Honda Malaysia pulls the plug on the BR-V

KUALA LUMPUR: During its 2023 product plan announcement, Honda Malaysia made a number of noteworthy reveals. In addition to confirming the arrival of four new models, the Japanese automaker also dropped a bombshell with the announcement of the discontinuation of its much-loved and successful seven-seater SUV, the BR-V. 

The place left by the BR-V in the brand’s lineup will soon be filled with the highly anticipated Honda WR-V, which is slated for debut in the third quarter of 2023.

While commenting on the reason behind the BR-V discontinuation, the company’s executive coordinator Mr. Yujiro Sugino said, “Basically, we see more potential in the SUV segment below the Honda HR-V, and that is why we chose to bring in the WR-V. It’s mainly due to prioritisation and that’s why we decided to discontinue the BR-V.”

First arrived in Malaysia back in 2017, the Honda BR-V received a generation upgrade in the Indonesian market in 2021, and the second-gen model is presently on sale in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The latest iteration features a more striking exterior, an upmarket cabin, a Honda Sensing ADAS pack, and an updated version of the 1.5-litre i-VTEC mill. It was highly anticipated to launch in Malaysia this year.

The discontinuation of the SUV marks the end of an era for Honda in one of Malaysia's popular vehicle categories, the 7-seater MPV/crossover. Among the chief players of the category are the Perodua Alza, Toyota Veloz, Proton Exora, and Mitsubishi Xpander.

Well, the company sees the WR-V as the first Japanese Small SUV in Malaysia that will be helping the brand in achieving its 80,000-unit sales target this year.

What are your thoughts on Honda’s decision to discontinue the Honda BR-V in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

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