Honda HR-V receives an overwhelming response in Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda HR-V is a pretty popular vehicle in the company’s lineup. It has generated a massive sales number for the brand in the markets it is sold in. Once again proving its worth, the car has registered high booking orders in Japan.

Honda Japan launched the new Vezel (aka HR-V) only last month and in this short period, the vehicle has received more than 30,000 orders (32,000 as of 24th May 2021). That’s a pretty number for a one-month-old. This booking figure is six times more than the one projected by the automaker in its monthly sales plan, i.e. 5,000 orders per month.

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Of the total booking received, 93 percent are dedicated to the e:HEV model. The least popular variant with just 7 percent bookings in its favour is the pure petrol unit. As for the drivetrain option, 81 percent of buyers opted for front-wheel drive, the rest picked all-wheel drive.

While analysing the customer database, it was found that most of them previously owned sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and even minivans. The list also included loyal customers who are replacing the old HR-V with the new and improved model.

The colour database analysis shows the Platinum White Pearl received the maximum number of bookings (33 percent) followed by Crystal Black Pearl and Premium Sunlight White Pearl and Black at 18 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

Now, the question arises, what makes the HR-V so popular amongst the customers? Is it the looks, features, or performance? Well, we feel it’s a combination of all good things. For instance, it features a sleek design language, spacious cabin, smooth and quiet driving experience, low fuel consumption, and enhanced Honda Sensing driver assistance system.

Under the hood, the petrol variant gets a 1.5-litre mill making 118 hp and 142 Nm of torque. The e:HEV model, on the other hand, benefits from a 1.5-litre unit generating 106 hp and 127 Nm that primarily charges an electric motor that makes 131 hp and 253 Nm.

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