FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

A couple of hours ago, the All-New 2013 Honda CR-V 2.0-litre has launched in Malaysia and Honda Malaysia have disclosed that they have received close to 1,000 bookings before the launched. The 4th generation CR-V remained to be locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia. In addition, the 2.4-litre variant of the new CR-V will be introduced by June 2013.

Overall, the All-New CR-V is bolder looking, more fuel-efficient and more 
spaciousness than before. Honda Malaysia targets to sell 7,000 units of the All-New CR-V in 2013.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno said, “In Malaysia, the CR-V is just as popular as in other countries! Even at its initial introduction, the CR-V received good market acceptance. To-date, there are close to 34,000 units of CR-Vs on Malaysian roads.”

“The All-New CR-V that we are introducing to you today is believed to set another new benchmark for SUVs, with its bold design, classy interior and enhanced practicality that are combined with fuel efficiency, performance and comfort of a sedan-like drivability. The All-New CR-V is more aerodynamic in shape and its elegant appearance is an expression of the evolution of the 4th generation CR-V,” added Mr. Ueno.

The 2013 Honda CR-V 2.0 is powered by an improved 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine mated with 5-speed Automatic Transmission. The ECON button and Eco Assist system which are now part of the features of the All-New CR-V, similar to the new Civic and other Honda’s hybrid series. The ECON button promotes fuel-efficient driving with the push of a button. The Eco Assist guides the driver on efficient driving styles through the illuminated ring colour on the meter cluster that changes from white to green for uneconomical driving to fuel efficient driving respectively.

Although the all-new CR-V looks bigger and bolder, but in actual it is smaller in size compared to its predecessor. Thanks to the deeper sculpting of bodylines and highlighted front grille. The big classy cabin is even more spacious with better legroom now while giving driver and passengers a high viewpoint. Enhancing comfort for rear passengers is the new Rear Air Conditioner Vent. The cargo area can be increased dramatically from 589 litres to 1,146 litres and is able to fit two mountain bikes side by side, through the One-Motion Rear Foldable Seats.

The All-New CR-V is available in 5 colours of Twilight Blue Metallic, Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

Honda Malaysia offers a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a new service interval of 10,000 km to provide the best ownership experience for the 4th generation CR-V. In addition, All-New CR-V owners are entitled to 6 times free labour services alternating with paid services.

Lastly, the retail price of the new CR-V is now more affordable than before. The new CR-V 2.0-litre priced from RM 148,800.00 on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. Honda Malaysia offered 4 optional Modulo packages (Alpha, Beta, Urban and Utility Package) with price range from RM 2,550.00 to RM 5,000.00 on top of the car price.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Honda CR-V Malaysia Launch

A scenic Thursday of 21 February 2013, Honda Malaysia launched the new 2013 model of hot-hatch hybrid CR-Z at Setia Alam Convention Centre in Shah Alam. As previously mentioned by FastMotoring, Honda will be launching 5 new models in Malaysia for 2013. Thus, this new CR-Z facelift is the first new model to start off.

Speaking at the launch of the New CR-Z, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “The New CR-Z is an ideal balance of technology, performance and design. With its enhanced features and styling, it is now even sportier in looks, truly embodying the concept of a “Sport Hybrid”. The New CR-Z is a car that draws attention with its outstanding body lines with upgraded styling of new colours, new materials and beautiful finishes in interior as well as exterior that further enhance its emotional appearance.”

“The New CR-Z will give an ultimate joy of driving experience to Malaysian car enthusiasts. It is the ideal car for those who recognize the value of advanced technology, desire an eye-catching car and care for the environment,” said Mr. Ueno.

The new 2013 Honda CR-Z features a several new enhancements, notably improved powertrain and IMA hybrid system for increased performance. The exterior styling and interior finishing are both updated. For interior, the red stitching on the new semi leather seats, steering wheel and gear knob similar to the Type R series. Exterior-wise, the front façade and rear bumper are both redesigned for sharper and sportier look.

For folks that really bothered to have HID headlights, the new CR-Z comes with HID headlights as standard and rear LED lights with blue clearcoat decoration.

The new 2013 Honda CR-Z comes with a 1.5L i-VTEC engine that is connected with a more powerful electric motor. Central to the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Hybrid System is the new lithium-ion battery, which helps preserve additional electricity in its compact and durable cells. This high performance lithium-ion battery is able to increase 2x the energy capacity output compared to the previous NiMH battery. With this boost, the New CR-Z gives a more dynamic and energetic driving experience.

To extend the joy of the sporty performance and fun driving, the New CR-Z is equipped with the Plus Sport System, which gives a better acceleration feeling. This system is perfect for overtaking and it can be used in the 3 different driving modes of NORMAL, ECON and SPORT.

Other new features of the New CR-Z are as follows:-

In terms of the safety standard, the New CR-Z is remained equipped with Dual Front SRS Airbags, Side Curtain & Side Airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), G-Force Control Technology (G-CON), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE).

In view of the good market acceptance, Honda Malaysia targets to sell 300 units of the New CR-Z a month in 2013.

The New CR-Z is available in both 6-speed Manual Transmission and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-speed paddle shift and comes in four exciting colours – Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Premium White Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Milano Red.  Pricing-wise, the new CR-Z 6-speed manual model is priced at RM 119,000.00, while the 7-speed CVT model is priced at RM 123,000.00 in Peninsular Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia is now offering a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the new 2013 Honda CR-Z, including the IMA Battery. In addition, a new free service package comprising up to six free labour services alternating with paid services until 100,000 km is offered to all owners of the New CR-Z as well.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Honda CR-Z Launch in Malaysia

Honda’s American name for certain of their vehicle, Acura has unveiled a closer version of the all-new NSX model. We’ve a version of the NSX concept in the movie “The Avengers”. Nevertheless, this new NSX model presented was still a concept model but this brings us one step closer to the production model.

Another interesting of point the all new NSX concept is, the new mid mounted irect-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

The Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is an all-new, three-motor high-performance hybrid system that combines torque vectoring all-wheel drive with advanced hybrid efficiency through the use of three electric motors – one motor integrated with the V-6 engine and two motors driving the front wheels – along with an all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The system enables instant delivery of negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering to achieve a new level of driving performance unparalleled by current AWD systems.

Which means, there the new NSX model will be a first of its kind hybrid vehicle with 3 electric motors and all wheel drive.

 The Acura NSX concept model’s interior is with a theme of “Human Support Cockpit” which delivers Acura’s product direction of the “the synergy between man and machine”. This is the first time ever the NSX concept interior was presented to the world.The minimalistic design without a lot of knobs and controls, and is dressed in a combination of leather and Alcantara with carbon fiber trims used on the dashboard, the elevated center console and the door panels.

The Honda group’s next supercar – NSX, is still maintain its low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions. The new front fascia featuring a much less pronounced version of Acura’s beak-like grille with a new carbon fiber structure that also appears on the side vents of the front and rear bumpers. Acura also inserted clear turning signals up front, and an LED strip in the center of both taillights. The rear  diffuser made from visible carbon fiber for styling and better aerodynamics.

Enjoy the gallery below while we awaits the actual production model of Honda’s supercar – Honda NSX 2014

Honda NSX Concept 2014 V6 Sports Hybrid

Last Friday, Honda Malaysia rolled out the first locally assembled (CKD) hybrid vehicle in Malaysia. The Honda Jazz Hybrid is now CKD at its Pegoh Plant in Alor Gajah. The historic launch ceremony was graced by Dato’ Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

Speaking at the event, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “We are very pleased and honoured to introduce the first CKD Honda Jazz Hybrid today. This is a significant achievement for Honda Malaysia to further reinforce our position as the pioneer in hybrid technology in Malaysia. Since the first Honda hybrid car arrived on Malaysian roads in 2007, we have sold a total of 12,194 units of hybrids as at October 2012. This would not have been possible without the support and efforts by Malaysian government to promote energy efficient vehicles and green technology. Honda Malaysia remains committed to support the government’s green efforts. Our mission is to continue providing advanced technology products with speed and affordability that maximize the joy of our customers for them to enjoy the freedom of mobility while contributing towards a greener earth.”

Honda Malaysia is the first car manufacturer in Malaysia for assembling hybrids locally. The CKD Jazz Hybrid is built from the Jazz Hybrid platform, which debuted in Malaysia in March 2012 as CBU model. The CKD Jazz Hybrid is equipped with the same Honda’s 1.3L i-VTEC engine and Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. It is the same engine as Honda Insight as well. The stylish exterior of the CKD Jazz Hybrid consists of Chrome Grille with Blue Reflector, Chrome Rear License Garnish, Rear LED Taillights with Blue Highlight and 15-inch Alloy Wheels. Overall, the CKD Jazz Hybrid further reflects the advanced and clean design of the Jazz.

The driving experience is further enhanced with easily accessible information on the Multi Information Display (MID). The Charge Assist Indicator and the fun ECO Assist System provide alerts on the driving style in an interactive and fun way. The CKD Jazz Hybrid also retains most of the functions from the CBU version such as the highly acclaimed Ultra Seat and a large boot space that emphasizes great practicality and space. The boot’s capacity (above floor) is up to 831 litres and allows the Ultra Seat to transform, flip and adjust easily to different modes for different purposes. Most importantly, the signal indicator and wiper controller is now at the ‘right’ side. Previously, the wiper controller is on the right and the signal indicator on the left.

On the safety aspect, the CKD Jazz Hybrid include Dual Front SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Immobilizer System and 4-corner reverse sensor.

Mr. Yoichiro Ueno added, “The market acceptance of hybrid vehicles in Malaysia has been monitored since 2007. With our broad line-up of hybrid vehicles, I am proud to announce that 69% of the Hybrid cars in Malaysia are from Honda. These encouraging figures show that more and more Malaysians are becoming committed to the environment and Honda is playing a leading role in energy efficient technologies. Honda Malaysia targets to sell 4,800 units of CKD Jazz Hybrid in 2013.”

In producing the hybrid vehicle locally, Honda brought in the latest technology to Malaysia and provided training for local associates to ensure that the quality is at par with the global Honda standard. Every Hybrid battery pack in the CKD Jazz Hybrid is tested using the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) inspection machine which was recently installed to ensure the integrity and performance of the key part of the hybrid vehicle. In addition to installing new machinery to the plant, Honda Malaysia is also committed to the transfer of technology and know-how to its local associates who have had the opportunity to be trained in Japan and Thailand on the intricacies of producing hybrid vehicles. The introduction of this CKD Jazz Hybrid into the current manufacturing system has been the shortest development of a New Model in the history of Honda Malaysia.

The new 2.15-kilometre test track in the Pegoh plant provides an excellent test ground that simulate normal road with various conditions and every Honda CKD model is put to the test here before it is delivered to the customer. Furthermore, the factory is designed to adopt the “Green Factory” concept. Honda Malaysia’s environmental commitment is not limited to the products, but it is also extended to overall corporate activities and factory. Improvement in energy management such as energy saving lights, natural air ventilation and waste reduction have been introduced to the factory.

Following this exciting development, Honda will set up a Research & Development Centre (HRAP-MA) at Honda’s Pegoh Plant by December 2012. The R&D Centre aims to develop parts design that best match the local suppliers and to further increase the local content.

Malaysia’s first ever locally produced hybrid model will be available at all showrooms starting today. The CKD Jazz Hybrid comes in five colours – Tafetta White, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. Customers are able to enjoy 5-years or 140,000 km warranty for the battery.

Lastly, the price tag of the Honda Jazz Hybrid now revised to RM 89,900 on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. Precisely, it is cheaper by RM 4,900 compared to the fully imported (CBU) car that launched early this year.

For the Type R fans like the boys in FastMotoring, Honda R&D president, Yasuhisa Arai has confirmed a 2.0-litre Turbocharged engine for the upcoming 2015 Honda Civic Type R. Obviously, it is the first Civic Type R in the history that comes with a snail turbine. The Honda’s engineer team is confident the new Civic Type R model will break the lap record at the Nurburgring for a front-wheel drive hot hatch.

In a recent Auto Express report from UK, Yasuhisa Arai confirmed that the new unit will produce as much as 224kW, making it over 70kW more powerful than the predecessor. More importantly, it will make it one of the most powerful hot hatches around.

“We have an idea of the products our rivals are developing and regardless of what anyone else produces, our car will be the fastest front-wheel-drive model around the Nurburgring when it goes on sale. And we will do whatever we need to in order to make that happen.” Arai said. He added that the turbo unit will still possess that traditional high-revving VTEC power curve.

In other areas, the new model is set to come with a mechanical limited-slip differential within the front-wheel drive layout, helping to ensure all that power is transferred through to serious performance and acceleration. An interesting new front suspension setup is also said to be in the works to help eliminate torque-steer.

Lastly, don’t be too excited as this new model isn’t scheduled to arrive until 2015. Precisely, another 3 years from now.