Honda BR-V has been discontinued in Malaysia. This was revealed during a Q&A session following the company’s recent business plan briefing.
Unlike other ASEAN markets which get the latest 2nd generation BR-V which debuted in Indonesia back in 2021, Malaysia was still getting the 1st gen model, the same available to us here in Pakistan.
Dubbed as “Bold Runabout Vehicle”, the Honda BR-V arrived in Malaysia back in early 2017 (a couple of months before it was launched in Pakistan) and received a facelift in mid-2020. It was powered by a familiar 1.5L four-cylinder i-VTEC engine with 119 hp and 145 Nm.
Related: All New Honda WR-V Launched in Indonesia
Although the company hasn’t disclosed any reason why the plugs are being pulled off, the decision reflects Honda’s change in strategy and a shift away from the competitive 7-seater game in Malaysia. The BR-V will likely be replaced by the new WR-V in the Malaysian market as Honda is planning to introduce at least 4 new vehicles in Malaysia during 2023. These in addition to WR-V include the new CR-V, new Civic Type-R, and 7th gen City facelift.
In Pakistan, Honda still continues with the 1st gen BR-V despite the 7-seat MPV suffering from dismal sales for many years. During these years, Honda had to discontinue two of its variants as the BR-V currently comes available in a single trim and is priced at a whopping PKR 65.29 lac. Like Civic & City, Honda has recently combined the sales numbers of HR-V with BR-V in order to make the figure look appealing.
The BR-V is currently in its 2nd generation which is presently on sale in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It features an updated version of the 1.5L i-VTEC engine which comes now fitted with double overhead cams. Output renders a marginal difference with 120 hp of power and 145 Nm of torque. The 2nd gen BR-V however, boasts a huge improvement in styling, comfort, convenience, and safety equipment.
Now after getting discontinued from Malaysia, Pakistan remains the only market where the old 1st gen BR-V is still being assembled. For how many more years we will continue to have the obsolete model on sale here, but considering the ongoing economic crisis it’s highly unlikely that Honda will introduce a newer model of BR-V here. There are already more than 17 obsolete cars on sale in Pakistan tagged as “new” which makes up almost 70% of the locally assembled options. The first-gen BR-V is obviously on this list too.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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