All-new 2021 Honda HR-V gets more expensive in Japan; Malaysia to follow

The all-new 2021 Honda HR-V - or Vezel as it is known in Japan - made its global debut last month. Although prices aren't officially announced by the carmaker, Japanese media have managed to find out its price range. 

As expected, it's more expensive than its predecessor.

Also read: The all-new 2021 Honda HR-V is pretty, but might skip Malaysia

How much more expensive is it?

Through a dealership, BestCarWeb learnt that there's been a price increase across the board. Here's how they stack up now, compared to the outgoing generation:

As shown in the table above, the price increase ranges from 6 to 8 percent - but that's to be expected because they all get equipment step-ups too.

The base G variant of the all-new HR-V will get LED fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels, things the outgoing generation did without.

Also read: All-new 2021 Honda HR-V, what's new?

For the Hybrid variants, prices shot up further because they'll get a 1.5-litre petrol-electric e:HEV hybrid powertrain (similar to the one that powers our Honda City RS), superseding the i-DCD hybrid system currently used in the outgoing HR-V.

Also read: Here’s why the all-new 2020 Honda City RS with i-MMD doesn’t need a gearbox

Will the price increase happen here?

It's almost certain at this point. The car starts off priced higher than it once was, and adding on excise duty, the quantum of price increase will be further amplified.

Say for a moment that there's an RM 1,000 increase of the HR-V's price in Japan. Tack on the 75% excise duty here, and that RM 1,000 becomes RM 1,750.

And this is only for an RM 1,000 increase. Of course the actual price increase will be much more than RM 1,000, and the after-tax price will be inflated further.

Also read: How is this possible? Proton X50 is cheaper than tax-free Honda HR-V

To compare, the outgoing HR-V is currently priced between RM 104k to RM 119k in Malaysia, and taking into account these increases, it's safe to not expect the next-gen to be priced this low. For reference, the Honda CR-V starts from RM 140k, and caps off at RM 163k.

Also read: The all-new 2021 Honda HR-V is pretty, but might skip Malaysia

There is a risk that the all-new HR-V might end up being a little too expensive for the current customer base (considering the Proton X50 and Perodua Ativa enjoys significant tax advantages), so there could be a chance the gap will be filled by the next-gen Honda WR-V instead.

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda WR-V will fight Perodua D55L

Regardless, although the all-new HR-V was spotted in Thailand recently, it'll still be a while before Malaysians get a whiff of it. For now, we still have the outgoing-gen with us, and you can read our review of it below.

Also read: Review: Honda HR-V, still worth your attention over the Proton X70?