Honda Malaysia to launch 4 new 2023 models - WR-V, CR-V, Civic Type-R FL5, and City facelift to raise market share to 12.3 percent

Honda fans can look forward to 4 new models from Honda Malaysia this year.

“I am excited to share that Honda Malaysia will launch three all-new models and one facelift model in 2023,” said Mr. Sarly Adle Sarkum, President and COO of Honda Malaysia at a media event on Friday evening.

Of the 4 models, one of it has been confirmed to be the Honda WR-V, an A-segment SUV slotting below the B-segment Honda HR-V.

Also read: Boom: Honda WR-V confirmed for Malaysia, Q3 2023 launch - the next big thing

The identity of the remaining 3 models were not shared but it’s not difficult to guess.

The Honda City is due for a mid-lifecycle update, but based on what we know so far, the styling changes for the facelift model are very, very minor. In terms of features, some markets may get an upgraded Honda Sensing package that now includes Low Speed Follow (LSF).

Also read: 2023 Honda City facelift debuts in India - ACC with Low-Speed Follow, wireless charger offered

As for the more important all-new models, the 6th generation 2023 Honda CR-V will be making its regional debut at this week’s Bangkok International Motor Show. The new generation CR-V will be offered in Thailand with a new 2.0-litre two-motor full-hybrid from the Civic e:HEV RS.

Sarly also said that Honda Malaysia will be expanding its line-up of e:HEV RS hybrid models, hinting that for the first time in Malaysia, the CR-V will also be offered as a hybrid.

The next all-new model is not the 11th generation 2023 Honda Accord, that made its global debut in USA last November.

Instead, a photo during the presentation of a manual gearknob removes any doubt that it will be the FL5 Civic Type-R.

Those expecting the Accord to arrive by 2023 will be in for disappointment, as rapidly increasing cost (likely to go past RM 200k despite CKD) and shrinking demand are proving to be a major challenge.

Sharp-eyed readers might notice that the Honda BR-V, which is already launched in Thailand and Indonesia, is not on the list. Honda Malaysia has confirmed that it will discontinue BR-V, effectively exiting the 7-seater market. Given the dominance of the Perodua Alza, it's easy to understand why.

Honda is targeting 80,000 units sales for 2023. That’s less than the 80,290 units the company sold in 2022 but this is because total industry volume (TIV) is forecasted to be down 10 percent, to 650,000 units, as sales normalize after the expirty of Penjana sales tax exemption.

Market share however, is targeted to increase from 11.1 percent in 2022 to 12.3 percent in 2023.