As Honda fans across Southeast Asia buzz with excitement over the launch of the Honda BR-V N7X Edition at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2024, Malaysian car aficionados are left wondering; could this special edition model make its way to Malaysian roads?
The reality and the bitter truth is that it is unlikely that the new BR-V will be offered here, since the BR-V was discontinued in the Malaysian market last year, and was instead replaced by the WR-V.
According to Yujiro Sugino, Executive Coordinator for Honda Malaysia, the BR-V was discontinued because the SUV class had a larger market potential, especially in the gap below the HR-V.
But let’s take a look at the specifications of the newly launched Honda BR-V N7X.
With its captivating design elements inspired by the futuristic N7X concept model, the BR-V N7X Edition is already turning heads. From the striking chrome accents adorning the grille to the sleek glossy black accents and 17-inch black alloy wheels, every detail exudes sophistication and style.
Furthermore, the introduction of the BR-V N7X Edition in a new sand khaki pearl colour adds a touch of elegance to this already eye-catching vehicle, setting it apart from its predecessors.
Under the hood, the BR-V N7X Edition retains the reliable 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, delivering a robust performance of up to 121PS and 145Nm of torque, coupled with a CVT transmission. The Indonesian market continues to offer a six-speed manual gearbox variant as well.
Safety remains a top priority, with advanced features such as Honda SENSING, including Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Support (AHB), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Honda LaneWatch, available for the highest variant. This underscores Honda’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that enhances both convenience and safety on the road.
The question is, will the BR-V N7X Edition be priced competitively in the Malaysian market if it were ever to be offered here again? The starting price in Indonesia ranges from Rp 319,400,000 to Rp 363,400,000, equivalent to approximately RM97,639 to RM111,090. With competitors like the Perodua Alza, Toyota Veloz, Mitsubishi Xpander and of course, the Proton X50 already offering hard-to-beat prices, we imagine that the BR-V would not do well here. So perhaps Honda Malaysia was right to focus on the small SUV segment with the WRV instead, in which there is only the Perodua Ativa to worry about.