Honda Malaysia has just surprised the market with the latest addition to the Company’s Hybrid line-up. The New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD (also known as the Vezel) launched today creates another milestone for Honda in Malaysia as the only country outside Japan to introduce the intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) Hybrid system in the Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Honda Malaysia was the pioneer in bringing Hybrid technology into Malaysia in 2004. Honda Malaysia was also the first car manufacturer to produce Hybrid vehicles locally and the third country among Honda globally after Japan and United States of America to produce the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Hybrid model since 2012. Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the Sport Hybrid i-DCD line-up, starting with the launch of Jazz Hybrid, City Hybrid and now with the New HR-V Hybrid, which holds the record as the first in the compact SUV segment in Malaysia with Sport Hybrid i-DCD.
Launched in 2015, the HR-V has performed positively, achieving total sales of more than 72,300 units in the year ending 2018. Honda Malaysia made history as the first marque to introduce Compact SUV to the mass market and revolutionized the segment to be one of the fastest growing segments in the Malaysian market. The HR-V has captured an average of 81%* market share in the Compact SUV segment since its launch. It continues to maintain its No. 1 position in the segment for the third consecutive years.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The compact SUV market in Malaysia has been growing over the last 3 years, with HR-V being the main contributor towards that growth. HR-V emerged as the top 3 contributors for Honda Malaysia with an average contribution of 20%* towards the overall sales. For that, I would like to thank Malaysians for their continuous support in making this possible.”
Mr. Ishiyama also added, “At Honda, our focus now is to lead the way in introducing Next Generation Advanced Technologies in all our products, providing the Joy of Buying to our customers. We have introduced the Sport Hybrid i-DCD, Turbo engine and advanced safety technology known as Honda SENSING in order to meet the demands and provide the best products to our customers in Malaysia.”
The New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection which provides a boost to the vehicle performance with excellent fuel efficiency. This is combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor. The combined output of the engine and motor assisted by the High-Power Lithium-Ion Battery provides Hybrid power that is equal to a 2.0L engine with quick response and an exhilarating drive. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD system enables the vehicle to transfer power from its battery to motor during EV Mode which results in an efficient drive.
The system also includes an Electric Servo Brake System for improved energy regeneration and Fully Electric Driven Compressor air-conditioner system for the comfort of drivers and passengers. Other Hybrid exclusive features include the 3D Illuminated Meter Cluster Multi Information Display, Shift by Wire and Sport Mode.
Besides the Hybrid variant, Honda Malaysia also launched the RS variant to complete the HR-V family with a total of 4 variants (Hybrid, RS, V and E). This is the first time the RS is being introduced in Malaysia. To date, Honda Malaysia has received more than 4,600 bookings for the New HR-V.
The New HR-V RS is powered by a 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine combined with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It is also equipped with an exciting new feature – Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system for sportier driving. Introduced for customers wanting performance and a Compact SUV, the RS variant also comes with a Sporty 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels, Sporty Design Front Grille and black front and rear bumper to further enhance its sportiness.
The New HR-V does not only feature technological advancement, but also exudes a sophisticated personality with practical and functional features such as the Multi-Utility Cargo Space which offers class leading cabin space. The New HR-V also setting new benchmark in the Compact SUV segment by introducing value added features such as Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, 8-Way Driver Power Seat (V & RS), full leather seats (V & RS), Honda LaneWatch camera (V & RS), Cruise Control and Paddle Shift. Standard Safety features in the New HR-V include Six Airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ISO Fix.
The New HR-V is available in 5 colour options namely Passion Red Pearl (a new colour in the Honda model line-up), Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl. Offered together with the New HR-V are three accessories packages namely Modulo Package at RM5,737, Urban Package at RM1,716 and Utility Package at RM902.
Honda Malaysia continues to offer an 8-years warranty with unlimited mileage for the Hybrid battery.
The New HR-V Petrol are priced as follows;
RM108,800 for E variant
RM118,800 for V variant and
RM124,800 for RS variant, while the
New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is priced at RM120,800.
All 4 variants of the New HR-V (Hybrid, RS, V, and E) are designed to meet the differing requirements of Honda customers. The strategic price positioning would be an appealing factor for customers to purchase the New HR-V especially for both single and married national upgraders, young working adults looking for a stunning ride performance and sporty looks while the New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is likely to attract working adults considering their lifestyle and better performance for daily usage. The monthly sales target for the New HR-V Petrol variant is 1,000 units while sales target for the New HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is 100 units.
Customers can visit any of Honda’s 97 Authorised Dealers to view, test drive and place a booking for the New HR-V from today onwards. For more information, please call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my
