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The 2021 German Car of the Year is a… Japanese car

The first widely recognised Car of the Year event (and perhaps the first one in the world too) was the European Car of the Year which began in 1964. Journalists from a number of countries in Europe collaborated to pick a model from each year’s new offerings as the Car of the Year (COTY), and the event continues to this day.

Since then, there have been numerous COTY events all over the world, some by publications and websites and some by motoring media groups. And there is even a ‘World Car of the Year’ award now although some models may be specific to certain regions.

For the country COTY, it was usually the case that a model from a brand of that country would be the winner. But in recent times, this has been changing: the Volkswagen Golf, for example, was the first foreign model to win the ‘Japan Car of the Year’ title while in Korea, a Toyota Camry was its COTY one year.

First time for a non-German model
Now in Germany, a non-German model has been voted ‘German Car of the Year’ 2021. It’s the Honda e, the Japanese company’s first battery electric vehicle for Europe. This is a first and certainly an impressive achievement considering that the German auto industry produces many well engineered products. The Honda e also won in the ‘New Energy’ category.

The German Car of the Year awards are decided by a jury of leading German car journalists. The panel tests and reviews the latest cars, ranking them according to their usability, driving characteristics, market relevance and level of innovation. The winners of 5 categories – Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy and Performance – are then assessed again to decide an overall winner.

“For Honda e to be the first Japanese car to be awarded ‘German Car of the Year’ is a great honour, and one we are incredibly proud to receive,” said Katsuhisa Okuda, COO & President of Honda Motor Europe. “The Honda e is a perfect example of a product with a unique design, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners connected with their everyday life. We are very thankful for this award.”

The electrically-powered Honda was launched earlier this year and is represents Honda’s commitment to electrify 100% of its mainstream models for Europe by 2022. The German COTY award is just one of many accolades it has received in 2020. These include the top honour in the Red Dot Design Awards; Autocar UK’s ‘Britain’s Best Car’ Awards 2020 in the ‘Best Car Tech’ category; and ‘City/Small Car of the Year’ in the News International Motor Awards 2020.

222-km range, 30 minutes recharging
The Honda e has a powertrain producing up 100 kW (equal to 136 ps) or 113 kW (154 ps) with 315 Nm of torque. With a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged to 80% in 30 minutes, it has a claimed range of up to 222 kms, depending on driving conditions.

There are two variants of the model which is currently only sold in Europe and Japan. Prices in the UK range from £27,160 to £29,660 (about RM147,370 – RM161,000). The prices include a UK government Plug-in Car Grant discount amounting to £3,000 (RM16,300) for the model.

Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about Honda’s electrified models available in Malaysia.

Honda e starts Honda’s electrification strategy in Europe

Honda to offer Level 3 autonomy by March next year

With type approval given by the Japanese authorities, Honda Motor will now proceed to commercialise its automated driving system with Level 3 autonomy classification that was established by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and adopted by the auto industry as well as government agencies.

Level 3 autonomy means that the on-board system monitors the driving environment surrounding the vehicle and can take over driving operations under certain conditions. When any of operable driving environment conditions become unsatisfactory, the system will issue a warning, and the driver must take over the driving immediately.

Cruise control, for example, is a Level 1 autonomy capability as it will only maintain a set cruising speed and the driver must brake to avoid a collision. However, adaptive cruise control is Level 2 autonomy as the system will monitor the road ahead and adjust the speed to maintain a safe gap. The speed will automatically be reduced from the set speed, and resumed when the road ahead is clear.

An increasing number of vehicles have Level 2 autonomy which encompasses advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which will provide corrective action, eg staying in the lane correctly. Honda SENSING, which has Level 2 capability, is available in most Honda models in Malaysia today.

*Honda SENSING, already available in many models, provides driver-assistance features which are under the Level 2 autonomy.*

More intelligence with Level 3
With Level 3, the computer could also make a decision to overtake if it is safe to do so. This means that the vehicle can travel along a highway and pass other vehicles, a major advancement over adaptive cruise control alone. However, the driver must remain alert and should there be a hazardous situation like another vehicle suddenly changing lanes, then human intervention will be required.

In order for Honda to obtain the approval, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) partially amended a section of the country’s Road Vehicle Act. By this amendment, equipment for Level 3 automated driving was added to the list of motor vehicle equipment, subject to the safety standards defined in the Ministry of Transport Ordinance. Vehicles with Level 3 autonomy will be required to have a sticker on their exterior indicating that they are automated vehicles.

*Vehicles with Level 3 autonomous capability must have a sticker (shown on the right) on their bodywork to indicate that they are automated as well.*

Honda will offer its Level 3 automated driving system in a version of the Legend model. The system, to be known as ‘Traffic Jam Pilot’, will be available before the end of March 2021. The equipment is required to have cyber security measures to prevent security threats such as unauthorized access. It must also have a device that records data to confirm operating conditions of the automated driving equipment for a 6-month period (or 2,500 times).

Likely to be only for Japan first
It is likely that Honda will offer the Traffic Jam Pilot only in Japan for some time. This is normal practice by the manufacturers with certain new technologies. By keeping it within the domestic market, it will be easier for engineers to investigate any issues that occur so that counter-measures or improvements can be made quickly. Once Honda is satisfied that the system is sufficiently reliable in daily real-world use, then it will start to offer it elsewhere.

But just as in Japan, other countries will also have to amend their regulations to permit such systems to be used in vehicles on public roads. Furthermore, conditions on the roads such as lane markings and signage will have to be of a certain standard to enable the systems to operate properly. This will become an increasingly important matter as greater levels of autonomy are introduced in vehicles.

Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about the models available in Malaysia.

All-new Honda City RS to have Honda Sensing driver-assistance system

Updated Honda CR-V now on sale, priced from RM139,912 until December 31, 2020

The Honda CR-V is one of the two models which began the ‘soft-roader’ trend, offering passenger car comfort and convenience in the SUV. The first generation was launched in the mid-1990s, around the same time as Toyota’s RAV-4 but unlike Toyota, Honda decided to assemble the model locally. This gave it a price advantage which also helped it to dominate the SUV segment.

Two decades later, it continues having a dominant position as the updated version of the fifth generation officially goes on sale. More than 36,000 units have been sold since it was launched in 2017.

Upgraded Honda SENSING SYSTEM
As the segment leader, the CR-V has set the benchmark for others to follow (or beat) and with this updated version, Honda Malaysia aims to pull away by using Next Generation Advanced Technology features. In particular, the Honda SENSING system has been upgraded to a full suite with 8 systems – some of which work together – to assist the driver.

A Rear Seat Belt Reminder has also been added, alerting the driver when the rear passengers have not fastened their seatbelts. This complements the ISOFIX mounting points for compatible childseats, which have been required by law since the beginning of 2020.

While Honda SENSING does not directly contribute to the CR-V being awarded the full 5-star rating by ASEAN NCAP, the G-CON structure, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and 6 airbags do. Additionally, the CR-V has Honda LaneWatch (a blindspot monitor), Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Auto Brake Hold and even a Driver Attention Monitor.

New features
Other new features include handsfree/keyless opening of the rear hatch by using the foot, and Remote Start which allows starting of the engine from a distance. This then allows the air-conditioning system to be run, cooling down the cabin before entering. Certainly a welcome feature in out hot climate!

As for the looks, there’s a new black grille and bumper as well as a New Wing-style Chrome Fascia. At the rear end, the latest version can be identified by the new Dark Chrome, Smoked Finish Taillights, and rear bumper garnished with the new Wing-style Chrome Fascia as well as chrome twin tailpipes. The 19-inch alloy wheels also have new Dual-Tone styling.

There are three variants with a choice of two engines – a 193 ps/243 Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC unit or a 2-litre i-VTEC unit with 154 ps/189 Nm. Only a CVT is available but the CR-V with the smaller engine can be ordered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Pricing before and after December 31
The new CR-V, with 5 colours choices, is now in the showrooms nationwide with the following prices (excluding insurance and sales tax) until December 31, 2020:
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD – RM162,910.18
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD – RM157,615.91
CR-V 2.0 2WD – RM139,912.53

After December 31, when the sales tax exemption stops, the prices will be:
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD – RM169,900
CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD – RM164,300
CR-V 2.0 2WD – RM145,400

Visit www.honda.com.my for more information or to locate a showroom in Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia introduces HondaTouch application for owners and customers

Honda Malaysia introduces HondaTouch application for owners and customers

Honda Malaysia has introduced its new HondaTouch application to enhance convenience for Honda owners and other customers. Available on Apple iOS and Android smartphones, the application is a that can be shared by customers, Honda Authorised Dealers and Honda Malaysia.

The app has 10 ten distinct features which are particularly useful for owners, providing them with accessibility to their vehicle and its information wherever they are. These features include Service Appointment Booking, Service Appointment Reminder, Real-Time Service Status Tracking, Service History, and Find Your Nearest Dealer.

Through a complete dealer listing in the application, Honda owners can directly make service appointments with their preferred dealers in any part of the country. The respective dealers will be alerted, and confirmation of appointments will be sent to the owners via the application.

Manage service matters by phone
Additionally, an owner can keep tabs on all information about his or her Honda vehicle such as service appointment reminder, service status tracking as well as monitor the progress of the car servicing status through the application. The service history is also stored, making it easy to refer to previous visits to the service centre.

An important feature of the HondaTouch application is Emergency Assistance. This is useful in the event of a breakdown or accident as owners can contact the roadside assistance service for immediate assistance. Honda owners will also receive notification on their Insurance Renewal Reminder through the application – great for those who are forgetful!

Also for non-owners
For those who are not owners of vehicles, it is possible to register to use HondaTouch too. Through the application, they can be informed of Promotions, Events and Updates and other activities by Honda Malaysia.

Through HondaTouch, it is also possible to make a New Car Pre-Booking. With this feature, customers can easily place a booking for their preferred model from Honda Malaysia’s line-up from anywhere at anytime.

*The application can be used to manage service appointments with dealers.*

Commenting on digital platform introduction, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The HondaTouch application is designed to provide convenience and ease of communication between Honda Authorised Dealers and customers, allowing easy access to obtain vehicle service information; vehicle assistance, and updates from Honda Malaysia. Ultimately, it is our vision to create value for mobility and to improve the daily lives of our customers through regular engagement; and the intuitive HondaTouch application does exactly that.”

The HondaTouch application is free for download via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For information on Honda vehicles, visit www.honda.com.my.

The Game-Changer Strikes Again with the 5th Generation Honda City

Get Ready to be Excited by the New Honda City RS e:HEV

The Malaysian market is greatly appreciated by Honda Motor as this is one of the global markets where the brand enjoys a strong position. It has achieved this success for many years now because it understands that Malaysians like new and advanced technologies and features in their cars. This has led to Malaysia being the first market to launch a new product or technology outside Japan.

With the latest 5^th generation Honda City RS e:HEV, Honda again gives Malaysian such an honour. This is the first time in the Asia & Oceania region that Honda is introducing its e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with an advanced 2-motor hybrid system using an intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).

Another first for Malaysia
This follows other firsts by Honda Malaysia over the past 8 years. It was the first company to assemble hybrid cars locally (and the third country among Honda globally after Japan and USA) and the only country outside of Japan to introduce the Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent-Dual Clutch Drive) with the Jazz Hybrid and previous City Hybrid as well as the HR-V Hybrid.

Malaysia gets the honour of being first because this is where Honda sells the most hybrid models in its Asia & Oceania region. Over the past 5 years, 40% of its hybrid models sold in the region have been in Malaysia. So, as part of its plan to increase e:TECHNOLOGY, it is introducing the new City with i-MMD.

Hybrid technology advanced
Hybrid technology uses both an internal combustion engine, with a 1.5-litre displacement in the new City, and an electric motor. An Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) seamlessly manages power flows in three modes: EV Drive which is purely electric; Hybrid Drive which combines use of both engine and motor; and Engine Drive which draws power only from the engine.

The choice of modes depends on driving conditions as well as the available energy in the lithium-ion battery pack which is also continuously recharged while driving. EV Drive is usually used when starting off and cruising steadily, while Hybrid Drive optimizes running efficiency. Engine Drive will activate at higher speeds, during which time the battery pack will also be recharged.

An electric motor can generate maximum torque the moment the car starts moving off, and this means the driver has up to 253 Nm of torque available right away. This great amount of torque – highest in its class and even more than cars with bigger engines – is generated up to 3,000 rpm so acceleration remains strong. Overtaking can be done quickly and safely and with a system power output of 108 ps, the City can reach its top speed of 173 km/h very quickly.

For added efficiency, the i-MMD uses an Electric CVT to transmit power to the front wheels. The optimum ratio is computer-selected but the driver can manage deceleration more effectively with a Deceleration Selector Pedal, reducing the need to use the brakes.

Exclusive styling for the RS
Naturally, with such advanced technology, Honda Malaysia also wants the City RS to stand out more distinctly. This is achieved by giving exclusive styling features to the variant. The grille has a high-gloss Piano Black finish with the RS badge clearly identifying the variant. The slim LED headlights have an eye-catching design and incorporate LED Day Running Lights (DRLs) that give a specific lighting signature. The headlamps can be set to come on automatically whenever lighting conditions are dim, an added convenience.

At the rear, the LED combination lamps also create a distinct lighting signature that immediately identifies this as a special City variant. The wraparound design enables illumination to be spread over a wider range for driving safety.

Emphasizing the sportiness of the City RS is a slim Piano Black spoiler on the edge of the bootlid. Apart from the looks, this helps to manage airflow as it departs from the car body, reducing turbulence that causes drag.

As to be expected, the City RS gets its own exclusive lightweight alloy rims with a multi-spoke design. 16 inches in diameter and with a dual-tone finish, they are fitted with 185/55 tyres that have been chosen by Honda engineers for this car.

Premium look and feel within
The cabin, more spacious with the increased size of the new generation, has become more refined, with increased sophistication and a premium feel on every surface. Switchgear is placed within easy reach with the aim of allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road ahead. For example, the controls for adjusting the automatic air-conditioning system are rotary knobs which are easy to operate even without looking, while the Electric Parking Brake is easily operated with just a press or pull of a finger.

The icons on the full colour 8-inch display are also large, making selection easy. The infotainment system, which includes an 8-speaker surround-sound audio system, easily connects with compatible smartphones using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This allows favourite apps to be mirrored on the screen, from which they can be managed. With Waze or Google Maps accessible from the dashboard, driving will become easier as traffic conditions are visible and warnings can be heard too.

A 7-inch TFT screen is used for the instrument panel, giving sharp and clear displays in all lighting conditions. A tripcomputer provides driving information with a real-time fuel consumption bar to help the driver achieve economical motoring. The left dial shows power generation and also the chare level of the battery pack.

The premium image is enhanced by the upholstery for the seats – Ultrasuede, a synthetic ultra-microfibre fabric with a soft, elegant texture and feel. Red stitching and sports pedals with polished metal finish add a sporty touch.

For convenience, there’s keyless entry with pushbutton starting/stopping of the engine. The driver can also start the engine from outside the car using the key fob. This allows running of the air-conditioning system so that the cabin can be cooled down before entry – certainly a welcome feature in our climate!

Honda SENSING comes to the City
It’s not just powertrain technology that is advanced in the new City RS. The new model now has Honda SENSING assistance technologies to help the driver. There are seven systems, all of which use a wide-view camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. Images captured in real-time are analysed by the on-board computer to determine hazardous situations and conditions that have a risk of an accident.

When Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is on, the car will travel at a set cruising speed, However, when another vehicle is detected ahead, the speed will be adjusted so that a safe gap is maintained. If there is no longer a vehicle ahead, the set speed will be resumed automatically.

When ACC is not used, Honda SENSING will still monitor the road ahead and if there is a risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead, the driver will be alerted. Should no action be taken (like braking or slowing down), the system will take over and activate the brakes to reduce speed and stop the car. This will help in avoiding a collision in case the driver has lost concentration, and it can also help reduce damage and repair cost as the early deceleration will reduce the impact speed.

As the car is moving, Honda SENSING monitors the lines on the road and notes the position of the car within the lane. Should the driver become drowsy and not maintain full steering control, the car may start to move out of its lane. When this happens, the system will vibrate the steering wheel to alert the driver. In some cases, the system will also gently apply corrective force to steer the car back to the centre of the lane.

There is also the possibility of the car being driven too close to the edge of the road. Honda SENSING is also programmed to detect this and besides alerting the driver, will use steering control and even the brakes to correct the car’s movement.

Auto High Beam is another system in Honda SENSING which gives the driver maximum illumination of the road ahead when possible. Whenever there is no oncoming vehicle, the headlights will switch to the brighter and longer-range high beam, automatically dipping to low beam if a vehicle is detected. This will avoid blinding and irritating the other driver, contributing to safety.

While Honda SENSING is a new feature, exclusive to the City RS, other safety systems such as Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD and Hill-Start Assist are also present. Additionally, besides dual front SRS airbags, the City RS also has side and window curtain airbags for added protection during side collisions. There is also an Auto Brake Hold feature to make driving in a traffic jam less stressful.

Honda LaneWatch
For the first time, the City gets Honda LaneWatch, an innovative camera-based system which provides the driver with a real-time view of the blind spot along the left side of the car. The advantage of this system is that the driver does not need to turn the head so much to see the traffic situation (unlike having to turn a lot to see the door mirror). The LaneWatch display automatically comes on whenever the signal indicator is activated.

While LaneWatch provides a view of the left side, a Multi Angle Rear View Camera covers the back of the car. This helps the driver position the car properly in a parking bay by showing three different views – wide, normal and high-angle. Each view can be chosen at the touch of a button, appearing clearly on the display even at night when lighting conditions are low.

With so many safety systems to help the driver, plus the G-FORCE CONTROL (G-CON) body structure, it is not surprising that the City can score maximum points from ASEAN NCAP. The G-CON structure dissipates the energy of a collision before it can reach the occupants and cause serious injuries.

Joy of Buying and Owning
Honda Malaysia often talks about giving customers the Joy of Buying with its products, and complementing this would be the Joy of Owning. This comes in many ways that will give peace of mind to the owner. Reliability and durability are a given with any Honda, along with high quality of assembly. The warranty will be for a full 5 years as there is no limit on mileage, and a further 3 years for the hybrid battery pack.

The all-new Honda City RS e:HEV will be available in January 2021 but authorized Honda dealerships nationwide will be happy to accept a booking now. To locate a showroom nearest to you, visit www.honda.com.my or by calling 1-800-88-2020.

All-new 5th Generation Honda City launched – but hybrid variant comes later

After a month-long teaser campaign, the all-new Honda City in its 5^th generation is officially launched for sale. In spite of the current mood of uncertainty due to the pandemic, there are already some 5,000 people who have put their money down for one and no doubt, the number will grow now that the new model is in showrooms.

The highlight of the teaser campaigns has been the new City RS e:HEV variant, which has a hybrid powertrain. Having been the first company to assemble a hybrid model locally, Honda Malaysia continues to offer it in the City with a new 2-motor hybrid system powered by intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). Malaysia is the first country in the world to launch the RS e:HEV variant and the honour is partly because this market accounts for 40% of the hybrid vehicles Honda has sold in its Asia & Oceania region.

However, if you’re keen to get one, it’s not available right away and deliveries will only start in January 2021. So while shouting a lot about it, Honda Malaysia is not revealing its price yet but you can book one if you want and be among the first owners.

Since the hybrid model won’t be here for a few more months, we’ll focus on the other three variants first and then go back to it. As before, the variants are S, E and V, all with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a DOHC and 16-valve cylinder head. Output from this proven engine is 121 ps/145 Nm which goes through a CVT to the front wheels.

*Until the end of this year, the prices will be exempted from 10% sales tax. After that, if there is no extension of the exemption, they will revert to the prices as shown below (without insurance).*

Honda City 1.5S: RM76,800 | Honda City 1.5E: RM84,800 | Honda City 1.5V: RM89,800

The platform has essentially the same elements as before although, in the spirit of kaizen (constant improvement), there would be improvements in materials and engineering to increase efficiency and comfort.

ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating
The latest City has already been tested by ASEAN NCAP and given the maximum rating of 5 stars, which is not surprising. Besides its strong and protective body structure, the car also has a comprehensive range of safety systems that will help the driver avoid accidents and in the 1.5V, six airbags to provide cushioning during a severe accident.

While virtually all cars today come with reverse sensors to help during parking, Honda Malaysia also includes a reverse camera in all three variants. Unlike many reverse camera systems which present only a single image, the one in the City can show three angles – wide, normal and top-down. The different views aid proper positioning of the car in a bay so it won’t appear in some social media post as an example of poor parking.

Same functionality, practicality
Inside, the new City maintains the same functional and practical layout with improvements in the quality of materials. There’s an extra 111 mm in overall length which has been put to good use by improving rear legroom while an additional 54 mm in the overall width should also do something for lateral comfort.

The standard equipment is quite extensive although the cheapest 1.5S variant does not have cruise control nor paddle shifters, and the air-conditioning system requires manual managements. However, all variants now have ducting to the rear so more cool air can reach the passengers.

The 1.5E and 1.5V variants also have Remote Engine Start which allows starting the engine before you even open the doors. While modern engines don’t really need to warm up before moving off, being able to start the engine remotely means that the air-conditioning can be activated to cool down the interior.

The audio system is a standard type on the 1.5S but 1.5E and 1.5V come with an 8-inch display panel that looks like a tablet was stuck on the centre of the dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are provided so smartphones can be easily linked and apps transferred to the display. For ease of operation, the icons on the display are large so they will be easy to select. Management of the audio system can be done using switches on the steering wheel.

Honda continues to use rotary dials for the air-conditioning system which is actually better than other methods. With rotary dials, adjustments can be easily done even without looking, certainly better than having the settings done via a touchscreen.

For those who need to recharge their devices, there are two USB ports, along with a 12V plug-in power outlet. Both are located at the front but, strangely rear passengers get two 12V sockets, (located below the air-conditioner vents) instead of USB ports which would be more useful.

Evolutionary styling
The styling of the new City can be considered evolutionary with a sleeker profile as a result of the lower roofline. The front end has also been completely restyled with slimmer headlights. Those on the 1.5V are LEDs and all variants come with LED daytime running lights that also provide a distinctive visual ‘signature’. The rear lighting units on all variants are all LEDs, which has given more design flexibility.

The City RS e-HEV
As this variant won’t be available until January 2021, we’ll just provide an overview for now and tell you more in detail when the car actually goes on sale. As mentioned earlier, the RS e:HEV variant is a world-first with its intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain.

This electrified powertrain is an advanced hybrid powertrain with 2 motors and an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT). Together with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the i-MMD powertrain can generate up to 253 Nm of torque, an exceptional output for its size. Maximum power output is 108 ps which can take the City beyond 170 km/h and yet consume fuel at a claimed rate of 26.5 kms/litre.

The fuel efficiency comes from intelligent use of the two power units, alternating between three driving modes of EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive. There are no paddle shifters but there are Deceleration Selector Paddles that allow the driver to slow down while also getting power regeneration to recharge the battery pack.

The RS variant will have a sportier interior with Ultrasuede upholstery and Red Stitching as well as Sport Pedal Pads. The instrument panel also uses a 7-inch TFT screen to display a wide range of information to the driver.

To enhance the appeal of the City RS, it will be offered with Honda SENSING, a suite of driver assistance systems that are the most advanced in its class. Using a front wide view camera mounted on the windscreen, it can adjust the cruising speed, identify pedestrians and even cyclists and warn the driver or activate the brakes, if necessary. The system can also help to keep the car within its lane and alert the driver if there is wandering off the lane (or even road). Also included is an automatic high-beam system which switches to low beam if there is an oncoming vehicle so as not to dazzle the driver.

Honda LANEWATCH, which was first offered in the Accord, now reaches the City and will be available in the RS variant. This innovative feature provides the driver with a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car by using a small camera mounted below the left door mirror. The display appears whenever the signal light switch is activated. The good thing about this approach is that the driver does not have to turn the head much to see the display at the centre of the dashboard, as opposed to looking for a warning light on the door mirror.

As with other models, Honda Malaysia also offers Modulo accessories specially for the new City. There are 4 packages to suit different requirements with prices starting from RM3,007. The cost can be included in the financing of the car and therefore repaid over a number of years… something which no accessory shop would give you.

Test-drive and viewing of the new City can be done at all authorised Honda dealerships nationwide (although some may be subject to specific MCO conditions). To locate a dealership, visit www.honda.com.my.

Honda Insurance Plus plan upgraded with more benefits

Updated Honda CR-V coming soon, bookings accepted now

The rush of new model introductions, some delayed by the MCO earlier in the year, continues and today, Honda Malaysia has announced that an updated Honda CR-V will be in showrooms before the end of this year. Bookings are now accepted at all 101 authorised dealerships nationwide.

The CR-V was the first model that Honda Malaysia assembled at its new plant when the facility opened in Melaka in 2003. Since then, over 100,000 units have been sold, of which more than 36,000 have been of the 5^th generation which was launched in 2017.

*Restyled front bumper of New CR-V has a bolder look than the previous one (below).*

“We are confident that the New CR-V will not only continue to live up to this stellar track record, but also regain its status as No.1 in the Non-National SUV segment as it offers a complete package comprising bold exterior, VTEC Turbocharged engine as well as Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology – Honda SENSING. We believe the enhanced New CR-V is an ideal SUV for families and professionals with a keen sense of sophistication and style,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

The changes
The exterior of the New CR-V receives cosmetic changes with a new black grille combined with Honda’s signature LED headlights. The restyled front and rear bumpers have a wing-style chrome fascia, while the rear end has new dark chrome and new smoked finish taillights, plus a new tailpipe finisher. The 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels have a new design as well.

Owners of the New CR-V will no longer have to press a button to open the tailgate. It now comes with a Handsfree Power Tailgate which will open (and close) when a foot is positioned under the rear bumper.

The CR-V has a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged Earth Dreams engine with an output of 193ps/243 Nm, which makes its more powerful than a conventional 2.4-litre engine. Having a smaller displacement helps in fuel efficiency which can be enhanced with activation of the ECON mode.

The CR-V is available with all-wheel drive (AWD) that is managed by an Intelligent Control System. Torque is distributed optimally to the wheels, providing better traction and control on all surfaces.

Full Honda SENSING suite
The New CR-V will come with a full suite of Honda SENSING that that consists of eight systems, all of which work with a camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. The systems are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High-Beam (AHB).

In addition, Honda LaneWatch (shown above) is now a standard feature. This is a noteworthy innovation by Honda which provides a real-time image of the blind spot along the left side of the vehicle from a small camera mounted on the left door mirror. The image, which is clear day and night, is displayed on the infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard, so the driver does not have to turn the head so much to view.

Pricing for the New CR-V is not revealed yet but it would, of course, have full exemption of the 10% sales tax until December 31, 2020. Visit www.honda.com.my for more information or let a Honda dealer know of your interest to be updated.

Honda Insurance Plus plan upgraded with more benefits

Honda to withdraw from Formula 1 after 2021 season

Honda has announced that it will not participate in the Formula One World Championship as a power unit supplier after the 2021 season ends. The carmaker, which was the first Japanese manufacturer to participate in Formula 1 in the 1960s and a regular name in the decades that followed, made the decision in order to concentrate corporate resources on research and development of new power units and energy technologies.

Why Honda is stopping
“At this time, Honda made a decision to further accelerate such initiatives and strive for the realization of carbon neutrality by 2050, in order to realize a sustainable society. To this end, our current goal of electrifying two-thirds of our global automobile unit sales in 2030 will become a checkpoint we must pass before we get to the 2050 goal, and therefore we must further accelerate the introduction of our carbon-free technologies,” said Takahiro Hachigo, President, Representative Director and CEO of Honda Motor Co.

“For the future realization of carbon neutrality, as a part of this change, we decided to allocate our energy management and fuel technologies as well as our human resources amassed through F1 activities to research and development of advanced power unit and energy technologies. Under such an enhanced R&D system and capability, Honda will focus on the creation of advanced power unit and energy technologies and the realization of carbon neutrality in the future,” he explained.

Racing is in Honda’s DNA
Declaring that ‘racing is in Honda’s DNA’, Mr. Hachigo said that the company will continue to be passionate about taking on challenges and striving to become No. 1 in all categories of racing in which Honda participates.

“Ever since our founding, Honda has been advancing its technologies, developing its engineers and nurturing its strong passion for victory through challenges we have taken in motorsports,” he said. “We still have 7 more races this season, and we are introducing a new power unit with improved performance for the next season. In order to fulfil expectations our fans place on Honda, we will work together with Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri to continue competing with our utmost effort and strive for more victories all the way to the end.”

Honda had resumed its involvement in F1 in 2015 after a 9-year absence, but it did not enjoy the sort of great successes as it did in earlier years. In 2019, it scored three wins last season and has had two wins so far in the 2020 season. The victory of Scuderia AlphaTauri at this year’s Italian Grand Prix was the first time a power unit manufacturer had won with two different teams since the start of Formula One’s hybrid era in 2014.

Commenting on the announcement, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “As a team, we understand how difficult it has been for Honda Motor Company to reach the decision to step back from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season. The shifting focus within the automotive industry has led to Honda’s decision to re-deploy their resources and we understand and respect the reasoning behind this. Their decision presents obvious challenges for us as a team, but we have been here before and with our strength in depth, we are well prepared and equipped to respond effectively, as we have proven in the past.”

“Scuderia AlphaTauri and Honda have built up a very good and professional relationship since we started to cooperate in 2018,” said Team Principal, Franz Tost. “We enjoyed great success together in the last few years, winning a race and finishing on the podium twice, with one second and one third place. It’s unfortunate that Honda has decided to stop their commitment in Formula One, because their Power Unit’s performance has been improving constantly and dramatically to become one of the best engines on the grid in a short period of time, since they returned to the sport.”

Malaysian Army chooses Honda Civic for Military Police duties

Following the supply of Honda Civic to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) fleet, Honda Malaysia has announced that it has also delivered 40 units of the same model to the Malaysian Army.

This is the first time that the Malaysian armed forces are known to officially use a Honda model and the cars will be used for law enforcement and policing duties by the Royal Military Police Corps. The Civic variant delivered to the Malaysian Army has a 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which produces 141 ps/174 Nm. Army personnel using them will benefit from the 5-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.

“Previously, the Royal Malaysian Police had also chosen the best-selling C-segment as their new mobile patrol vehicles and we are currently delivering more than 1,000 units of the Civic 1.8S to them to be used for their enforcement duties. Honda Malaysia is proud that the Civic has once again been selected as our frontliners’ vehicle of choice. The Civic will be used by the Royal Military Police Corps for enforcement duties and it is our hope that the ideal model selected will complement and assist the Royal Military Police Corps in their daily commute for their assigned tasks,” said the Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.

The Civic, which has been sold in Malaysia since its first generation was introduced in the mid-1970s, has been one of the more popular models of the brand in the market over the years. It has been assembled in Malaysia from the first generation, initially at Oriental Assemblers in Johor and then, from 2003, at Honda’s own plant in Melaka.

The Civic originally began as a compact entry-level hatchback model but evolved over the years into a larger and more sophisticated sedan. The latest generation is the tenth and has Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology.

Since being launched in February 2020, more than 5,000 units of the updated 2020 Civic have been sold according to Honda Malaysia. The company also states that it is No.1 in the C-segment with a 78% market share as of July 2020. It is currently the second best-selling Honda model in Malaysia with prices starting from RM109,326.

To know more about the Honda range of models available in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.

Honda Malaysia gifts a Civic Type R to King for use as escort car

Toyota and Honda jointly develop a mobile power station

Toyota and Honda may be rivals in the marketplace, battling for sales and market share. However, when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it’s a different matter and where appropriate, they can work together for the good of communities.

During the magnitude 9 earthquake followed by a tsunami in northeastern Japan in 2011, it was found that power outages were a serious matter that affected rescue operations. That’s to be expected when the power supply network is damaged and repairs take a while. To address this issue, Toyota and Honda will bring technologies together to create a mobile power generation/output system.

Mobile power stations
For some time, carmakers have to considered drawing electricity from the big battery packs in their hybrid and electric vehicles, both of which are made by Toyota and Honda. These would become mobile power stations which could supply electricity for emergency use when necessary.

Now Toyota and Honda have jointly developed a system for a mobile and safe power supply. The system incorporates the ‘Moving e’, a fuel-cell bus developed by Toyota using the FC Bus as a basis. In the first step, the versatile application possibilities of the system will be demonstrated in tests starting this month.

CHARGING STATION
The Moving e mobile power generation/output system will consist of Toyota’s CHARGING STATION fuel cell bus with Honda’s Power Exporter 9000 portable external power output device. The CHARGING STATION loaded with all equipment will be driven to the place and the Moving e will supply electricity in actual locations.

More specifically, portable external power output devices and portable batteries will be used to take electricity out of the fuel cell bus, which serves as a power source, and feed electricity to electrical appliances. The CHARGING STATION features a high-output and large-capacity power generation capacity (generates 454 kWh with maximum output of 18 kW).

The Moving e can also be used for routine applications such as large events. As a mobile charging station, the bus drives directly to the place of use. However, it is limited to a radius of about 100 kms from a hydrogen filling station.

Rest area
Furthermore, featuring a space where people can take a nap, the CHARGING STATION can serve not only as a means of transportation but also as a place for people to rest in times of a disaster.

External power delivery devices and portable batteries can be charged with the energy from the fuel-cell via the charging station integrated on the back of the bus. In this way, the selective energy supply can be ensured after the breakdown of a power grid.

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