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Showing posts with label 2013 honda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 honda. Show all posts

Thursday, November 14, 2013

KLIMS 2013- The 2014 Honda Odyssey launched in Malaysia

5:21 PM 0
Honda has pulled out all stops to make its participation at the KL motor Show 2013 a success. They have decided to launch the 5th generation Honda Odyssey two week after it was released over in Japan. This is one of the quickest automotive launches that has hit Malaysia in my opinion. The launch was officiated by Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, who must have been the force behind Honda's impressive participation at KLIMS13 - They have the Honda EV-STER concept car, the Honda CR-Z Mugen RR, the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid as well as the car mentioned above to name a few.

The 2014 Odyssey is powered by the newly developed 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC (175PS and 225NM) Earth Dreams Technology engine and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). The All-New Odyssey features a newly developed “Ultra-Low Floor Platform”, which creates a spacious cabin equivalent to large-class MPV. Oh, it has the usual ECO functions that most Hondas have these days.


The 2014 Honda Odyssey comes in two specs – the 2.4L EX and the 2.4L EXV. The higher spec EXV gets Smart Entry with Push Start Button It also offers something called the Premium Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman and Honda’s first 3-step reclining type seats in its second row, occupants in the All-New Odyssey can enjoy modern comfort akin to a luxury hotel suite. More specs are in the press release below.

The first thing that strikes you about this all new Odyssey is that the MPV is now very much a normal looking MPV quite similar to the Toyota Estima in some aspects. It looses its super wagon looks and is now tall and more van-like. It is bound to gain more customers and the pricing for Peninsular Malaysia is pretty competitive for a CBU vehicle – an OTR price with insurance of RM228,000 for the 2.0L EV and RM248,000 for the 2.4L EXV. This undercuts the recently launched Toyota Estima.

Expect to see more of the Honda Odyssey on our shores soon. Is that a good thing? I suppose if you aren't a bacholar, aren't James Bond and is someone who is married with a squadron of kids then it is.







Official Press Release
THE ALL-NEW ODYSSEY IS A COMPLETE PACKAGE OF
PREMIUM QUALITY
• The All-New Odyssey ups the level of design, performance, space and comfort as well
as safety.
• Powered by newly developed Earth Dreams Technology and Continuous Variable
Transmission (CVT) for dynamic acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency.
• The All-New Odyssey comes with authorised Honda warranty and After-Sales support
and service.
Kuala Lumpur, 14 November 2013 – Two weeks after it was released in Japan, the 5th
Generation Odyssey is on Malaysia shores! This premium upper Multi Purpose Vehicle
(MPV) caters to the Malaysian market demands with its distinctive and striking design,
outstanding performance, superior space and comfort, excellent fuel-efficiency, as well as
advanced safety and security features. The Odyssey was first introduced to the world in
1994 and in Malaysia in 2002.
Speaking at the launch event at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2013,
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, said,
“Staying true to our promise to bring Joy to our customers, the All-New Odyssey will be able
to provide a complete package to the upper MPV market. Building on its original design
concept, the All-New Odyssey offers an unprecedented level of premium quality; combining
roomy and refined comfort for occupants in all 3 rows with an exceptional smooth ride.”
The All-New Odyssey is powered by the newly developed 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC (175PS and
225NM) Earth Dreams Technology engine and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).
The All-New Odyssey gives dynamic acceleration at start, top in class fuel economy and
exceptionally clean emission for driving through city roads and on highways. This powertrain
offers even better output, torque and fuel efficiency than the engine of the previous model.
Further encouraging economical fuel consumption driving, the ECON mode and coaching
function are now part of the features present in the All-New Odyssey. The ECON mode
THE ALL-NEW ODYSSEY IS A COMPLETE PACKAGE OF PREMIUM QUALITY
2
ensures fuel-efficient driving with cooperative control while the coaching functions changes
colour from white to green indicating economical driving.
Exterior looks of the All-New Odyssey combines power with refinement. The large opening
of the front grille hints at its high performance, while the grille shape with chrome-like finish
makes a commanding appearance. The solid streamlined presence of the All-New Odyssey
gives it an advanced silhouette and emotional appeal.
The All-New Odyssey features a newly developed “Ultra-Low Floor Platform”, which creates
a spacious cabin equivalent to large-class MPV. The ceiling is higher and the floor is lower
and hence, the interior space is much roomier thanks to this platform. With the low centre of
gravity and enhanced suspension, this new platform also delivers exhilarating and stable
handling while giving a smooth ride. Occupants are greeted by a stylish and classy interior
as they step in via the power sliding doors.
The Smart Entry with Push Start Button makes entering the All-New Odyssey EXV a breeze
and starts the engine with just one push of the ignition button. Driving and maneuvering the
All-New Odyssey is extremely easy in relation to its generous body size. Turning radius is
increased and the turn circle is at 5.4m. The pillars are adjusted, giving this premium MPV a
slender impression, maximised glass surface and enhanced visibility.
Offering Honda’s first Premium Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman and Honda’s first 3-step
reclining type seats in its second row, occupants in the All-New Odyssey can enjoy modern
comfort akin to a luxury hotel suite. There is also extra foot room for the second row
occupants courtesy of its flat rear floor. Providing heightened luxurious comfort to both driver
and passengers, the All-New Odyssey EXV is equipped with leather seats.
A rear climate control switch is located at a position where operation from second and third
row seats is made easy. All the seats in the All-New Odyssey are designed for full comfort
for all 7 occupants to enjoy the interior roominess of the premium MPV.
Trunk space is another feature that stands out in the All-New Odyssey. The enhanced space
makes it possible to fit suitcases without any compromise in comfort for all seven
passengers. The flexible seat configuration further optimises capacity; the magical storage
mechanism of the third row increases trunk space with just a pull of the lever. Getting in and
out of the All-New Odyssey is made very easy by the low floor and rear door steps.
THE ALL-NEW ODYSSEY IS A COMPLETE PACKAGE OF PREMIUM QUALITY
3
Supporting a comfortable drive with the intuitive operation panel and the latest interface, the
All-New Odyssey comes with electrostatic touch type display audio, which can be
cooperated with a smart phone. The users can operate the smartphone by the audio display,
or even transmit pictures or music data from their smartphone to the audio display, and play
their favourite music through the MPV’s speakers.
The All-New Odyssey comes with advanced safety features to offer the driver, peace of
mind. Its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure meets both selfprotection
and damage reduction to other drivers. The All-New Odyssey is equipped with 6-
Airbags that consist of Dual Front i-SRS Airbags and i-SRS Side Airbags in the first row and
Side Curtain Airbags up until the third row seats. This upper MPV prioritises safety for
everyone with G-Force Control (G-CON).
The All-New Odyssey EXV also offers another Honda’s first in safety while driving - Blind
Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor (CTA). The Blind Spot Information alerts the
driver with a beeping sound should he/she not be aware of a vehicle that is in the blind spot
when he/she wants to turn. The CTA gives off a warning whistle when a collision with a
cross-approaching vehicle is predicted while backing up the MPV.
The high grade variant also comes with multi view camera system that displays multiple
wide angles which provides assistance on narrow roads and intersection with limited visibility
for further awareness of surrounding and even safer drive. Parking the All-New Odyssey
EXV is also a breeze with the Smart Parking Assist System which automatically detects the
parking limiting line and guides the All-New Odyssey into the parking spot.
The All-New Odyssey is offered in two variants, the high grade EXV and the standard grade
EX. The All-New Odyssey is available in 4 colours of White Orchid Pearl, Super Platinum
Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and the Glamorous Mauve Pearl.
Backed by the Honda brand, and wide network of 70 Honda dealerships nationwide, the All-
New Odyssey comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a service interval of
10,000 km to provide the best ownership experience. In addition, the All-New Odyssey
owners are entitled to six times free labour services alternating with paid services.
The All-New Odyssey provides a complete package of premium quality to offer an unrivalled
choice for Malaysians who look for safety, luxury and spaciousness in a MPV.
THE ALL-NEW ODYSSEY IS A COMPLETE PACKAGE OF PREMIUM QUALITY
4
For more information on the All-New Odyssey, please visit a Honda showroom or call

Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.
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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

A Quickie of a Test Drive: The 2013 Honda Accord 2.0 VTI-L

6:41 AM 0
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The ninth generation Honda Accord was recently launched here in Malaysia and I managed a short drive in the 2013 Accord 2.0 Vti-L variant. This car sits in the category where it is usually bought by senior managers of companies or by the companies themselves. It is aimed squarely against other large sized Japanese and Korean sedans in the RM150,000 or thereabouts price range and this range of cars is what most Malaysians aspire to have in their driveway, front porch, garage or apartment car park.


Most would want more, but local taxes and excise duties mean that this is usually the threshold amount that most would want to spend on a car. As such, the Honda Accord along with its competitors like the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Teana, all large Japanese sedans fight for a place in the hearts of Malaysian car buyers who want to show that they've made it in life (to a certain extent).

The Design

The Honda Accord 2.0VTI-L is a typical large sized Honda. The ninth generation Honda Accord is a slimmer car than the previous model. It's like the Accord went through a diet and came up looking svelter. It loses the ungainly overhangs of the previous car and there is a more cohesive look to the Accord compared to the previous model.

But whatever you do, do not buy this car with the optional Modulo bodykit. This adds all that unnecessary bulk (and more) to the car and makes it ungainly. And if you compare this car with the current Toyota Camry in terms of looks, this wins by a million miles. If you compared this car with the Nissan Teana it wins too (but the Teana is huge, some people like huge. Small people usually). If you compared it to the Mazda 6 it isn't as fashion forward as the 6, but it positively will not look outdated within the next three of four days when it becomes outdated.

Aside from that I also have to state that this is the first Accord in a zillion years that eschews the double wishbone setup for a simpler McPherson style strut setup. Does it make a difference? I'll tell you about it later.


The interior

All Accords come with standard an 8-inch 480 x 320 pixel WQVGAresolution LCD display screen, single angle reverse camera, Honda's audio system which includes Bluetooth, USB connector, dual zone automatic climate control and alloy wheels. The VTI-L has navigation system but does not have the left hand blind spot camera, LED daytime running lamps, headlamps, and tail lamps; and an adaptive cruise control system.

Honda must have bench marked certain continental makes as the quality of the switchgear is good. Materials used are soft to the touch where it counts and it the double screened dashboard looks like it came from a car of a higher grade. I like the overall feel inside. Every switch, button or knob I touch seems to have some work gone into how it feels whilst operating them.

The driving position is typically Honda which means it is easy to get comfortable whilst driving one. There are enough adjustments to suit almost everyone.

Rear passenger space is good and similar to the outgoing model It was also stated in the design brief that this new Accord is slightly smaller than the previous one as people who bought Accords like things a little smaller (which must be the opposite from every other car brand these days). But from where I'm sitting, there hasn't been much space lost over the previous model. I should know as a business partner uses the eight generation Accord and I have a frequent passenger in it.

Drivetrain

You get a 2.0liter 16 valve SOHC engine in it that makes about 154Bhp and about 190Nm torque. It runs through a 5 speed torque convertor gearbox. This specification is pretty basic and it isn't a Honda 'Earth Dream' engine like the 2.4liter variant. Malaysian Accords however run the 5 speed automatic from the previous model unlike in Japan and the United States which run a CVT box.

I would prefer a newer 6 speed box for more ratios, but I suppose this is still better than buying a Toyota Camry 2.0 which still runs a, gasp, 4 speed automatic or a CVT for that matter.

Driving the darn thing.

It's a Honda, therefore it is actually decent to drive. It isn't overly exciting to drive but it surely isn't dull. What strikes you when you first get in and start the car up (with a starter button) is that the car is quiet. You slot it into gear and as you bimble off into traffic you'd notice that it is pretty quiet. Specs say that this car has active noise control which cancels out unwanted noise via speakers pushing out similar frequencies. As such, at low speeds the Accord 2.0VTI-L is almost as quiet as a Camry 2.0 (which, whilst sad to say, is the refinement benchmark in this category). Tyre roar is minimal compared to the previous model and a mighty big improvement. The gear changes are smooth too with nary a jolt unless you're pushing it.

But refinement takes a back seat when you gun the throttle pedal. The engine above 4,500rpm is coarse and does not have a mechanically refined sound to it. It sounds like something industrial and it isn't like Honda VTEC engines of days gone by. This is because it is a single camshaft design that is tuned for economy (there is a stupid ECO button for owners to play with if they want to – Honda says you'll save more petrol if you prod it...oooooooooh) and isn't tuned to wail like a banshee. This also means that by 5,500rpm or so the car feels just noisy, but isn't really going anywhere. It would do the 100km/h sprint in around 11 seconds but it will be darn noisy whilst doing so. This still is a whole second faster than the quieter at high rpm Toyota Camry. So I'd just drive this car a tad gentler most of the time by being smooth on the throttle inputs if I want refinement in this Accord.

And when it comes to ride and handling I think the Accord rides firmly but not uncomfortably. Body movements are well controlled and if you flung the Accord into a corner it would obey you better than other contemporaries like the Teana and the Camry. The Mazda 6 would outgrip it but it rides like a plank compared to all of the other cars mentioned including the Accord. So did I feel the Accord needs its old double wishbones? Not really. The car steers well with good weighting in the wheel but like most modern helms a little lacking in outright feel. The car takes sharp bends predictably even on the short drive I had around the Penchala Link area. If any of you want an example, a sweeping right hander would be taken a good 10km/h faster than either the big Nissan or the big Toyota before understeer sets in.

This car has a good balance between being sporty when you want it and a nice enough ride for almost every occasion. It is quite easy to test whether the ride is good as the surrounding area has got tons of construction and potholes as well as spilled concrete everywhere. Things does not get jarring for the inhabitants of the Accord over rough roads.

Conclusion

Even though the drive was pretty short, a whole lot of stuff shone through (I'm getting good at this) . It is simple, honest and filled with goodies for the price Honda is asking. To get a similarly equipped Camry or Mazda 6 you'd pay a good RM10,000 more. This Accord also adds good looks that are neither too fashion forward nor shaped like a tank (and you know which uncle car looks like a tank -hint, hint...its the Toyota). I believe that pure refinement but coupled with looks like a tank would not be a good buy. Looks as well as handling over refinement like the Mazda 6 would also not do it after a tired day's work. The Nissan Teana is actually about to get a model change next year and it has ungainly overhangs front and rear over a short looking wheelbase. I wouldn't go for that too.

And so, aside from the unrefined engine noise at high rpm (which isn't a deal breaker in my opinion), I have to say that if I were looking for a company car in this price range, this is it.

2013 Honda Accord 2.0 VTI-L Specifications
Base Price: RM149,800
Body: 4-door SEDAN
Mechanical Orientation: Front Wheel Drive
Engine: 4 cylinder 2.0-litre SOHC VTEC normally aspirated
Power: 154 BHP
Torque: 190 NM
Transmission: 5speed automatic
Weight: approx 1530 kg
Wheels: 225/50r17

0-62 mph: approx 11 seconds
Top Speed: about 200 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6.5l/100km

For: Low speed refinement, interior quality, exterior looks, decent handling
Against: Industrial and therefore uninteresting sounding engine noise too loud at high revs. Needs more sound proofing up front. Avoid the Modulo bodykit.
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Friday, October 4, 2013

Honda release a new Integra, BUT.....

7:06 PM 0
It isn't the Honda Integra as we know it. This has two wheels instead of four and isn't a car. So it's now a Honda motorcycle but it isn't even a superbike. It's one of those maxi-scooters. Sad isn't it?


We car enthusiasts have always had the picture that a Honda Integra is a dainty two door coupe coupled with a high revving VTEC engine and a razor sharp front wheel drive chassis that would allow motorheads exchange tales of awe and respect for this little car.

The last Honda Integra that we all care about and love died in 2006. It died because of product rationalization as it was overlapping the cheaper Civic Si and the larger Accord coupe in the United States, where the Integra actually sold in large numbers as the Acura RSX.

So cost cutting denied us of a legend, and now it seems that with the use of the Integra name on a, scooter, it'll never be used on a car for awhile. The Honda Integra, especially the Type-R versions will be forever etched in the annals of history and the car, will only live on through carefully cared for examples in the years to come. Unless their current owners crash or over modify it until is becomes a scary piece of #$%t.

Anyway, the 2013 Honda Integra maxi-scooter is powered by a 670cc 2 cylinder 52hp engine that makes its 52hp at 6,250rpm. Quite pathetic as the car, in its Integra Type-S version did 210hp at 7800rpm. Sigh, no more high revving stuff from this Integra. Redeeming factors? It's a maxi-scooter. Very easy to ride I suppose.

R.I.P Honda Integra car. We'll miss you.
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Sunday, September 8, 2013

The new 2013 Honda Accord

6:26 AM 0
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The ninth generation Honda Accord was recently launched in Malaysia and Adlis K and I had a look at the latest version of a popular sedan. We liked it. The overall look of the car is more cohesive and balanced compared to the earlier car and more impressive in real life compared to pictures of the car. 

Malaysia will have two engine variants with three specifications. The flagship Honda Accord in Malaysia is the Honda Accord 2.4l VTIi-L. This car has the new Honda Earth Dreams Technology 2.4liter engine and a slew of gadgetry to entice carbuyers out there for an on the road price of RM172,800.00. Cheaper than the Toyota Camry 2.5v, its natural competitor in its class. 


The entry level 2.0liter Accord comes with a base 2.0l VTi spec at RM139,800.00 (which basically has fabric seats instead of leather) and a luxury specced version, the Accord 2.0l VTi-L which has most of the goodies found in the 2.4liter car but with a smaller engine and a smaller price tag of RM149,800.00 compared to the 2.4liter car. The 2.0liter cars are also cheaper than the Camry 2.0liter variants too. 

What's good about the car.

A lot actually. The 2.4 as mentioned above gets Honda's latest 2.4liter engine. It has something called 'Earth Dreams Technology' throw into it. What this means is that efficiency, or fuel economy takes priority instead of absolute power. It has class average 175ps and 225Nm torque to play with and some eco-modes for fuel saving driving. 

I do like the fact that Honda Malaysia has chosen not to fit the CVT transmission for the Malaysian market. Instead of the ultra efficient CVT that the rest of the world gets together with a 6 speed manual option, we get a traditional torque convertor 5 speed automatic transmission. It may not be as efficient as the CVT but it actually helps refinement as torque convertors do not hold the engine at peak power like how CVTs do and which makes them pretty noisy when trying to drive fast in them.

The other mentionable gadget is the Lanewatch system in the 2.4liter car. A camera sits under the passenger rear view mirror which helps the driver out by limiting the car's blindspot on the left side of the car. Aside from this two items you can get most of the other gadgetry in the cheaper, 2.0liter car.

All cars share active noise cancellation by the active noise/sound control systems in all variants. It should make the Accord a very quiet ride. You also get two monitor screens in the cars, GPS in the two top models and a whole slew of goodies that you can read elsewhere. What I wish to tell you folks out there is the fact that this Honda Accord is very well put together.

The level of material quality used is higher than before and I have to say it is close to BMW in quality. The tactile feel of all controls feel very good (for its class) and it passes the knuckle rap test with flying colours. The driving position is typically Honda, meaning its very good. If one were to compare with the Toyota Camry, it wins hands down. If compared to the Mazda 6, it has a better interior too. Headroom and leg room is good, front and rear. No problems for a chubby lad like me.

Externally, the car seems like an evolution of the earlier car. Everything that needs to be ironed out has been ironed out. It looks very balanced and everything flows nicely, albeit slightly conservative. But conservative sells. Take a look at the current Toyota Camry, they try making it into a hulk of a car and you don't see as many of them on the road as before. The earlier Camry was a manager's favourite. The current one is too bulky and squarish for its own good. Then if you were actually looking for a 2.0liter company car, the 2.0liter Camry comes with an ancient 4 speed automatic. You won't get high tech in a Toyota. And in the days of petrol increases, a four speeder will never get you good fuel economy compared to the Honda Accord's five speed automatic. It's cheaper too, remember.

Now if you compare to the Mazda 6, the new Honda Accord is a better bet simply because the Mazda 6 will start to get outdated in about three days or so. Note that anything that follows trends or tries to be cutting edge tends to get out of fashion sooner than conservatively styled items. The previous Mazda 6 is a good example. 

I believe that this 2013 Honda Accord is the new king of the Company car for managers category usurping the Toyota Camry. The only exception I can think of buying this car is the fact that the Malaysian Government has made it the car for senior government officers. So there will be many of them around pretty soon.

 Adlis K thinks this would be a problem if you actually intend to spend your own money for one as a whole lot of them would be around and you'd be another face in the crowd. But if your company buys this for you it isn't a problem as its a fantastic car for the price. Beggars cannot be choosers. Even at RM150,000. Just make sure you don't buy black or silver - favourite government car colours in our opinion. 

UPDATE: Test Drive of the 2013 Honda Accord 2.0 vti-l HERE

2.0liter VTI-L
Photos courtesy of Adlis K
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