer choice in controlling rear tyre slide, particularly useful for off-road riding. This can be completely turned off for riders who prefer full manual control.
The Africa Twin is also fitted with ABS and Wheelie Control with three levels of input, and four riding modes, namely Tour, Urban, Gravel and Off-Road.
Additionally, there are two customisable User settings, allowing riders to tailor the bike’s performance to their specific needs and preferences.
The Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA) suspension, which was an option for the previous model, is now equipped as a standard feature.
It offers four suspension modes (Mid, Hard, Soft, Off-Road) and a User mode, ensuring optimal performance whether riding solo, with a passenger, with luggage, or off-road.
The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES also comes with a new front fairing, aggressively redesigned to improve upper body wind deflection and aerodynamics. It also gets a larger 19-inch front wheel that significantly improves the bike’s stability during on-road riding.
Elsewhere, the new seat uses a 15 mm thicker urethane foam cushion with optimised density and has a 8% larger area along with adjustable seat height, which can be set between 820 mm and 840 mm without the need for tools.
Available in Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White, the new CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES comes with a price tag of RM119,338.
BOON Siew Honda has launched an upgraded version of the Honda CBR250RR, which comes with a slightly more powerful engine and new styling.
For the 2024 model year, the 250 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine now delivers a maximum output of 42 PS (31 kW) at 13,000 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm, marking a (1.36 PS) 1 kW increase over the previous model.
The power hike is made possible reducing the combustion chamber volume from 7.55 to 7.00 cm3, which in turn alters the compression ratio from 12.1 to 12.5.
Additionally, the inlet port throat diameter has been enlarged from 21.4 to 21.6 mm to increase intake capacity, while optimised piston and oil ring tensions reduce friction.
Another major upgrade to the CBR250RR is the Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted front suspension that stabilizes the damping force and allows more freedom of load shifting during sports riding.
Meanwhile, existing features such as the Assist & Slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, and Throttle-by-Wire system with Sport, Sport+ and Comfort modes are retained.
Styling-wise, the new CBR250RR embodies the ‘aggressive speedy shape’ concept, featuring a forward-leaning posture, sharp edges, and a dense body structure that echoes larger motorcycles.
This has been enhanced with optimised cowl geometries and advanced aerodynamics that reduce air resistance by 6%.
There are two new colours to choose from, namely Mat Zodiac Blue Metallic and Honda Tricolor. Pricing starts at RM27,999 excluding road tax, insurance, and registration.
Boon Siew Honda offers a two-year or 20,000-km manufacturing warranty, whichever comes first.
The HONDA Prelude made a surprising appearance at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. According to Honda, the coupe will become a reality, further fueling speculation among fans and automotive enthusiasts.
Here are some details that we know. Let’s take a look!
Not so sporty
The new generation Honda Prelude may not be as sporty as expected. Instead, it will be powered by a hybrid engine. The output will be around 200hp. Honda’s chief engineer, Tomoyuki Yamagami, stated that this new Prelude “will not be the sportiest or the most agile car.”
What’s it going to be called?
This sports coupe will continue to use the name Prelude. Honda has used this name for its two-door sports coupe model since 1978 until 2001.
This new Prelude will replace the Civic Coupe and Accord Coupe. It will also be one of the earliest models for Honda’s upcoming EV.
Is it attractive?
The concept model in this image provides a clear picture of Honda’s comeback in the two-door coupe segment. If we look at the history, such as the Civic model, it doesn’t stray far from the concept model. So, we can expect the same for this Prelude.
This concept model features a classic long front hood and a short rear end. The front grille is flanked by slim headlights, while the rear lights are elongated bar-type lights located under the black spoiler.
As usual, Honda’s behavior does not reveal the interior of their cars. The same goes for this Prelude; its mirrors are tinted. We imagine its cabin to have a dashboard similar to the Civic FE.
What engine will it use?
As mentioned earlier, the new Prelude will be a hybrid model. Honda confirmed that the coupe will be equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, similar to the Civic e:HEV RS, but with the addition of two electric motors.
When will it be available for sale?
Honda is expected to release this model in mid to late 2025, so some markets label this model as the Prelude 2026. There is still time to save money!
How much will it cost?
Speaking of money, how much will it cost? According to international media reports, Honda aims to position the Prelude as a more premium offering compared to the Civic and Toyota GR86.
The most expensive Civic in Malaysia is priced at RM167,900 for the e:HEV RS, while the Toyota GR86 is priced at nearly RM300,000. We suspect that the Honda Prelude will be priced between RM290,000 and RM350,000.
What do you think of the Prelude so far, interesting? Or is it better to add a little more and just go for the Civic Type R FL5?
AFTER nearly three years in the market, the Honda City Hatchback has received a facelift and was officially launched today. The successor to the Jazz model is offered in five variants, with the following prices:
City Hatchback e:HEV RS – RM112,900
City Hatchback 1.5 petrol RS – RM100,900
City Hatchback 1.5 V – RM95,900
City Hatchback 1.5 E – RM90,900
City Hatchback 1.5 S – RM85,900
As the highest variant, the City Hatchback e:HEV RS features a sportier exterior with a new honeycomb grille, front lower grille, and aggressive bumper design with integrated fog lights.
Completing its appearance are rear bumper lower decoration, side under spoiler, and 16-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels.
In terms of powertrain, there are no changes. The RS variant maintains the combination of a 1.5-liter engine and electric motor, producing 109PS and the highest torque in its class at 253Nm.
Meanwhile, other variants will continue to be powered by the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine with a power output of 121PS and 145Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a CVT transmission.
Previously, Honda Sensing was only available in the RS variant, but this facelift model sees the driver-assist technology provided as standard for all variants, along with the additional Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) feature.
In addition, the RS variant also receives another added feature, Low Speed Follow (LSF).
HONDA Malaysia has announced that it is now accepting bookings for the facelifted Honda City Hatchback, which is slated to be launched in Quarter 2 this year.
Since its launch back in December 2021, the City Hatchback remains as one of the top selling hatchback models in the Non-National segment with 10,300 units sold in 2023, bringing the total sales number to more than 28,700 units thus far.
The City Hatchback was Honda Malaysia’s second model with the e:HEV technology. Since its launch, the e:HEV RS variant has contributed 16% to Honda Malaysia’s total hybrid sales to-date.
For the facelift model, the City Hatchback features upgraded looks, which Honda Malaysia claims to be “sleeker” and “more dynamic”.
As the range-topping variant, the e:HEV RS boasts a sharper fascia thanks to the newly designed front grille and front lower grill, both adorned with honeycomb inserts, as well as the front fog garnish.
The sporty look is further accentured with a new rear bumper lower garnish, side sill garnish and new 16-inch alloy wheels in Berlina Black.
No changes to the powertrains. The e:HEV RS retains the 1.5-litre + electric motor combo which delivers 109 PS and 253 Nm, the highest torque in its class.
On the other hand, the pure ICE variants continue to feature a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine that pushes out 121 PS and 145 Nm, sent to the front wheels via CVT.
Fresh looks aside, the City Hatchback facelift now comes with the Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance suite as standard across the range, with the addition of Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). The RS also gets Low Speed Follow (LSF).
Honda has collaborated with General Motors to develop a new generation fuel cell system that will become part of the FCEV package for the CR-V.
Revealed in a new video, it shows the CR-V as the indirect successor to the discontinued Honda Clarity, which ceased production in 2021. However, Honda is making a slight difference this time as the new CR-V will combine fuel cells with a battery pack.
The promotional video showcases the benefits of dual charging, where the owner charges their coffee machine in a remote area using the car’s battery, then proceeds to a hydrogen station to refill the H2 fuel in the rear tank. In reality, this dual charging system is not new.
Many electric vehicles (EVs) offer this functionality, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Leaf, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chery Omoda E5.
Additionally, adding a battery pack will certainly enhance the practicality of the Honda CR-V Hydrogen, especially considering the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations.
Honda has not shared much further information, but it is evident that the CR-V Hydrogen will be produced at the Performance Manufacturing Centre (PMC) in Ohio. This is the same facility that once manufactured the Honda NSX hybrid.
The prototype in this video is clad in a blue wrap, clearly indicating the United States (US) version as it features side marker lights on the bumper. Compared to the standard CR-V, this model has clear taillights and a charging port on the front fender.
HONDA Malaysia announced that it has recorded more than 80,000 units of total sales, achieving its annual sales target for 2023.
This remarkable achievement has enabled Honda Malaysia to retain its No.1 position in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the tenth consecutive year since 2014.
According to Honda Malaysia, the year 2023 was one of gradual recovery and a positive outlook. The company launched a total of four new models in the second half of the year, namely the WR-V, City, Civic Type R and CR-V.
The three top-selling models in 2023 are City, HR-V and City Hatchback contributing 30%, 25% and 13% respectively to the overall sales. In addition, the WR-V, HR-V, CR-V and Civic emerged as No.1 in their respective segments.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, “2023 proved to be a challenging year where we faced a competitive market. However, Honda Malaysia managed to overcome and achieved our sales target in 2023 with strong support from our dealers and the Malaysian Government.
Additionally, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all Honda customers who have played a crucial role in this achievement through their unwavering support towards the Honda brand.”
Honda Malaysia’s remarkable achievement this year was largely contributed by the launch of the WR-V in July. The small SUV received overwhelming response from the market with more than 7,800 units sold within the first six month of launch. The RS variant is the largest contributor, accounting for 60% of the total sales to-date.
Besides that, sales for e:HEV hybrid models also increased from more than 4,100 units in 2022 to more than 7,700 units in 2023, representing a 87% growth. In 2023, Honda’s e:HEV models contributed 28% to overall hybrid sales in Malaysia, which is a significant contribution to the growth of xEV’s in the country.
Last week, a frustrated Perodua Bezza owner took to social media to complain about her car, which experienced an engine failure just 8 hours after purchase.
This time, another user, Noriya Mamat, experienced a similar situation when her Honda HR-V, which she purchased last August, broke down after only two weeks of use.
In a Facebook post, Noriya stated that the SUV began having issues after it was sent to a Honda service center in Gong Badak, Terengganu on September 2 for a 1,000 km service.
Two days later, her car experienced several malfunctions including the front lights could not be adjusted properly, blinking lights from the meter console and the emergency lights turning on.
Noriya claimed that the situation became more distressing when the Honda service center informed her that they could not identify the root cause of the problem.
“The car was sent back to the service centre for a week. I had to make multiple trips to the service center while I was heavily pregnant,” she said.
In December, when Noriya was informed that a technical officer from the Honda headquarters would come to Terengganu to inspect the vehicle.
On January 10, Noriya was contacted by Honda Malaysia headquarters and was told that her vehicle will be taken to Kuala Lumpur for a month to troubleshoot.
“How much longer do I have to wait? Every month, I have to pay RM1,500 for a vehicle I’m not using. Why is Honda taking so long for cases like this? Where is the promised excellent after-sales service from Honda?” she asked.
HONDA Malaysia today announced the official pricing for the all-new Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, which is RM195,900.
The flagship model was introduced last December alongside three other variants of the CR-V, namely the 1.5L S (RM159,900), 1.5L E (RM169,900), and 1.5L V (RM181,900).
Unlike the other three variants, which share the same 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine, the CR-V e:HEV RS features a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine capable of producing 148 PS at 6,100 rpm and 190 Nm at 4,500 rpm on its own.
The primary source of drive, however, is an electric motor that is capable of making 184 PS and 335 Nm. Output is channeled to the front wheels through a e:CVT transmission.
In terms of appearance, the RS variant sets itself apart from its turbocharged siblings with RS badges on the grille and tailgate, Active Shutter Grille, roof rails, black accents on the antenna and side mirrors, as well as 18-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels.
Additionally, the lower portion of the front and rear bumpers are painted in the body colour. Other features include LED headlights and taillights, sequential LED turn signals, Active Cornering Lights, and chrome exhaust tip finishers.
The interior features leather upholstery with red stitching, eight-way power adjustment with two-position memory for the driver’s seat, head-up display, smart key card, a wireless charger, and two USB ports.
The infotainment system is made up of a 10.2-inch TFT instrument panel, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a Bose audio system with 12 speakers.
As for safety, the CR-V e:HEV RS comes with Honda Sensing with nine functions, two airbags, Honda LaneWatch, and a 360-degree camera. Also included is Honda Connect.
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