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LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models

Eric · Apr 10, 2020 02:03 PM

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 01

Initially conceived as a better alternative to blind spot monitoring, Honda’s ingenious LaneWatch system could be discontinued in the near future.

What is Honda LaneWatch?

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 02

Honda LaneWatch, like the name suggests, utilizes a camera mounted on the passenger-side wing mirror that feeds a video stream to your car’s head unit.

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LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 01

The aim is to allow drivers to see if there are motorcyclists or other drives in their blind spot, and it also works in poor weather conditions.

If it’s so good, why does Honda want to discontinue it?

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 02

One word: cost.

You see, when Honda first introduced LaneWatch, blind spot monitoring was still in its infancy, which meant that it costs a lot to implement it to a car.

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 03

Blind spot warning on the Toyota Yaris

But the cost for blind spot monitoring have came down a lot, as new cars such as the Toyota Yaris and Vios come equipped with this feature.

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 04

Blind Spot Monitoring is a RM 2,000 option on the Toyota Hilux

The same cannot be said for LaneWatch, as it requires a camera mounted to the wing mirror as well as specific wiring.

Blind spot monitoring, on the other hand, only requires an electronic device mounted on the sides of the car, sending either an audible or visible signal to the driver when there’s an object in his/her blind spot.

No more LaneWatch from Honda?

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 05

There's no more LaneWatch on the Insight

That seems to be the case.

While not apparent in the Malaysian market Honda models, the move can be observed in North American and Japanese market Hondas.

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 06

LaneWatch is useful when weather conditions are poor

When Honda introduced the all-new Insight in North America and Japan back in 2019, it was offered with LaneWatch on selected variants.

But that changed after Honda gave the Insight an update recently, which removed LaneWatch and was replaced with blind spot monitoring.

It’s a similar case with the Japanese-market Honda Accord, which is fitted with blind spot monitoring and not LaneWatch.

Okay, if I still want LaneWatch, which Honda models should I get?

LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models 07

Several models offered by Honda Malaysia have LaneWatch included.

The cheapest is the Honda HR-V 1.8 V, which goes for RM 118,800. Other Honda models, such as the CR-V, Civic, and Accord also offered LaneWatch on upper variants.

Interestingly, LaneWatch is not available on the made-in-Japan Honda Odyssey; instead it gets blind spot monitoring.

Eric

Editor

Started from the IT industry but somehow managed to find his way into the automotive industry. If he’s not gaming, he’s constantly tinkering with his daily/weekend car.

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