At its media gathering session today, Honda Malaysia announced its business plan for this year. Among the initiatives it has planned for 2022 is the introduction of two new models – crucially, this does not include the Civic, which was launched last month.
No details were revealed, of course, but we can make an educated guess as to the cars’ identities. Of all the mainstream models in the local range, the HR-V and BR-V are the oldest and in dire need for a replacement – and as luck would have it, the latest versions have already made their way to the ASEAN market. As such, a Malaysian launch will come sooner rather than later.
The HR-V is a very important model for Honda Malaysia, pioneering the entry-level SUV segment that rivals like the Proton X50 and X70 and Toyota Corolla Cross now compete in. As such, you can expect the company to be pulling out all the stops – it also confirmed today that it will be adding new models with VTEC Turbo engines and the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features, along with e:HEV hybrids.
In Thailand, the HR-V is already offered as an e:HEV, powered by a 131 PS/253 Nm electric motor and a 105 PS/127 Nm 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC engine. But it’s the VTEC Turbo that’s the more interesting of the two powertrain options, as it’s expected to be the only pure petrol engine available, following in the footsteps of the Civic. Spyshots from Indonesia showed the B-segment SUV with twin tailpipes, a clear indicator of the forced-induction mill.
Expect the 1.5 litre turbocharged four-pot to be the same uprated unit as in the Civic, producing 182 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. A CVT should send power to the front wheels.
As for the BR-V, this one is pretty straightforward. Launched in Indonesia last year, the seven-seater is powered by a 1.5 litre DOHC naturally-aspirated i-VTEC engine producing 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm, mated to a CVT. For the first time, it also gets six airbags and Honda Sensing, the latter inclusive of autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
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Good looking hrv. Price it right and it will be competitive..or follow the accord and newly launched civic path to keep stocks in backyard
Not too bad… but better get Toyota Corolla cross
Copy paste: “entry-level E that is priced at 979,000 baht (RM125,565), followed by the EL at 1.079 million baht (RM138,391) and the range-topping RS at 1.179 million baht (RM151,216).”
Dong Gor,the right pricing is crucial,cos the pie is getting smaller.
However,I kind of find the frontage design a bit weird.
It looks horrendouly damn ugly compared to lower specs BRV.
Please offer non-turbo version with as well. Having to pay labour charge for both turbo (non-scheduled) and the normal scheduled maintenance is a burden to the owner. Not to mention the amount of time the owner need to go to service center for servicing because of that non-scheduled turbo. Just give us the 1.5 NA engine like the rest of the world so that we can save cost and time. Not everybody need power. Not everybody need to go up Genting everyday. Not everybody is a boy/girl racer. We just need a stress free ownership. And if the 1.5 NA is made available, do not offer it with the lowest specs. We want the best safety features and other perks, but we do not need the turbo engine.
“Not everybody need power. Not everybody need to go up Genting everyday. Not everybody is a boy/girl racer.”
Preach my friend!
If you want a stress free ownership, you shouldn’t be buying Honda in Malaysia
Just to note,
The turbochargers current manufacturers add to modern passenger cars are not for performance, but to makeup for the loss of displacement. Notice how previously a 1.5l car is now a 1.0l turbo, or a 2.0l is now a 1.5l turbo. This is just to meet emission regulations. The power-weight ratio is probably more or less the same.
Having said that, I understand your concern. The cost of maintaining a forced-induction engine will probably not be offset by the fuel/roadtax cost saved. And there is the question whether the environment impact of manufacturing all these extra car parts is lesser than all the emission reduced. And in the long run, a forced-induction car average lifespan is probably shorter than a simple NA.
“Not everybody need power. Not everybody need to go up Genting everyday. Not everybody is a boy/girl racer.”
Preach my friend, preach!
X70 buyer shall top up to get a better HRV
Interesting proposition, but don’t just say it, prove it. Provide full comparison detail so we can determine which is better.
Pay more for something inferior with something less. That is when people have more money than brains would do.
Come faster H
when is the expected launch
Hi honda users, may I know whether the new city rs e:hev has tax exemption or not. A bit confused between hybrid and electric vehicle approach by govt. Appreciate if someone could advise?
Hybrid EVs are not exempted. Only pure EV (no petrol engine, electric motor only) are exempted.
no much expectations for low cost budget SUV.
Honda hrv india me kab launch hogi
proper blind spot system la pls