Honda Malaysia has now confirmed that the BR-V has now been discontinued here on our shores, and will not be replaced by the second-generation model. Taking its spot as the entry-level SUV offering will be the Honda WR–V, which is set for launch in the third quarter of 2023.
Speaking during the press conference during a recent media event, Honda Malaysia Executive Coordinator, Yujiro Sugino, explained that the reason for the BR-V’s discontinuation was due to the “bigger [market] potential in the SUV segment, particularly in the space below the HR-V“.
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Despite the Honda BR-V occupying a fairly unique position in the company’s model line-up as a seven-seater B-segment crossover, competition in the market has already been increasing steadily, especially with the launch of the Mitsubishi Xpander and all-new Perodua Alza here in Malaysia recently.
With the introduction of the WR-V, Honda Malaysia will “become the first Japanese mass market manufacturer to enter the Small SUV segment” – although it’ll still have to compete with the Perodua Ativa for market share.
The upcoming Honda WR-V will play an important role in Honda Malaysia’s 80,000-unit sales target this year. Aside from the Honda WR-V, the company is also planning for two more all-new model launches this year, alongside a facelift update for its existing models.
Even though it’ll soon be discontinued, the locally-assembled first-generation Honda BR-V is currently still available for sale – at least according to Honda Malaysia’s website. The seven-seater B-segment crossover is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which offers 121 hp and 145 Nm to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.
The model’s last updated in Malaysia is dated June 2020, bringing along a mild exterior redesign, as well as some added equipment including a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display as part of its facelift exercise.
