A couple of weeks ago, the all-new 2021 Honda HR-V made its global debut in Japan. It will supersede the predecessor model that has been on sale since late-2013.

Compared to the model it replaces, the all-new Honda HR-V looks far more imposing, with a prominent front grille flanked by slim LED headlights.

It also gets a sleeker-looking rear-end that sees both LED tail lights connected via a light strip.

Honda has also revamped the HR-V’s interior, giving its new SUV a free-standing infotainment display and more crucially, an air-conditioning system with physical buttons. Even the air vent controls have an intricate design.

Prettier? Definitely.

Will Malaysians get to experience the all-new Honda HR-V?

Short answer, it ranges from an outright no, to a yes but with a significantly higher price.

Recall that when Honda unveiled the equally-new 2020 Honda Jazz in Japan back in late-2019, they did not offer the model across all countries, instead limiting it to Europe, China, Japan, and more recently, Singapore.

Also Read: Live photos: Check out the all-new 2020 Honda Jazz, pre-orders opened in China

Consumers in developing markets find the all-new Honda Jazz too radical to accept. Never mind the fancy two-spoke steering wheel, even its very simplistic, clutter-free interior, and cutesy exterior design doesn’t jive with consumers over here.

Also Read: Goodbye Honda Jazz, it’s been a great run

Consumers in these developing nations will get the Honda City Hatchback instead, a more traditional and sportier-looking alternative to the Jazz. Thailand witnessed the global debut of the City Hatchback in late-2020 and the model was recently introduced in Indonesia. Malaysia will be launching the model later this year.

Also Read: Malaysia confirmed to end Honda Jazz with City Hatchback – wise move or foolish?

We reckon the same arrangement could be mirrored for the Honda HR-V, seeing that the model is could be radical for Malaysians to accept.

The Honda WR-V could be an alternative

So instead of the all-new Honda HR-V, we reckon that the next-generation Honda WR-V could be offered here. For the uninitiated, the current-generation Honda WR-V is a SUV-esque version of the GK-generation Honda Jazz, aimed at countries like India and Brazil.

When the next-generation Honda WR-V arrives, it will be more upmarket, as the model will need to fill the gap left by the new HR-V, seeing that the all-new Honda HR-V might also end up being too expensive for the current customer base, especially with the tax advantage enjoyed by the Proton X50 and Perodua Ativa. 

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

Are you willing to pay more for a HR-V?

The second possibility is that the all-new Honda HR-V will still be offered here, albeit with a significantly higher price. While the outgoing Honda HR-V is currently priced between RM 104k to RM 119k, don't expect the next-generation Honda HR-V to be priced this low. The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, is priced between RM 140k to RM 163k.

Either way, the next-gen Honda WR-V will find its way to Malaysia, as it needs to fill the gap left by the new Honda HR-V that is set to be more expensive than before.