Piston.my

Honda

The Blind Spot Monitoring system is arguably one of the must have safety systems in modern cars.

It works by using ultrasonic sensors embedded in the side or at the bottom of a vehicle’s rear bumper to detect other vehicles present in the blind spot. This then alerts the driver either through visual or auditory alerts.

Some systems also use side-mounted cameras which are mounted in the side view mirrors.

The Blind Spot Monitoring system was developed by Volvo who first called it BLIS, and was first shown in the Volvo Safety Concept car (SCC) in 2001 (shown below).

It was later shown again at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan and was available as an option on the XC70 wagon and the S60 sedan of the same year.

These days the Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM) is available in a number of cars as well as the likes of the Perodua Myvi and the Axia.

Curiously though, Honda cars in Malaysia have been sold with an alternative system to BSM called the Lane Watch System (LWS).

The LWS has the same objective as the BSM system where it alerts the driver of obstacles in the blind spot of the car.

However, it works by using a camera placed on the left side mirror (seen below) and then displays a video image of the left rear quarter of the car.

This only works when the turn signal is used or when a button placed on the turn signal stalk is pressed. There is no other visual nor auditory alert and neither does it alert you of other vehicles on the right side of the car.

And the other problem is that it only works best during the day when the sun is shinning at its brightest, as can be seen in the image below. This is because the camera that is used sends back a grainy image onto the centrally-placed monitor that often also shows the GPS map.

It does not work well in low light conditions, at night, or worse, in the torrential Malaysian monsoon rain where barely anything can be seen at all.

Often times, two motorcycles riding side by side at night can be misinterpreted as a single car.

Curiously though, Honda does offer Blind Spot Monitoring system in other markets, just not in Malaysia. Not yet at least.

We recently got the chance to ask why this is so during a private media interview with Eisuke Sato, the Large Project Leader of the newly launched sixth-generation Honda CRV. Sato-san flew in from Japan for the Malaysian introduction of the new CRV.

When asked by Piston.my on why Malaysian Honda’s still use Lane Watch rather than the Blind Spot Monitoring system, Sato-san said, “In other regions, we do apply BSM and in the CRV globally, we do apply BSM as well.”

“However, specifically in Asian and in Malaysia, we consider how motorcycles are often used and we believe that Lane Watch is more effective.”

“Because Lane Watch can actually visualise where a motorcycle is and how many motorcycles there are, the Lane Watch system can provide for more accurate information for drivers.”

When asked about the grainy image and how the use of a high-definition camera would probably make the system more effective, Sato-san replied, “If we look at competitors, there are those who utilise higher-definition cameras but we did verify and confirm that the current spec used in the CRV is sufficient to capture the presence of motorcycles.”

“We also do understand that in dark situations and when it is raining drivers will need more visibility, so we will continue monitoring the situation and will consider an upgrade for the next models,” he added.

There is no doubt that Blind Spot Monitoring system works better in low light and in bad weather, and it is great that Honda Malaysia has an ear on the ground and listens to feedback.

So will we see the Blind Spot Monitoring system making an appearance in upcoming models. If there’s anything we took away from that interview, we can confidently say yes, it is just a matter of time.

Pelancaran barisan pengeluaran kenderaan elektrik (EV) e:N1 oleh Honda di kilang Prachinburi di Thailand menandakan perkembangan menarik bagi pasaran kereta elektrik di rantau ini.

Honda e:N1 adalah kenderaan elektrik sepenuhnya berdasarkan platform EV e:N Architecture F, berkongsi persamaan dengan model HR-V. Kereta elektrik ini mempunyai pemasangan motor tunggal yang menghasilkan 204PS dan 310Nm tork.

Dengan Honda memperkenalkan e:N1 di Thailand, terdapat antisipasi yang tinggi bahawa EV ini mungkin akan dijual di pasaran lain di rantau ini, termasuk Malaysia.

Penerimaan yang positif terhadap model-model Honda di Malaysia, ditambah dengan minat yang meningkat terhadap mobiliti elektrik, meletakkan e:N1 dalam kedudukan yang baik untuk berprestasi dengan baik di pasaran kita.

Malaysia dijangkakan akan menerima maklumat tentang pelancaran Honda e:N1 pada suku pertama tahun 2024, dan pengeluaran di Thailand mungkin akan memudahkan fasa awal sebelum mempertimbangkan pengeluaran tempatan berdasarkan permintaan.

Berbicara tentang penerimaan yang positif, Honda Malaysia baru-baru ini melancarkan Honda CR-V yang baru dan telah mendapat lebih dari 2000 tempahan.

The launch of Honda’s e:N1 electric vehicle (EV) production line at the Prachinburi factory in Thailand marks an exciting development for the electric car market in the region.

The Honda e:N1 is an all-electric vehicle based on the e:N Architecture F EV platform, sharing similarities with the HR-V. The electric car features a single motor setup producing 204PS and 310Nm of torque.

As Honda introduces the e:N1 in Thailand, there is anticipation that the EV might make its way to other markets in the region, including Malaysia.

The positive reception of Honda models in Malaysia, coupled with the growing interest in electric mobility, positions the e:N1 to perform well in the market. Malaysia is expected to receive details about the Honda e:N1’s launch in the first quarter of 2024, and production in Thailand may facilitate the initial phase before considering local production based on demand.

Speaking of positive reception, Honda Malaysia recently launched the all-new Honda CR-V here and it already has over 2000 bookings.

Installed at the centre of the wheels, these resonators are crafted from a lightweight resin and utilise the forces of physics, specifically centrifugal force, to make a significant impact on reducing tire noise.

One of the remarkable features of wheel resonators is their ingenious design, eliminating the need for additional connecting parts such as bolts. Instead, they leverage centrifugal force to establish a secure connection with the wheel, showcasing a streamlined and efficient approach to noise reduction.

The core functionality of wheel resonators lies in their ability to counteract tire noise through the power of resonance. By strategically creating vibrations at a specific frequency, these resonators essentially cancel out the unwanted noise generated by the tires, providing a more serene and enjoyable driving experience.

(more…)

Dengan Honda CR-V yang baru dilancarkan di Malaysia, kami dapati ciri menarik selain dari kerusi penstabilan badan, iaitu gril shutter aktif.

Sejak tahun 2017, Honda telah memasukkan gril shutter aktif dalam model seperti Odyssey. Sistem ini direka untuk meningkatkan aerodinamik dengan menggunakan pengudaraan untuk mengawal aliran udara melalui gril ke sistem penyejukan dan ruang enjin.

Gril shutter aktif ditempatkan di hadapan penyejuk dan terdiri daripada lubang angin yang boleh bergerak yang dapat berpindah untuk membenarkan atau menghalang aliran udara. Dikawal oleh modul kawalan enjin kereta, lubang angin ini boleh disesuaikan ke pelbagai posisi, dari sepenuhnya tertutup hingga sepenuhnya terbuka, bergantung kepada keperluan udara penyejukan untuk kondensor dan penyejuk.

(more…)

Honda Malaysia secara rasmi telah melancarkan Honda CR-V yang baru sepenuhnya, sebuah model yang menerima ulasan positif selepas ujian pandu di Thailand. Dalaman CR-V ditekankan untuk keluasannya dan keselesaan yang cemerlang. Ia memperkenalkan Honda Body Stabilising Seats untuk penumpang hadapan, meningkatkan keselesaan semasa perjalanan yang panjang.

Kerusi ini menampilkan struktur yang diperbaiki di bahagian belakang, memberikan sokongan lumbar dan pelvik. Reka bentuk ini bertujuan untuk mencipta kesan penstabilan badan, mengurangkan keletihan, terutamanya di kawasan pinggul dan pinggang semasa perjalanan yang panjang. Struktur yang diperbaiki juga membantu dalam mengekalkan posisi pemanduan yang selesa dan stabil, walaupun ketika melalui selekoh dan permukaan jalan yang tidak rata.

(more…)

Honda Malaysia hari ini secara rasmi melancarkan SUV terunggulnya, CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) Serba Baharu Generasi ke-6. Bakal mendefinisikan semula pasaran SUV, ‘The Ultimate SUV’ ini terserlah dengan enjin e:HEV 2.0L generasi baharu dan rekaan baharu yang memperlihatkan DNA Honda. Hadir dalam bentuk luaran yang elegan bersama ruang dalaman premium dan luas, keselesaan yang tidak ditandingi dan teknologi-teknologi canggih, CR-V Serba Baharu bakal menetapkan standard tersendiri.

Dengan pilihan dua enjin dan tersedia dalam empat varian, CR-V Serba Baharu menawarkan pilihan yang khusus untuk memenuhi kehendak dan keperluan pelbagai pelanggan. Enjin e:HEV 2.0L menjadi tonggak CR-V Serba Baharu varian RS, yang menghasilkan tork sehingga 335Nm, dan kuasa maksimum 184PS. Untuk julung kalinya bagi Honda Malaysia, model ini dipadankan dengan Transmisi Boleh Laras Berterusan Elektrik (e:CVT) dalam kerangka baharu, bagi menyediakan prestasi enjin cemerlang, penjimatan minyak dan kesesuaian kuasa tinggi.

Pelanggan yang mahukan sebuah SUV dengan dinamik pemanduan yang mengujakan boleh memilih varian S, E atau V, didatangkan dengan enjin berprestasi tinggi 1.5L VTEC Turbo yang mencapai kuasa maksimum 193PS dan tork maksimum 243Nm. Berfungsi bersama sistem CVT yang canggih, enjin ini menyediakan prestasi berkuasa sambil mengoptimumkan respon pecutan, penjimatan minyak dan kesenyapan. Varian V didatangkan secara eksklusif dengan Real Time AWD yang mana pembahagian kuasa antara pemanduan depan dan belakang ditambah baik untuk pemanduan yang lebih stabil.

Kelihatan menarik dari setiap sudut, gaya moden dan sofistikated CR-V Serba Baharu menterjemahkan rekaan Honda yang tersendiri. Bagi varian S, E, dan e:HEV RS, ianya lebih besar dan lebar berbanding generasi terdahulu, dengan panjang 4,691mm, lebar 1,866mm, tinggi 1,681mm dan jarak roda 2,701mm. Menyegarkan lagi estetika SUV yang telah direka semula ini adalah Gril Depan dengan Corak Mesh tebal (Front Grille with a bold Mesh Pattern), Lampu LED di bahagian depan dan belakang (Full LED Headlights and Tail-Lights), Lampu Isyarat LED (Front LED Sequential Turn Signals), Kemasan Krom di belakang ekzos (Tailpipe Chrome Finisher), dan Lampu Belok Aktif  (Active Cornering Lights).

Varian paling atas, e:HEV RS dilengkapi dengan Gril Penutup Aktif (Active Shutter Grille), ciri automatik pada Bampar Depan Bawah (Front Lower Bumper) yang menambah baik aerodinamik dan penjimatan minyak CR-V Serba Baharu. Selain itu, varian e:HEV RS membolehkan pemiliknya memandu dengan bergaya dengan Rim Aloi Berlina Hitam 18 inci yang meningkatkan rasa premium model ini.

Honda Malaysia membawa SUV terunggulnya ke tahap seterusnya dengan ruang kargo paling besar dalam CR-V, dan paling besar dalam segmen SUV. Kapasiti ruang but kini sebesar 589 liter dengan kerusi belakang didirikan, dan bertambah kepada 1,072 liter apabila kerusi dibaringkan. CR-V Serba Baharu ini mempunyai ketinggian muatan yang rendah, memudahkan pemilik memasukkan atau mengeluarkan barang. Lagi satu ciri mudah ialah Pintu But Berkuasa Bebas dengan fungsi Walkaway Close (Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Walkaway Close), yang membolehkan pemilik membuka bahagian but dengan hanya perlu menghalakan kaki di bahagian bampar belakang. Pintu but akan tertutup secara automatik apabila pemilik berlalu pergi.

Reka bentuk kemas dan horizontal bagi bahagian dalam CR-V Serba Baharu itu mempunyai gabungan gaya classy dan kontemporari, dan pada masa yang sama, menawarkan keselesaan dan kabin yang lebih lapang. Tempat duduk berkulit di dalam varian E dan ke atas juga menambah rasa premium dalam kabin. Melengkapkan semua itu, pemandu juga akan mendapat lebih keselesaan dengan Kerusi Pemandu Elektrik 8-hala (8-way Driver Power Seat) dengan memori dua posisi yang membolehkan mereka mencari posisi paling selesa dan menyimpan konfigurasi kegemaran mereka. Penumpang juga menikmati suasana yang lebih nyaman dalam SUV ini dengan ruang kaki yang 16mm lebih lebar berbanding sebelumnya.

Selain itu, CR-V Serba Baharu ini menawarkan keselesaan untuk penumpang belakang dengan kerusi yang boleh dilaras pada lapan sudut berbeza. Beberapa ciri-ciri inovatif dan praktikal diintegrasikan dengan berhemah untuk menambah baik pengalaman di dalam kabin CR-V Serba Baharu. Dalam varian E dan ke atas, terdapat port USB-C tambahan di depan, Paparan Audio 9-inci bersama Apple CarPlayTM dan Android AutoTM dan Pengecas Tanpa Wayar. Sebagai tambahan, varian V dan e:HEV RS menawarkan Lampu Kabin Ambient Berwarna.

Bagi pengalaman pemanduan yang lebih optimum, varian e:HEV RS dilengkapi ciri-ciri eksklusif, termasuk Meter TFT 10.2 inci. Ia juga hadir dengan Sistem Audio Premium 12- pembesar suara dari Bose menjadikan CR-V Serba Baharu model pertama dalam barisan kenderaan buatan tempatan Honda yang dilengkapi dengan ciri baharu ini. Ciri ini bakal membawa keterujaan pendengaran yang imersif untuk pemandu dan penumpang.

Ciri lain dalam varian e:HEV RS ialah paparan info Head Up Display (HUD) yang menunjukkan maklumat-maklumat pemanduan penting seperti kelajuan dan sistem bantuan pemandu (ADAS). Varian ini juga didatangkan dengan Kad Kunci Pintar untuk kemudahan tambahan.

CR-V Serba Baharu disasarkan untuk menjadi penanda aras prestasi keselamatan aktif dan pasif dalam SUV. Buat pertama kali untuk Honda Malaysia, model ini dilengkapi dengan lapan beg udara termasuk dua beg udara di bahagian lutut. Selain itu, Honda CONNECT juga hadir sebagai ciri standard untuk semua varian. Mengekalkan keunggulannya dalam menyediakan rangkaian komprehensif teknologi keselamatan, CR-V Serba Baharu didatangkan dengan sistem Honda SENSING yang dinaik taraf dengan Wide-Angle Radar, Kamera dan Sensor Sonar. Fungsi keselamatan dalam teknologi bantuan pemandu ini dipertingkatkan lagi dengan kemasukan Lampu memandu Adaptif  (Adaptive Driving Beam), menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan fungsi keselamatan kepada sembilan. Ciri keselamatan penting lain dalam model termasuk Honda LaneWatch dan Sistem Kamera Pelbagai Sudut (Kamera 360).

Pelanggan boleh memilih CR-V Serba Baharu yang didatangkan dalam lima warna. Buat pertama kalinya, Honda Malaysia memperkenalkan Biru (Canyon River Blue), menyertai barisan warna Putih (Platinum White Pearl), Perak (Lunar Silver Metallic), Kelabu (Meteoroid Gray Metallic) dan Merah (Ignite Red Metallic).

Varian S berharga RM159,900.00, E pada RM169,900.00 dan V pada RM181,900.00. Varian e:HEV RS hanya akan tersedia pada awal 2024, dan Honda Malaysia akan mengumumkan harga yang lebih dekat dengan tempoh penghantaran.

Tahun ini, Honda meraikan ulang tahun ke-75 dan pada masa yang sama, Honda Malaysia meraikan 20 tahun CR-V sebagai model pengeluaran pertama dari kilang Melaka. Sempena meraikan pencapaian ini, CR-V Serba Baharu Varian S ditawarkan pada harga RM157,900 terhad kepada 750 unit untuk pelanggan yang terawal.

With the all-new Honda CR-V launched in Malaysia, we found another interesting feature besides the body stabilising seats, the active shutter grille.

Since 2017, Honda has incorporated active grille shutters in models like the Odyssey. This system is designed to enhance aerodynamics by utilising vents to regulate airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.

The active grille shutters are positioned in front of the radiator and consist of motorised vanes that can move to either allow or block airflow. Controlled by the car’s engine control module, these vanes can be adjusted to various positions, ranging from fully closed to fully open, depending on the cooling air requirements for the condenser and radiator.

When airflow is necessary to cool the engine, the vents open, and when no airflow is needed, they shut. This dynamic adjustment significantly reduces aerodynamic drag, providing benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. When fully closed, the active grille shutters can contribute to a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Additionally, the system keeps the vanes closed for as long as possible during cold starts, helping the engine reach its most efficient operating temperature quickly and contributing an extra 0.3% to fuel efficiency.

Honda Malaysia has just officially launched the all-new Honda CR-V. We test-drove the new CR-V in Thailand last month and we loved it!

The interior is spacious and provides excellent comfort. To enhance the comfort level, it comes with Honda’s body stabilising seats. This is the first CR-V to use Honda’s body stabilising seat for front passengers.

The enhanced structure in the back of the seat increases lumbar and pelvic support to create a body-stabilising effect. This helps to prevent fatigue, particularly in the hip and waist area of occupants on longer journeys.

Additionally, the new structure makes it easier to maintain a comfortable and stable driving posture, even when cornering and on uneven road surfaces.

The next-generation body stabilising seat, which Honda developed to use for its high-end sedan models, was first available on the fourth-generation Jazz that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2019.

Bookings for the new Honda CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) were open to Malaysians a month ago and now, Honda Malaysia has officially launched the CR-V here. The CR-V, a model with a 20-year history, holds the distinction of being the first Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) model produced at Honda Malaysia’s Melaka manufacturing plant in 2003. It has been one of Honda Malaysia’s most successful models with close to 130,000 units sold.

What’s new for the sixth-generation CR-V? First, there are four trim levels to choose from, which are the 1.5L S and 1.5L E, both of which are 2WD models. At the top of the turbo range is an AWD variant, and the 1.5L AWD now has a V-grade identification. The well-known 1.5L VTEC Turbo from the previous generation is present in all three, along with the similarly well-known CVT gearbox and, lastly, sitting at the top is the brand-new 2.0L e:HEV RS, which is a powertrain we first saw in the new Honda Civic.

The 2.0L e:HEV powertrain puts out 184PS and 335Nm of torque while the 1.5L turbo puts out 193PS and 243Nm of torque.

The new CR-V introduces a modern design concept that combines refined elegance with a sophisticated appearance, embodying Honda’s design language. The e:HEV RS has a premium feel with distinct styling, featuring a bold mesh pattern front grille, full LED headlights and tail lights, LED front fog lights, and front LED sequential turn signals. Sleek door handles and Berlina Black 18-inch alloy wheels further contribute to its modern and stylish profile. In terms of sizing, compared to the fifth generation CR-V, the new body is 10mm wider, 80mm longer with a 40mm longer wheelbase.

The model (S, E and e:HEV RS variants) is bigger and wider than its predecessor, setting an imposing stance with its 4,691mm length, 1,866mm width, 1,681mm height and 2,701mm wheelbase.

Enhancing both aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the e:HEV RS variant incorporates an Active Shutter Grille, a first for the CR-V model. This grille, mounted on the Front Lower Bumper, intelligently regulates cooling airflow based on speed, engine temperature, and cooling requirements and it contributes 0.3% to fuel efficiency.

The boot capacity now sits at 589 litres when the rear seats are up and increases to a capacious 1,072 litres when the seats are laid flat. It has a low loading height, making it easy to move heavier items onto and off the SUV.

Inside, the new CR-V e:HEV RS comes with a 12-speaker Bose sound system while the other variants come with eight speakers. You will also find an improved dashboard as seen in the Civic and with it is a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, seven-inch for the base S variant. The V and e:HEV RS variants offer interior ambient lighting.

 

Additionally, the new CR-V features Honda Body Stabilising Seats. This is the first CR-V to use Honda’s Body Stabilising Seat for front passengers, which has a planar resin mat construction to support the occupant’s entire lower body for increased support and stability, extending from the pelvis to the lumbar spine. This raises the hip point position, which facilitates getting in and out of the SUV.

Qi wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, a Honda key card, and wireless Apple CarPlay are among the new features of the CR-V, which also has Android Auto connectivity. Depending on the model, the instrument cluster is either a 10.25-inch fully digital display or a seven-inch semi-digital one with an analogue speedometer, similar to the Civic.

Safety wise, the new CR-V comes with Honda Sensing with advanced technology such as the combination of radar, camera and sonar sensor for better detection angles. This helps with lane departure warning (LDW), road departure mitigation (RDM), lane keep assist system (LKAS), forward collision warning (FCW), collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), lead car departure notification system (LCDN), adaptive cruise control (ACC), low speed follow (LSF), and the RS trim comes with adaptive driving beam.

For the first time in Honda Malaysia, the model incorporates a total of eight Airbags with the inclusion of two Knee Airbags. This feature, along with Honda Connect, comes as standard across all variants.

The all-new CR-V provides customers with a choice of five attractive colours. Available for the first time in Honda Malaysia is Canyon River Blue Metallic, joining the line-up of Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic.

The S variant is priced at RM159,900.00, the E at RM169,900.00 and the V at RM181,900.00. The e:HEV RS variant will only be available in early 2024, and Honda Malaysia will announce the price closer to the delivery period.

The comprehensive SUV package of the all-new CR-V contributed to its soaring popularity, amassing over 2,000 bookings in just one month.

This year, Honda is commemorating its 75th Anniversary, coinciding with Honda Malaysia’s celebration of 20 years of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) CR-V production as this model was the first car assembled in its Melaka plant. In conjunction with the celebration of these milestones, the All-New CR-V S Variant is offered at RM157,900 only for 750 units on a first-come, first served basis.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube