In the United States, Honda and Acura are conducting a recall campaign involving a total of 1,693,199 vehicle units, according to Automotive News.
Based on information from the NHTSA agency, there is a problem with the installation process of steering components, resulting in excessive internal friction. This condition can cause some owners to have difficulty in controlling their vehicles.
Honda suspects that the steering rack issue only involves one percent of the vehicles, or around 17,000 units out of the total number recalled.
The steering problem was first detected in September 2021, and since then, Honda has received a total of 10,328 warranty claims.
The NHTSA agency has also received 13 reports of accidents related to the steering issue, including 11 cases filed by drivers who were unable to control their vehicles properly. Fortunately, no injury incidents have been reported.
Affected models include the Acura Integra (model years 2023-2025), Honda Civic (2023-2025, including hybrid models), Honda Civic Type R (2023-2025), Honda CR-V (2023-2025, including the 2025 CR-V FCEV), and Honda HR-V (2023-2025).
Honda USA plans to replace the worm gear spring component with a new one, and add grease to reduce friction on each recalled vehicle at no additional cost.
For most automotive brands in Malaysia, local assembly plays a crucial role in ensuring their continued competitiveness in the local automotive market.
It goes without saying that national carmakers such as Proton and Perodua run their own assembly plants in the country; however, for foreign brands, completely knocked-down (CKD) operations allow them to offer products at more competitive prices.
Through support and various incentives offered by the government, Malaysia has become host to several vehicle production plants from leading brands. Here are five automotive production plants in the country that you should know about:
Proton Shah Alam & Tg. Malim
The Proton vehicle assembly plant in Shah Alam began operating in 1985, the same year the original Proton Saga was launched. This plant also produced many other important models such as the Wira, Waja, Exora, and Satria.
Proton is reportedly planning to relocate its entire manufacturing operations in Shah Alam to Proton City, Tanjong Malim by 2027. The RM1.8 billion plant, opened in 2003, covers an area of 517 hectares. In addition to producing the latest models such as X50 and X70, the plant also assembles the 1.5 TGDI engine.
Perodua Sg. Choh, Rawang
Perodua’s headquarters sits on a 522-acre site in Sungai Choh, Rawang. In addition to its corporate building, an R&D facility, a test track, and various other facilities, it also houses two vehicle assembly plants: Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), which was opened in 2016.
According to Perodua, both plants have a vehicle production capacity of up to 320,000 vehicles a year. Perodua also has engine and transmission production plants, both located in Sendayan TechValley.
Toyota Shah Alam & Bukit Raja
The first locally assembled Toyota vehicle was the Corolla KE10, assembled at the Champion Motor plant in Shah Alam. In 1975, the plant was renamed Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB).
With increasing demand and the need for a new, more modern plant, UMW Toyota in 2019 opened its second assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, where the latest models such as Vios, Yaris, and Corolla Cross are manufactured.
Honda Pegoh, Melaka
Honda began its CKD operations in the country in 2003 with the assembly of the second-generation Honda CR-V at its Pegoh, Melaka plant. The plant, covering an area of 46,543 square feet, can produce up to 50,000 cars per year.
In 2014, a second assembly line was launched, allowing Honda Malaysia to double their annual production to 100,000 units of vehicles annually and 400 units daily.
Volvo Shah Alam
The Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia plant, located in Shah Alam, is the oldest automotive assembly plant in Malaysia. It began operations in March 1967 through the assembly of the Volvo 144.
Interestingly, it is also the first Volvo plant opened outside of Volvo’s home country, Sweden. Today, the plant produces a range of Volvo PHEV and BEV cars such as XC90 Recharge, XC60 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, and C40 Recharge.
The HONDA WR-V is not a new model, it has been in the Malaysian market for almost two years. It serves as the replacement for the Honda BR-V, although it is not in the same segment.
However, from the Honda Malaysia lineup, after the absence of the 7-seater crossover/MPV BR-V, this slot is now filled by the compact 5-seater WR-V.
This also positions Honda as a competitor to the Perodua Ativa. We have previously test-driven the WR-V RS, but this article focuses on listing the things we didn’t quite like about it. Let’s look at the three main aspects that are not quite right about the WR-V RS.
1. Cabin lacks excitement
At first glance, the exterior of the Honda WR-V looks sporty and premium, especially the RS variant. But upon entering, there is a slight sense of disappointment. For some reason, the cabin feels somewhat ’empty.’
Upon closer inspection, it’s actually decent for its price. Perhaps the writer was carried away by the exterior beauty, hence having high expectations for the interior.
There is a lot of hard plastic on the dashboard and door panels, but there are black gloss and red elements with soft leather wrapping on the left side of the dashboard, adding some flair to the interior. The WR-V’s cabin is on par with the City albeit not entirely similar.
When compared, the HR-V’s cabin has a more ‘wow’ factor, similar to the Civic. But then again, the price difference is significant.
2. Driving experience doesn’t match the RS name
What comes to mind when you see the RS badge on a car? Racing? Sporty? Yes, the writer thought the same. However, the driving experience of the Honda WR-V doesn’t reflect the RS badge it wears.
The writer wasn’t expecting a Civic Type R level of performance, but perhaps tweaking the suspension and steering for more precision and agility could help.
Or maybe the meaning of RS for Honda Malaysia differs for the WR-V, not towards motorsports… Judging by the appearance and packaging, it can be considered in line with the RS name. Furthermore, we understand the target audience for this WR-V RS – more towards small families looking for a practical and comfortable vehicle, with added sporty elements and image.
The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine delivers 119hp and 145Nm of torque, more than sufficient for daily use. The CVT gearbox is efficient and responsive, still among the best in its segment. The combination of the 1.5 i-VTEC engine with CVT provides good fuel efficiency, around 13.5km per liter based on the writer’s test.
3. El-cheapo infotainment screen
The third and final point is the infotainment screen of the Honda WR-V RS, which seems cost-effective. For some reason, considering the price range between RM89,999 to RM107,900 for the RS, the screen should possess better resolution and display.
The writer is unsure of what exactly needs improvement, as they are not an engineer in this field. But it feels like there’s a lack of value here. For instance, the reverse display is just sufficient, only showing static lines for guidance. There are no issues regarding the size of the screen, it can be considered adequate.
The features are also good, coming with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, two USB ports, and a range of Honda Sensing safety features. Alright, those are the three main things about the Honda WR-V RS.
Listing more dislikes might upset the Honda enthusiasts here. On another note, there are many other excellent things about the WR-V, such as the spacious cabin for this segment and the fairly comprehensive safety features.
The package on the WR-V demonstrates that Honda Malaysia truly understands the market and its needs. You can read our complete test drive report here.
Mitsubishi Motors is reported to be joining the automotive alliance of Honda-Nissan in an effort to enhance competitiveness and sustain itself in the highly competitive market.
This latest development is perceived as dividing the Japanese automotive industry into two major groups, namely the Toyota Motor Group and the Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.
According to Nikkei’s report, Mitsubishi Motors has signed a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with the second and third-largest producers in Japan.
For the fiscal year ending in March 2024, Honda recorded sales of 4.1 million units globally, followed by Nissan with 3.44 million units. With Mitsubishi’s sales at around 810,000 units, the alliance would amount to a total sales figure of 8.35 million units.
By comparison, Toyota as the largest automotive producer, has formed an alliance with producers such as Daihatsu, Suzuki, Subaru, Mazda, and Hino Motors, resulting in a total sales figure reaching 16 million units.
Specific details regarding the agreement between Mitsubishi and Honda-Nissan will be finalized later.
However according to the report, the three brands are aiming to standardize vehicle software, in addition to enhancing their respective vehicle lineups, particularly in relation to powertrain electrification and the mini vehicle segment.
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!
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.
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.
Sony and Honda at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 event last year have surprised the world with the debut of the new EV brand Afeela.
The collaboration, later named Sony Honda Mobility, has now unveiled the updated prototype of the Afeela electric sedan at the CES 2024 event in Las Vegas.
What you see here is the Afeela EV with specifications closer to the actual production model. Compared to the previous model, the sedan brings several changes, such as the use of traditional side mirrors, slimmer main headlight units, and a new bumper design.
The charging port door is now larger, while the rocker panel and rear bumper sections have also been updated. The cabin design is almost the same as the original prototype model, except for the larger center console structure, followed by a redesigned steering wheel.
Additionally, there are two wireless smart device charging slots and a camera module positioned above the full-width screen panel.
The Afeela EV will feature dual single electric motor setups, each delivering 241 hp, along with a 91.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The sedan supports fast DC charging up to 150 kW, and 11 kW AC charging. The air suspension system is standard with a multi-link setup at the rear, along with 21-inch rims (245/40 front tires, 275/35 rear tires).
It is noted that reservations for this sedan will open in 2025 before it goes on sale in 2026. However, before that, Afeela will allow the sedan to be driven for the first time through the Gran Turismo 7 racing simulation game this year.
JUST a few days prior, we have read about the stories of Perodua Bezza and Honda HR-V owners whose vehicles experienced breakdown shortly after purchase.
This time, another social media user has expressed concern about the new Honda CR-V, which was purchased by his father last December.
According to Facebook user Ahmad Shah, the vehicle allegedly produced strange noises just minutes after it was driven off a car showroom in Melaka. He claimed that the noise resembled that of a moving motorcycle.
“My father sent the car to the relevant vehicle centre for inspection. The staff only changed the door key, but the car still made the same sound,” he said.
The SUV was then taken back to the centre for a second inspection and test drive. The manager of the centre confirmed that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle.
“He informed us that the car would be sent to the main service center, Honda Malaysia, as he claimed that the branch couldn’t do anything without a more thorough inspection from Honda Malaysia,” he said.
Following that, the SUV was sent to Honda Malaysia, but there was no news about its status.
“My father contacted the manager again, and he said that he’s trying to get updates and progress from Honda Malaysia, but till now, we still don’t know the cause.
“It’s quite strange because the car is not even a month old, but it is as if the warranty period from Honda has already expired for decades.
“Then my father contacted the Customer Service Chief of Honda Malaysia, who stated that the case would be referred back and resolved by the branch,” he expressed.
Ahmad Shah claimed that after investigation, it was found, according to there report, that there was no mention of the strange noise; instead, they only stated that there was an issue with the tyres.
“The noise disappeared when the car stopped, but it would emit a very loud sound when the car was moving,” he said.
In another Facebook post, Ahmad Shah said that the manager of the centre called his father to arrange a meeting regarding the car. However, the meeting date was not disclosed.
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.
BOON Siew Honda’s popular moped, the Honda RS-X, has been updated with new color options for the year 2024.
According to Boon Siew, the RS-X now comes in four color options, starting with Mat Charcoal Grey Metallic (Gold) available in the market from January 4, followed by Candy Scintillate Red, Force Silver Metallic (Red), and Force Silver Metallic (Blue) to be offered from January 18.
The Mat Charcoal Grey Metallic (Gold) is priced at RM9,848 while Candy Scintillate Red, Force Silver Metallic (Red), and Force Silver Metallic (Blue) will be sold at RM9,698.
However, there are no changes to the engine specifications, as the 2024 model is still powered by a 150cc DOHC single-cylinder engine with 6-speed transmission, offering 16hp and 13.6Nm of torque.
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