Yes, ‘intotalcontrol’ 2010 model of Honda CR-V Facelift is here and officially launched on 11 March 2010 in Malaysia. A week ago, we head to our local showrooms and review the New Honda CR-V facelift 2010 Malaysia Edition for our readers. The facelifted CR-V added its new redesigned hood, sportier front bumper with fog lights, front grille, rear bumper with lens reflectors and alloy rims. Most importantly, the road noise is reduced compare to previous model.

For interior wise, the CR-V come with new fabric on the seats, a redesigned climate control knob, wider armrest on the front seats, and a new audio head unit with USB interface and in-dash 6 discs.

Click here to Read the full review of Facelifted Honda CR-V 2010 Malaysia more photos!

Honda Freed with dual auto sliding doors will be imported from Honda’s Indonesia plant to Malaysia. The Freed is compact mini MPV, based on the new 2009 Honda Jazz.

From the teaser site of Honda Malaysia – 4plusideas.com, I assuming the local model will be 7 seaters model with twin power sliding door with twin SRS airbag. It will be equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder SOHC 16 valve L15A i-VTEC engine mated with 5-speed auto transmission and delivers an output of 120PS - similar like the 2009 Honda Jazz.

For braking mechanism, the car having front Ventilated Disc Brake and Rear Drum Brake with 15 inch alloy wheels (185/65R15).For safety wise, the Honda Freed was tested with 6 JNCAP Stars for safety too.

The details of the Mini MPV, let’s wait Honda Malaysia reveal it on 22 April 2010.

Meantime, catch some photos in our gallery on the upcoming Honda Freed!

[View with PicLens]

 

The Honda CR-Z is basic hot compact coupe that runs on Hybird Technology. But now, the japanese aftermarket tuner have make it hotter than ever.

Spoon fitted the new CR-Z with its CR93 wheels along with upgraded calipers clamping onto 15-inch slotted discs. A ride height lowered by 50mm with a set of suspension upgrade, while the exterior parts has been replace with the addition of a carbon fiber hood, mirrors and front lip spoiler.

More importantly, a new N1 exhaust has been fitted and Spoon modded the ECU to churn out a few extra horsepower. There’s no word on what the rejiggered computer and exhaust is good for power-wise or how Spoon is manipulating the hybrid drive system to boost performance, but considering the track record of Spoon. We can expect some good results after tuning up.

[View with PicLens]

 

Honda Malaysia is teasing their all-new Honda CR-V for 2010 facelift. It it set to launch at 11 of March 2010.  The above picture is extracted from Honda Malaysia website. As we are getting the Japanese version of Honda vehicles. We’ve prepare some of the pictures and info about what you would expect to see for the Honda CR-V facelift.

Only those who notice Honda CR-V often will notice the changes on the New Honda CR-V 2010. I had to compare the new facelift Honda CR-V photos and the old one side by side to catch a few differences. The facelifted Honda CR-V includes a larger upper grille with lesser chorme trim and a slight reshaped bumper. Try to notice the foglights area.

Click here to Read more upcoming Honda CR-V Facelift 2010 Malaysia and more photos

Dying to see the real Toyota FT-86 in action ? Well the video below shows some live footage of Toyota FT-86, Honda CR-Z and others vehicle. Others vehicle includes Mitsubishi PX-MiEV,Nissan Leaf and Mazda Kiyora.

Check out our previous posting of the following cars.

Toyota FT-86 – Honda CR-Z – Nissan Leaf

Kenstyle which established since 1981, recently extend its styling and tuning to even gasoline-eletric hybrid cars. For this particular Honda Insight package, the Japanese tuners offer a specific grille treatments, front, rear and side skirts, varioua alloy wheel designs as well as sport mufflers. Furthermore, Kenstyle also lowers the heights of the Honda Insight to make it more aggresive.

Click here to view 6 photos of Kenstyle Honda Insight

Honda Malaysia has released this list of frequently asked questions by owners of both Honda’s and other marques. The introduction of RON 95 is just a couple days away so this list should help you understand your car and the new fuel better. Except for the Civic Type R, all other models are compatible with RON 95.

1. What exactly is RON?

RON stands for Research Octane Number, which measures the quality of fuel. It represents the fuel’s ability to resist premature & uncontrolled combustion that occurs when fuel pre-ignites before the ignition spark plug.

2. What is engine knocking?

Engine knocking is caused by self-ignition of the fuel or air mixture, which is a result of using RON levels that is lower than the minimum requirement.

3. What is the minimum RON requirement of my Honda Car?

For all Honda cars produced in year 2001 onwards, the minimum RON requirement is 91. Honda cars are equipped with ‘Knock Sensors’ that detect the octane quality of the fuel used, enabling it to automatically adjust spark timing to prevent engine knocking.

We advice drivers that bought their cars from non-authorised dealers to check their owner’s manual for minimum RON requirement.

4. Type-R RON Issue

It is recommended to use RON97 for Civic Type R because of its high performance engine, as it was tested in Japan with RON100 for optimum engine performance. Please note that this engine version with knock control can also run on fuel with a minimum octane number of 91; but performance and fuel consumption are affected as a result.

5. What is a Knock Sensor? Are all Honda cars equipped with Knock Sensors?

A knock sensor is a detector, which identifies engine knocking during spark ignition. When engine knocking occurs, the knock sensor signals the engine operation to slow down the ignition timing that will eliminate the knock, which may result in some power loss.

All Honda cars are equipped with Knock Sensor.

6. What fuel should I use & what RON works best for my car?

As long as the fuel used is not below the minimum RON requirement (RON91), it will be appropriate for all Honda Cars.

7. What is the effect to the engine if petrol of a different RON is mixed together?

As long as the fuel meets or exceeds the minimum RON required by the engine, mixing is fine & should not damage your engine. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). However, do note that different fuel brands come with different levels & types of additives, so mixing different fuels may not provide the optimum performance & efficiency for your vehicle.

8. Do I have to always pick the highest octane rating petrol for my vehicle?

Anything above the minimum RON requirement, which is RON91 for all Honda cars will be appropriate. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97).

9. Will there be a reduction of fuel efficiency & performance with the use of RON95 from RON97?

The efficiency & performance will not be affected if the car uses above its minimum requirement RON which is RON91 for all Honda Cars. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). Loss of power & fuel efficiency will only occur when the minimum RON requirement is not met as the knock sensor signals the engine operations to retard its spark timing to eliminate engine knock.

According to Honda Japan website, Honda is debuting what it calls the “new CR-V” on 17th September, possibly at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. I guess Honda is very careful this time when performing mid-cycle refresh on their production models, since the CR-V is still a good looking sales workhorse in Honda’s track records.

We’ll all have to hold our breath until mid-September when the whole enchilada will be revealed and we’ll find out if there are changes and we will talk more about it. Apperantly, the facelift model have the subtle grille and fascia changes from what we can see from the above image.

This is HSV GTS. You might be asking again. This is Honda Special Vehicle Gran Turismo Sportivo, a car based on Honda City. Okay, we’re just joking about the HSV GTS thing. This is a very good looking Honda City that i came across few weeks back in Taipan USJ Old Town White Coffee. I can’t help myself as a automotive enthusiastic person and ask the owner of the car whether i can take a few photo of it. * I apologize to our viewers and the owner for the vehicle for the photo quality as i’m using a phone camera. The car suppose to be a sharp red colour. *

 

The Honda City has widen its fenders and with uniquely design front [more: continue reading and see more photos]and back bumpers with quite a cool looking side skirt. Also notice that there are air vents all around the vehicle for better aerodynamics.It has a “WOW” factor at my first glance and stop to think at what could be this good looking car. Looking at it my first thought was – some part of the design ques look like the one found in HSV GTS (the previous post), maybe because it is red too.

I had a chance to have a quick chat with the owner and found out that his modification cost is about RM20k. That’s including the new design all round bodyworks, new paint, new rims/tyres , adjustable suspension system, and a better exhaust system. That’s all i can recall. If you notice with the above photo, the seat hasn’t been unwrap yet.

I know our hardcore Honda City fans/owner out there wants a clearer view of the car. Check out our gallery below. By the way, if you’re the owner of the car please contact us. We’ll love to review your car and get a better camera to snap a few more shots.

If you have a great car that would like to share to others do contact us at : blog@fastmotoring.com .

 

Every year journalist all over the world gather to test-drives and choose their favourite World Car of the Year (WCOTY). The 2010 World Car of the Year Nominees list is out. And the Nominees for the Overall World Car of the Year: 2010 are,

• Audi Q5
• BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
• BMW X1
• BMW Z4
• Buick LaCrosse / Allure
• Cadillac SRX
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Citroën C3 Picasso
• Honda Insight
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• Hyundai i20
• Infiniti QX
• Jaguar XJ
• Kia Cerato Koup / Forte
• Kia Sorento
• Kia Soul
• Lexus HS250h
• Lexus RX
• Mazda3
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan 370Z / 370Z Roadster
• Nissan Cube
• Nissan Patrol
• Peugeot 3008
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman
• Porsche Panamera
• Renault Scénic
• Subaru Legacy / Outback
• Toyota Prius

 

The voting and test-drive process will take place from now until the April 1, 2010 for the annoucement of All World Car award winners at New York International Auto Show.

 

For more info, you may refer the official World Car of the Year 2010 awards website.