Honda Malaysia to launch 3 new cars in 2025 – Is the HR-V facelift one of them?

KUALA LUMPUR:  During a recent media gathering where Honda Malaysia revealed its 2025 sales target of 83,000 units, the company’s MD and CEO also confirmed that three new models are set to launch this year. 

Honda Malaysia Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura unveiled that Honda Malaysia will be launching three new vehicles this year to help boost their chances of achieving their sales target.

We’ve already seen the first one—the facelifted Honda Civic, which debuted in January. The second will be Honda’s first fully electric vehicle in Malaysia, the e:N1. But what about the third?

Also Read:  2025 Honda HR-V facelift launched in Thailand with upgraded features, new look

Honda Malaysia hasn’t officially named it yet, but if we had to take an educated guess, it’s most likely going to be the HR-V facelift. Surprised? It might feel like the HR-V just hit the market, but in reality, it was launched back in 2022. Time really does fly!

Honda unveiled the 2025 HR-V facelift in Thailand last November 2024, featuring subtle styling updates, enhanced technology, and a refined hybrid-only lineup.

The exterior gets a redesigned front bumper, sleeker taillights, and new two-tone alloy wheels, while the flagship RS variant boasts matrix projector LED headlights with active cornering and a sportier look.

Inside, the HR-V now offers a more symmetrical center console with added storage, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear air vents, illuminated vanity mirrors, and USB-C ports on higher variants. The EL and RS trims also gain an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and wireless charging.

Honda Sensing remains standard, providing advanced driver-assistance features, while the hybrid powertrain continues unchanged, delivering 131 PS, 253 Nm, and an impressive 25.6 km/l fuel efficiency.

With Honda continuing to push both internal combustion and hybrid (e:HEV) technology alongside its new electrification strategy, the HR-V facelift could bring key updates to keep it fresh in a competitive segment.

If this speculation turns out to be true, expect a slightly tweaked design, more tech, and potentially even powertrain improvements.

It seems like the HR-V lineup will be expansive this coming year because although the e:N1 is not officially named as a HR-V, there’s no doubt it is one.

Honda produces the fully electric e:N1 SUV, at its Rojana Industrial Park facility in Thailand, making it the first Japanese brand to locally assemble electric passenger cars in the country. 

When asked whether the e:N1 will be locally assembled in Malaysia like most of their vehicles, they remained tight lipped and said more information will come in due course.

Anyway, assembled in Malaysia or Thailand, they will be launching it here. The e:N1 is essentially the electric version of the HR-V, known as the e:Ny1 in Europe.

It is built on the e:N Architecture F platform, featuring a high-rigidity body structure, improved aerodynamics, and a low center of gravity for enhanced driving dynamics.

Powering the e:N1 is a front-mounted electric motor delivering 204 hp and 310 Nm of torque, paired with a 68.8 kWh battery. It offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 412 km per charge, with DC fast charging enabling a 10-80% top-up in 45 minutes.

On the inside, the biggest differences between it and its ICE cousins is a large infotainment screen which boosts its digital appeal, probably to showcase some electrification information clearly.

Honda Malaysia’s big plans for 2025 include not just new models but also a stronger focus on after-sales services and digitalization.

With 104 dealerships nationwide and over 430,000 HondaTouch platform users, the brand is ensuring customers have seamless access to services.

Will the HR-V facelift complete the trio of 2025 launches? We’ll just have to wait and see. Stay tuned!

Also Read:  Honda e:N1 EV to hit Thai shores soon; Will it come to Malaysia?