A new infotainment system and a new white exterior hue is about the extent of the changes made to the 2021 HR-V.
Honda Malaysia has recently officially made some mild enhancements to its ever-popular HR-V model for the 2021 model year, with particular emphasis here on the word mild. That is because the extent of the enhancements made are limited to a new Platinum White Pearl exterior hue, and a new 7-inch Display Audio central infotainment display with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Now to be completely fair to the updated Honda, two extra USB ports now also exist on the centre console of this Japanese compact crossover. Additionally, the hybrid HR-V does get some nice aesthetics enhancements this time round, adding LED headlights, fog lights and tail lights, not to mention chrome door handles and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Aside from that, this enhanced version in essence just a slight revision on the facelifted HR-V that was launched last year. It is also therefore in effect means that it is roughly the same car that is commonly seen on Malaysian roads since its initial debut way back in 2015.
Having said that, this is no bad thing as the Honda HR-V has been a strong seller locally since first arriving here six years ago. In fact, this ever-popular Honda currently holds the title as the best-selling non-national compact SUV in Malaysia, with 73% of the local market share in the segment.
To add to that, the HR-V also the third best selling model within the Japanese automaker’s current model lineup. Comprising of 17% of the total Honda sales in Malaysia in 2020, the plucky compact crossover just comes in behind City and Civic sedans.
Available in four trim levels, namely the E, V, RS and Sport Hybrid i-DCD, prices (inclusive of sales tax exemption) of the enhanced 2021 Honda HR-V remain the same for the three 1.8 litre petrol-powered models. Costing RM 104,000.21 for E variant, RM 113,421.92 for V variant and RM 118,581.81 for RS variant.
The price for the enhanced Sport Hybrid i-DCD variant however has yet to be officially revealed by Honda, though it shouldn’t be much more than the RM 120,800 (inclusive of sales tax exemption) that the outgoing pre-enhanced model currently retails at.
Bookings for these enhanced HR-V models are now open, and can be made through any authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternately, there is also now the option of placing a booking online through the Honda Malaysia’s Pre-Booking Online Platform at prebook.honda.com.my.
PRESS RELEASE: Honda Malaysia (or the Company) today officially introduced the enhanced HR-V with a new feature and exterior upgrades for the Hybrid variant. The already widely popular Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is set to deepen its success in the segment with exciting new upgrades as well as an attractive Platinum White Pearl colour. All variants are now equipped with a new 7” Display Audio that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity plus fitted with 2 new USB ports in the centre console for added convenience.
Meanwhile, the HR-V Sport Hybrid intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) variant comes in a refreshed modern appearance with exterior upgrades consisting of stylish LED Headlights, LED Guide Taillights and LED Front Fog Lights. Completing the new styling are the new Chrome Door Handles and 3 Spoke Leather Steering Wheel, giving a sporty driving impression.
The HR-V was first introduced in Malaysia in 2015 and there are currently over 98,600 units on Malaysian roads. The facelifted HR-V which was launched in January 2019 continued its popularity with the introduction of RS and Sport Hybrid variants for the first time for this model. In 2020, the HR-V emerged as the 3rd best-selling model, contributing 17% to Honda Malaysia’s total sales. The V variant recorded the most promising sales numbers with 41% contribution to total sales of the HR-V. Meanwhile, a large majority of Malaysians presented a preference for the Passion Red Pearl colour which accounted for 30% of the total HR-V sales received. The HR-V remained the favourite amongst Malaysians, maintaining its No. 1 position in the Non-National Compact SUV segment with a 73% market share as at November 2020.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said,
“Honda Malaysia is excited to introduce the enhanced HR-V to Malaysians. This enhanced model is a result of customers’ feedback as we continuously strive to introduce products that meet the needs of customers. One such feature is the Apple CarPlay™ connectivity for more convenience when driving. Being one of the top three best-selling Honda model, the HR-V has contributed greatly to our achievement as No.1 in the Non-National segment in 2020. We owe our gratitude to all Honda owners for their strong support and for choosing the HR-V as their desired Honda model. Honda Malaysia is committed to cater to the needs of our customers through constant monitoring of the market demands and customer feedback.”
The HR-V is available in 4 variants; namely the E, V, RS and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. The E, V and RS variants are powered by a 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine combined with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Besides that, the HR-V RS is equipped with Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system for a sportier driving experience. The RS variant’s bold new look is further complemented by a Sporty 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels, Sporty Design Front Grille, as well as Black Front and Rear Bumper.
The HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is equipped with 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor. Assisted by the High-Power Lithium-Ion Battery, the combined output of the engine and motor provides Hybrid power that is equal to a 2.0L engine performance with quick response and an exhilarating drive.
Other benchmark-setting features of the enhanced HR-V are the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Cruise Control, Paddle Shift, 8-way Driver Power Seat, Leather Seats and Honda LaneWatch.
Without compromising on safety, the enhanced HR-V is equipped with a host of standard safety features such as Six Airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Automatic Brake Hold (ABH), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Rear Seat ISOFIX.
The prices of the four enhanced HR-V variants are maintained as follows: RM104,000.21 for E variant; RM113,421.92 for V variant and RM118,581.81 for RS variant. The Company informed that the price of the HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD variant will be announced later.
To place a booking for the enhanced HR-V, customers can access the New Car Pre-Booking Online Platform at prebook.honda.com.my to pre-book their car or visit any of Honda Malaysia’s authorized dealers. For more information, customers can also call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my.
