Honda Roadshow @ 1Utama Shopping Mall

Words & Images By Brennell Christian Tan

27 - 29 August, Honda Roadshow @ 1Utama Shopping Centre 

Buying a car is not as simple as buying a can of soda, there's no option to buy and return. Therefore, Honda is having roadshows all over Malaysia to showcase they're newly launched cars in this country. As the saying goes, if you can't go to the showroom, let the showroom come to you.... 

City Car Siblings: The All New Honda City & Honda Jazz Walkaround

The Honda City, contrary to belief is based on the Honda Jazz and not the other way around. 

The Honda City has four trim levels which are the grade S, S+, E and V whereas the Honda Jazz features only three trim levels which are grade S, E and V. Both cars utilise the same transmission which is a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) unit and both utilise the same powerplant, which is a 1.5 litre I-VTEC petrol engine which delivers 120 horsepower at 6600rpm and 145 newton metres of torque at 4600rpm. There are some differences however, the Honda City has a longer wheelbase and longer length, whereas the Honda Jazz is taller in height as compared to the Honda City. Both as well have 40 litre fuel tanks.

The All New Honda Jazz...

The all new Honda Jazz is a radical step for Honda. With this model, comes a continiously variable transmission (CVT) as compared to the previous generations 5-speed automatic. Despite that, it still feels as smooth as you'd expect. In addition to that smoothness, being a CVT transmission it delivers a superb fuel economy figure of 17.81 kilometres per litre. 

Interior kit count is far from disappointing, should you opt for the highest trim. Features such as touch panel auto air conditioning, keyless access, bluetooth, USB & HDMI connectivity and many more features come standard in the highest trim. The "ULTRA" seats make a comeback on this generation of the Jazz as it was absent in the previous generation. This comfort with added practicality really proves itself as an everyday family car. The Honda Jazz however does not feature rear seat air-conditioning on any trim level as compared to the Honda City which has rear seat air conditioning on the top two trim levels.

The All New Honda City

One the most competitive segment of cars in Malaysia is the B-segment of cars. B-segment cars have high regard of being affordable but yet practical and user friendly. With that in mind, Honda has launched the sixth generation city.

As stated previously, this new generation now boasts a continuous variable transmission (CVT) as compared to the previous 5-speed automatic. Again, being a CVT transmission, it is able to achieve a superb fuel economy of 15.3 kilometres per litre though tests by other reviewers have suggested a fuel economy of up to 17.5 kilometres per litre. An ECON button is located to the right-hand side of the steering wheel to maximise efficiency. This generation has a class leading wheelbase of 2600 millimetres as compared to the Toyota Vios' wheelbase of 2550 millimetres. 

In order to compete in the competitive market of B-segment vehicles, Honda has feature packed the all new Honda City. Speed sensitive volume control, bluetooth, iPod compatibility, keyless access are a few of the many features on the City along with rear seat air-conditioning should you opt for the highest trim level. As for safety features, all trim levels come standard with six airbags and vehicle stability assist (VSA). 

Honda Odyssey Walkaround... Luxury With Peace Of Mind

With its absence from 2008 to 2013 and availability only from reconditioned car dealers, Honda Malaysia has relaunched the Odyssey in order to compete in the growing segment of premium MPV's.

Luxury, with peace of mind are the words of the tagline for the new Odyssey which the car has to live up to. Fortunately, the all new Odyssey, doesn't disappoint.... 

The all-new Honda Odyssey is propelled by an all-new 2.4 litre "Earth Dreams" direct injected powerplant. The powerplant produces 175 horsepower at 6200rpm and 225 newton metres of torque at 4000rpm.

Available are two trim levels, the EX and the EXV. Should you opt for the higher trim level, the car comes packed with standard features. Ottoman middle row seats, rear automatic air-conditioning, LED active cornering lights, multi view camera system, bluetooth connectivity and many more features. Upholstery comes in leather or fabric depending on the trim-level chosen, not to worry though as comfort is assured no matter what trim level you pick.

Japanese Elegance? The All New Honda Accord Walkaround

Looks and aesthetics play a major role in a car, especially if it's a flagship car in which case for Honda is the Honda Accord. The looks in my personal opinion are more classy as compared to the previous generation. "Time for yourself" are the words of the all new Honda Accord's tagline which hints that luxury and comfort has been prioritised. 

There are three trim levels to choose from which are the 2.0 VTi, 2.0 VTi-L & 2.4 VTi-L. Two of the lower trim levels offer a 2.0 litre engine producing 155 horsepower at 6500rpm and 190 newton metres of torque at 4300rpm where as the highest trim level boasts a direct injected "Earth Dreams" engine which delivers 175 horsepower at 6200rpm and 225 newton metres of torque at 4000rpm.

Satellite navigation, cruise control, LED daytime running lights, blind spot monitoring system, rear seat air- conditioning are one of the long list of never ending features on this car should you opt for the highest trim level. Available for safety and vehicle control are multi-view angle cameras, emergency stop signal (ESS), vehicle stability assist (VSA), side curtain airbags and other features. 18 inch rims are new for the Accord and some individuals have worries about those alloys reducing the comfort of the ride but not to worry as the compromise between ride and handling is perfect. Honda has tuned the car to stay quiet and comfortable while still being able to remain composed while going around bends. 

The Power Of Dreams...

Over the generations, Honda cars has come a long way and has advanced further in engineering technologies. These small things we take for granted each day is what maximises our driving pleasure. Driving and commuting is what millions of people do each day, and Honda has integrated its sophisticated technologies to make it a fun, enjoyable and safe drive for everyone.