Regardless of the rollercoaster journey that has been 2020, Honda Malaysia saved itself mighty busy, with loads of launches going down throughout the 12 months. These embrace the tenth-generation Accord, the fifth-gen Metropolis, in addition to facelifts for the Civic, BR-V and CR-V. Even the HR-V received a slight replace, with a darkish brown leather-based possibility being provided as a substitute for the standard black.
With all these introductions, 2021 is perhaps a slower 12 months for the large H, though it ought to reap the advantages of getting a very revamped vary by means of the 12 months, sales-wise. Even so, there are a couple of fashions that we’re anticipating and hoping for, so let’s discuss them.
Honda Metropolis Hatchback
First making its world debut in Thailand again in November, the Metropolis Hatchback is the shortened sibling of the Metropolis sedan, adopting the same set of options and a few new ones that even the sedan doesn’t get.
There have been loads of rumours that the worldwide, fourth-gen Jazz gained’t make its technique to sure ASEAN international locations, as it’s deemed as too “radical,” with the Metropolis Hatchback set to take its place as an alternative. If that’s certainly the case, we’ll bid farewell to the Jazz nameplate, which is at the moment in its third technology right here in Malaysia.
A supposed introduction of the Metropolis Hatchback in our a part of the world follows the identical development set by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), the place the Yaris is basically the hatchback model of the Vios, and that has labored out fairly properly for the large T model. Just like the fifth-gen Metropolis we now have now, native meeting (CKD) is critical with the Metropolis Hatchback.
As of now, the most recent Jazz (or Match as it’s identified in Japan) has but to make an look in Thailand, though the third-gen mannequin continues to be listed on the market. In due time, the older Jazz is perhaps dropped from the Thai line-up fully, with the Metropolis Hatchback changing it. In the meantime, in Australia, the Jazz is being discontinued altogether, with the Metropolis Hatchback reportedly set to be launched as a substitute.
There are some plus factors for the Metropolis Hatchback, as in contrast to the sedan, it comes with Extremely Seats, making it extra versatile relating to loading cargo, whereas sporting practically equivalent specs. Honda Malaysia has remained silent on the matter, but when it goes forward with what has been mentioned, it’ll be a really vital launch for the corporate. Agree with this path?
What about different fashions? What can we anticipate?
The Civic Sort R and Odyssey facelifts could possibly be among the fashions within the pipeline, though we’re purely speculating at this level. Each fully-imported (CBU) fashions aren’t precisely quantity sellers, extra so with Honda’s MPV, which was refreshed in Japan not too way back.
The primary facelift for the fifth-gen Odyssey was launched right here again in 2018, gaining the Honda Sensing suite of methods and a few styling adjustments. The most recent facelift additional revises the MPV’s design, with a brand new exterior and inside, whereas including on gesture management for the powered sliding doorways.
As for Honda’s venerable sizzling hatch, it received its facelift again in January, with enhancements to its cooling system, chassis and brakes, together with a tweaked exterior. Persevering with to supply the Civic Sort R as a “dream mannequin” would assist bolster the model’s picture, and can be a great counter to the GR Yaris for “halo JDM stakes.”
As for the remainder of the vary, the HR-V is getting a bit lengthy within the tooth now, and we must always anticipate one other replace in 2021 whereas the next-generation mannequin is being ready, though it’d take some time to get right here. Honda Malaysia has periodically up to date the HR-V through the years, so this development ought to proceed.
