Today’s younger generation of Honda fans love the N-series of kei cars in Japan which drew inspiration from the original N360/600. It was one of Honda’s early 4-wheelers and although tiny enough (about 3 metres long) to fit between the front and rear axle lines of American cars of the 1970s, Honda decided to sell the model in the US market. It was the start of the brand’s automobile sales in that market which would become very successful to the extent that a Honda sedan would be the bestselling car in the market.
The N600 had an all-aluminium air-cooled engine with a 9,000 rpm redline that could take it 130 km/h. It was a simple car, nimble and helped Honda gain the reputation of offering fuel-efficient cars that would be advantageous in later years.
12,000 rpm Honda VFR engine
Recently, a 1972 N600 owned by Stephen Mines won the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series, which joined the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in 2019 as the exclusive tuner component of the program. Customized over a 5-year period, this particular N600 is powered by a 12,000 rpm Honda VFR 800 cc V4 motorcycle engine in a rear-wheel drive configuration.
Stephen’s customised N600 that won the inaugural Honda Super Tuner Legends Series also boasts a modified Mazda MX-5 Miata suspension system, seats from a Polaris RZR, and modified front and rear bumpers from a 1967-68 Chevy Camaro!
Other finalists for the 2019 Honda Super Tuner Legends Series included a 1978 Honda Civic, 2003 Honda S2000, and 2015 Honda Civic Si. The first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series kicked off in May 2019, as an extension of the second annual Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a national search (in the USA) for a life-size custom car worthy of being immortalized as a Hot Wheels toy car.
Two of the finalists in the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series
Local Honda enthusiasts entered their custom-tuned Hondas in the hopes of being selected as one of four finalists competing for the ‘Honda Super Tuner’ title and the opportunity to have their vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas next month.
The introduction of the Honda Jazz/Fit in mid-2001 in Japan was significant in that it was the beginning of a new era where consumers had different requirements. This was evident not only with the new model being picked as the Japan’s ‘Car of the Year‘ but also being the first model to beat the Toyota Corolla for No. 1 position in the domestic market. The Corolla had been No. 1 every year for decades but the Fit showed that consumer tastes had changed and Honda understood what they wanted for the new decade and century.
Three generations of the Jazz. The first generation was Japan’s bestselling model in 2002, outselling the Toyota Corolla which had been No.1 in the domestic market for decades.
Now comes the fourth generation, launched today at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, and Honda says it has been developed to be the globally-accepted standard for compact cars suited to this new era. The development team pursued an ‘emotional value’ which cannot be expressed numerically and embodied four dimensions of comfort that enable this vehicle to be better able to support the daily lives of customers.
“We developed this vehicle not merely as a means of transportation for our customers. We strived for a vehicle which will become a part of our customers’ daily lives and make their daily lives more comfortable and enjoyable. This is a compact car for the new era, and this vehicle will set a new standard for Honda automobile development,” said Honda’s President & CEO, Takahiro Hachigo.
“What we strive to do with this all-new Fit is to establish the standard for compact cars suited to this new era. We believe this car will be able to become an industry standard for the new era only if it can win admiration in the Japanese market where fulfilling customer needs for compact cars is especially difficult compared to other parts of the world. Based on this belief, we squarely and sincerely faced our customers in Japan and perfected this all-new Fit as a global model that Honda will propose from Japan to the rest of the world,” he added.
Five versions
Although manufacturers typically offer various versions with different features at different price levels, Honda has made it a point with the new Jazz/Fit to emphasise that it is sold in 5 different versions (probably only for the domestic market) to allow customers to choose the version that is right for them depending on their lifestyle and life stage. The five versions, which have individual characteristics, are BASIC, HOME, NESS, CROSSTAR and LUXE. The differentiation is more than just features and equipment but also in exterior appearance.
The Fit BASIC will be the entry-level version but still offer a high-quality design and occupant comfort. It features a simple design with a front face and seamless, flowing exterior form.As the name suggests, this Fit HOME version is more for a young family . It offers a relaxing and carefully-designed space with high visual and tactile quality by coordinating colours and materials, including natural-looking fabric seats made with high-quality materials, a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and Prime Smooth soft padding. The NESS version features vivid colour coordination and adopts water-repellent materials for the seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. It has a sporty and fashionable image which should appeal to customers who enjoy driving just like they enjoy fitness and sports.The Fit CROSSTAR has a more distinctive exterior developed exclusively for the version as well as larger 16-inch aluminium wheels. As for the interior, water-repellent materials are used for seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. The aim is to project an enhanced image of a compact and yet tough vehicle.The Fit may be a compact hatchback but it can still be a mobile space where people can spend comfortable time. This LUXE version comes with standard genuine leather seats designed as an exclusive feature with high visual and tactile quality. For the exterior, platinum-style chrome plating and 16-inch aluminium wheels add to the high-quality feel.
Powertrains
The new Fit will go on sale in Japan in February next year and details of powertrains available have not been released. It is likely that the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine will continue to be used and would be an improved unit. It is also expected that the 1-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine used for the Civic in some markets will be offered. This compact unit produces around 130 ps/200 Nm and would be highly suited to the model.
1-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine (left) likely to be offered in new Fit, while the hybrid system is more advanced with the 2-motor system.
The hybrid version of the all-new Fit will be the first Honda compact car equipped with the 2-motor hybrid system. The system features 3 drive modes designed to enhance efficiency while providing optimum on-road performance during a variety of conditions. Called e:HEV, this powertrain uses a 1.5-litre engine and is an extension of the application of its i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) from large to mid-sized vehicles to small-sized vehicles as it is the core of Honda electrification technologies.
Interior
With the new Fit, Honda is introducing a new-generation body stabilizing seat that the company developed while envisioning application for its high-class sedan models. The planar support structure of the seat stabilizes the body and makes long driving less tiring and enables the user to enjoy the soft feeling of the seat.
The rear seats continue to feature seat arrangements as versatile as that of the previous generation Fit and realize seat comfort equivalent to high-class sedan models by adopting a larger and thicker seat pad which offers stress-free seating even for adult passengers. It’s not clear if the Ultra Seat feature is maintained but that was a clever idea which enhanced the versatility of the model by creating more storage space in the rear half of the cabin.
New safety features
The Fit features a front pillar with a cross-sectional structure that is different from previous generations but dissipation of impact energy in the event of a collision remains effective enough to protect the occupants from harm. While ensuring collision safety performance without compromise, a newly-designed front pillar offers exceptionally wide and superior frontal visibility compared to that of previous models. Moreover, the instrument panel features a flat-topped design which emphasizes horizontal and straight lines, and the windscreen wipers are positioned so low as to be barely visible from inside the cabin.
Depending on the market, the new Fit/Jazz will come with a front camera which covers a wide area in front of the vehicle as part of the Honda SENSING advanced safety and driver-assist system. By combining the front wide view camera and 8 sonar sensors mounted in the front and back of the car, existing Honda SENSING functions can be enhanced.
The new Fit will also be the first model equipped with the Honda CONNECT on-board communication module developed exclusively for Honda vehicles. Starting with this model, Honda will begin evolving Honda Total Care Premium which consists of three services: 1) remote control of some vehicle functions via smartphone; 2) emergency support service which connects the vehicle directly to a support centre in case of an emergency such as a traffic accident and enables prompt and proper responses; and 3) security ‘rush over’ service which dispatches a security guard when an abnormal situation occurring to the vehicle is detected. Of course, availability of Honda CONNECT will depend on the market and whether there is an infrastructure to support it.
Sales in Japan start in February next year and the Honda Malaysia plant in Melaka must already be well into production planning to start local assembly. However, the timing would have to be coordinated with other ASEAN markets, with Thailand (or Indonesia) usually being the first country to launch a new model.
Honda Malaysia is recalling 23,476 units of Honda vehicles to replace the Takata front airbag inflator modules as a preventive measure. According to a statement from the company this evening, these vehicles have been recalled before but the reason for being recalled again is not explained. But whatever the reason, this is a very serious matter so don’t delay in responding to it.
The affected models are shown below:
Models involved in recall for Takata front driver airbag inflator replacement Civic: 2006 – 2007 & 2009 – 2011 CR-V: 2007 – 2008 & 2010 – 2011 Stream: 2010 & 2012 Insight: 2011 – 2012 City: 2009 – 2013 Jazz: 2012 – 2013
2011/2012 Honda Insight Hybrid is also on the recall list.
The company apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers once again. However, it stresses that this replacement is necessary as a precautionary action and urges affected customers to respond as soon as possible.
Honda Malaysia would like to emphasise that all its current selling models are not affected and the company will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls to ensure customer safety. Affected customers will receive notification letters from Honda Malaysia with the details of this recall and stock availability.
File photo of Takata airbag inflator modules at the Honda Malaysia warehouse.
The replacement of Takata front airbag inflator stock for these 23,476 units of Honda vehicles will be available in stages and Honda Malaysia is doing its ubest to ensure 100% stock availability in the shortest period of time. The replacement of the defective Takata front airbag inflators is free of charge and all related costs of the replacement will be borne by the company.
More than 249,000 modules replaced in Malaysia
This particular recall phase this year does not significantly change the total number of recalled vehicles as it involves replacement of inflators installed in vehicles previously subject to recall. As at October 1 2019, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 249,000 units of Takata front driver airbag inflator replacements, which translates to 91% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 537,000 units or 89% completion ratio.
Honda Malaysia has been the most pro-active company in Malaysia where the Takata airbag inflator module recall has been concerned. It has used many different approached to get owners of affected vehicles to respond, making the process as convenient as possible. Personnel have even visited used car lots to locate affected vehicles and carried out the replacement.
Honda Malaysia appeals to owners of vehicle affected who have yet to have their Takata front airbag inflators replaced to do so urgently as it may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated. The defective airbag inflator casing might rupture which may result in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.
If you are not the original owner of the vehicle, Honda might not have your contact details and you may not receive a notification. If you believe that your vehicle is affected, you can check its recall status either by logging on to www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my or by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020. Authorised Honda dealers nationwide can also provide assistance to check.
In conjunction with the 900,000th unit milestone, Honda Malaysia decided to celebrate its massive success here in the country by organising a special two-day ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign’ carnival filled with fun activities for the whole family at the Bukit Jalil Stadium open car pack. (more…)
Honda Malaysia is inviting everyone to celebrate their “Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign” Grand Finale on the 28 and 29 September 2019 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium open car park (free entry for all). There will be loads of activities as they celebrate 17 successful years since their establishment here in the country. (more…)
It’s almost the year 2020 and what better way to showcase a manufacturer’s Super GT entry than unveiling an ultra-unique 2020 Honda NSX with its engine at the front! Why? New Class One regulations have stated that all race cars will be adopting a front-engine setup. (more…)
Since early this year, there have been reports of the PDRM getting the Honda Civic Type R for their fleet, with pictures of some units in PDRM colours. Perhaps they are evaluating the powerful model to replace or complement their Mitsubishi Lancer EVOs.
Anyway, while the PDRM does its testing, Honda Malaysia has presented one unit of the Civic Type R to His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah. The car is a gift to His Majesty for his official birthday.
Sarly Adle Sarkum, President & COO of Honda Malaysia (left), explaining the functions and features of the Civic Type-R to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
To be used as escort car
It is understood that the car will be used as an escort car for King. Additionally, a Civic 1.5 VTEC Turbocharged Premium was also presented to Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, also for use as an escort car.
“At Honda, we are committed to offer products that are of high value and also advanced in technology to provide joy to our customers. The Civic Type R was the model which claimed the title of ‘World’s Fastest Front-Wheel-Drive’ production car at Germany’s legendary Nurburgring racetrack when it was first introduced in 2017. This model is not only ideal to drive on track but also on the road as a daily commute car. On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I am truly honoured to present the Civic Type R to His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong for his daily use as an escort car, said the Managing Director & CEO Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama, at the handover ceremony.
Honda Malaysia has announced that the latest 2019 Honda Civic facelift is now open for booking ahead of its launch somewhere in the coming months. Interested parties can do so at any of the 98 Honda dealerships across Malaysia. (more…)
“For many years now, the City has been the best-selling B-segment model in Malaysia. As a way to give more value to Malaysians who have been very supportive towards Honda Malaysia, we have decided to introduce a Special Edition to the City with an attractive price of RM75,955, excluding insurance,” said Toichi Ishiyama, Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB).
The value-added extras
Besides two colour choices – White Orchid Pearl and Passion Red Pearl – the City Special Edition has additional value-added features to offer more convenience to the customers. These features are two Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), Built-in Tollcard Reader, Door Visors and Boot Organiser.
The DVR (shown above) offers peace of mind for drivers as it keeps video recordings of the journey, with a second unit for rear view recording. In the event of a dispute after accident, the records could establish how the accident occurred and which party is responsible.
The Built-in Toll Reader (pictured below) offers more convenience for motorists as they do not have to pause to touch the card or, if they do not fix the electronic tag, hold the unit up as they pass through the toll plaza. The Built-in Toll Reader works with a TouchNGo card slotted in and is installed in the glovebox. The signal is sent from a small unit in the windscreen. The remaining value in the card is also visible on a small display.
As for the Door Visors (above), these have been aerodynamically optimized to have minimum wind noise. They can act as rain guards, allowing the driver or passengers to roll the glass down slightly for fresh air when it rains.
The Boot Organiser (below) will be useful for keeping large and small items in place. Women will appreciate it as it can keep pairs of shoes together instead of being shifted around when the car is cornering.
34% of Honda sales in Malaysia
The City, which has a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, has been the biggest sales contributor for HMSB. From January to July this year, it accounted for 34% of total sales for the company.
“The City Special Edition is being offered in conjunction with our Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign. I hope everyone can grab the opportunity and visit any of our 98 Honda dealerships nationwide to view, test drive and book the City Special Edition today!” Mr. Ishiyama said.
For more information or to locate an authorized dealer to book/test drive the City Special Edition, call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit www.honda.com.my.
Sometime in the third quarter of 2019, Honda will deliver its 900,000th vehicle in Malaysia. It’s a significant milestone for the brand which has been a household name among Malaysians for decades and Honda Malaysia intends to celebrate the milestone in a big way.
The campaign with its tagline ‘Terima Kasih 900K’ was launched last month and builds the momentum towards achieving the milestone. Today, the company announced a collaboration with three major brands – Astro Radio, Tealive and unifi – on the ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’.
The ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’ campaign will see lucky Malaysians driving home 9 new Honda models. Three of the models will be given away to participants in contests organised by Astro Radio, Tealive and unifi.
Collaboration with homegrown brands
”The collaboration with these homegrown brands is a first for Honda Malaysia and will offer more value to Malaysians. We are very excited about this campaign as it provides an excellent opportunity to reward Malaysians for their unwavering support. It is a gesture of appreciation for the customers’ trust that has helped make each of these brands, including Honda, a sought-after brand in Malaysia,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
“I am pleased to note that we have been receiving encouraging participation in the ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’ Campaign. We believe this campaign will further elevate the Joy of Owning a Honda car for our customers,” Mr. Ishiyama added.
Honda Malaysia’s management team (left and right) with the first winner of campaign, Mohamad Adib Fida’iy bin Mohamad Hanapi and his family.
Honda Malaysia today also announced the campaign’s first lucky winner who will be driving home a Civic 1.5 Turbo. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at a Honda dealership in Kelantan. The winner, Mohamad Adib Fida’iy bin Mohamad Hanapi, will receive his car during the campaign’s Grand Event at the end of September 2019.
How to participate
Eight Honda models are still up for grabs in the campaign which all 90 Honda sales dealerships in Malaysia are participating in. Participation can also be done through the ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’ campaign nationwide tour which started in East Malaysia and will move throughout Malaysia this month and next month. The locations are listed at www.honda.com.my as well as the Honda Malaysia Facebook page.
To participate in the campaign, customers can register their details through a QR code or visit the campaign’s website before taking part in the activities or contests to earn giveaway tickets. The more tickets collected, the higher the chance to win the Honda models! To register or to get more information, visit honda.com.my/microsite/900k .
