Honda Malaysia’s 2026 game plan, 6 new models, 60k target, bigger e:HEV push

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia is setting its stall out for 2026 with a simple headline, six new models will be introduced within the year, and the company is working off a baseline target of 60,000 units.

The 60k number is positioned as a steady, sustainable target, anchored on what Honda Malaysia describes as shifting consumer behaviour, evolving demand, and a growth plan that stays “value-driven” rather than chasing hype. It also comes after a strong 2025, where Honda Malaysia said it recorded over 72,301 units sold, despite a market that is increasingly shaped by electrified vehicles and fast-moving tech expectations.

Also Read: Honda Malaysia’s 2025 highlights: Total sales, best-selling models, “Because of You” campaign winners and more

At the centre of the brand’s 2026 narrative is still the same theme Honda has been leaning on for decades, driving feel. Honda Malaysia says its strategy continues to prioritise a “Fun to Drive” experience, backed by technology and product planning aimed at Malaysian customers.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Narushi Yazaki said, “The ‘Fun to Drive’ spirit reflects our commitment to delivering vehicles that connect with our customers at an emotional level. We want to emphasise that a Honda is more than just a mode of transport. It is about the instant connection people feel the moment they step inside; the joy created by the driving feel that comes naturally every time they take the wheel. These emotions are what Honda has engineered into every model from the very beginning.”

He added, “The introduction of the S+ Shift technology for the first time is a clear example of this direction in action. It enhances driver engagement and makes each journey more dynamic and rewarding, showing how Honda does it differently, for everyone who loves to drive,” Mr. Yazaki added.

The S+ Shift mention is the most specific product breadcrumb in the whole statement, and it is being framed as a technology that boosts driver engagement, making journeys feel more dynamic and rewarding.

Alongside that, Honda Malaysia also says it is preparing to expand its e:HEV line-up in 2026, opening the door for more Malaysians to experience the brand’s hybrid approach. The company positions this as a balance of efficiency and performance, and it leans on its history in the hybrid space since 2004 to reinforce the point that it has been working this field for a long time, not just reacting to trends.

The company says it will continue studying demand patterns and intends to streamline model offerings, so customers can more easily find a Honda that fits their lifestyle and preferences. Read between the lines and it sounds like a push towards clearer variant structure, less overlap, and fewer “why are there so many trims that feel the same” moments.

Beyond product and powertrain talk, Honda Malaysia is also putting attention on the ownership experience. The company says it is strengthening dealership operations and placing greater focus on enhancing both sales and after-sales services, with the aim of delivering a smoother, more seamless experience across key customer touchpoints. It is not the flashiest part of a press statement, but it is the part that tends to matter once the honeymoon period ends.

Honda Malaysia also highlights its long-running position in the market, saying it continued to lead the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for an unrivalled 12 consecutive years, further strengthening its 25-year presence in Malaysia. The company ends by thanking customers for their support, and says it will move forward in 2026 with a “Challenging Spirit”, while maintaining quality standards across products and services.

What could the six new models be

Honda Malaysia has not named the six models yet, so the only honest way to approach this is as a best-guess, not a confirmation. There are a few names that fit the clues and regional product movement, and then there is the reality that the remainder is still anybody’s guess for now.

Here’s our guesstimate on what the six could include:

1. Prelude
   The strongest hint is the “S+ Shift technology for the first time” mention. Honda has already tied S+ Shift to the upcoming Prelude in past messaging, and the inclusion of that line in a Malaysia-focused statement naturally points attention in that direction.

2. StepWGN e:HEV Spada
   A hybrid StepWGN has been making noise in the region, and a Malaysia introduction would make sense from a line-up perspective. Honda Malaysia does not currently have a boxy, family-first MPV with a hybrid narrative sitting in the showroom, and this would be a clean way to plug that gap without forcing an SUV to do an MPV’s job.

3. Updated WR-V
   A WR-V update is the sort of straightforward move that can be counted as “new” in a six-model rollout, especially if it headlines a meaningful cabin tech upgrade. The regional talking point has been a new 10-inch infotainment screen, the kind of change that immediately makes a budget crossover feel more current, and adds a modern connectivity angle without pretending it’s a new-generation car.

4. Variant expansions within existing e:HEV models
   This is where Honda's statement broader direction becomes relevant. Honda Malaysia explicitly talks about expanding the e:HEV line-up, and it also talks about streamlining offerings. One plausible explanation is that the “six” would perhaps includes new variants, not just completely new nameplates.

In that scenario, the remaining could be some combination of non-RS e:HEV variants for familiar models, for example:

• CR-V e:HEV with a wider trim spread

• Civic e:HEV with a different variant positioning

• HR-V e:HEV with a broader entry point

• City e:HEV with a reshuffled range

That list is longer than three, because there are multiple directions Honda Malaysia could take. The key point is this, the company has already signalled hybrid expansion, and it would not be surprising if part of the six-model count is made up of hybrid variants that widen access, rather than six all-new cars landing at once.

For now, until Honda Malaysia starts naming names, the confirmed part is the plan, six introductions, 60,000 units baseline target, S+ Shift arriving for the first time, and a bigger e:HEV push. The exact six-model roster is still the missing piece, and it is the part readers will be watching for as the year unfolds.

Also Read: Honda Malaysia teases the Prelude coupe, local debut on the cards?