YOU might find this new compact hatch really cute and wonder why it has never been launched in Malaysia by Honda. Well, let us explain.
In 2012, Honda Japan launched their N-ONE compact car, or better known in Japan as ‘kei car’.
Kei Car’s are ultra-compact vehicles sold by all Japanese car manufacturers to cater for buyers looking for small cars that can easily park in tight spaces and take up little room in crowded Japanese cities.
These compact premium cars have become very popular for retired drivers and single adults on a budget.
Please note that these kei cars are far from being ‘budget’ in their features and safety and this is why we call them premium.
In fact, Japanese kei cars are brimming with executive car features and safety which come fitted in a small cute vehicle ready to move 5 adults across all states.
The nearest example of a Malaysia made kei car would be the Perodua Axia and still it does not carry the features that all Japanese made kei cars offer.
Malaysian requirements tend to be lower in many ways and this is why we still admire and want to own imported cars from Japan.
Now for 2020 comes a brand new Honda N-ONE and it is brimming with quality fitment and features.
So why will this compact Honda never come to Malaysia?
Simple, with our tax protection system continuing for Proton and Perodua, it makes no business sense for Honda to launch this high value compact car without preferred tax incentives.
Its selling price in Japan starts from RM63,000 right up to RM80,000, which means with taxes added it will cost more than a Honda Jazz.
Second Generation Looks
The 2020 model gets a new lighting signature courtesy of redesigned front and rear LED lights. New front and rear bumpers are also present to give it a chunkier stance, with the rear especially featuring a black bar that runs across its length. That however pretty much wraps up the exterior updates over its cutesy predecessor.
Second Generation Interior
A totally new dashboard design is featured in this second generation N-ONE. Bringing along with it a new steering wheel and redesigned instrument cluster, not to mention an upgraded central touchscreen infotainment system.
The low-floor and cozy cabin space of the all-new N-ONE was made possible by the centre-tank layout, Honda’s patented technology for the platform the all-new N-ONE shares with N-BOX. Individual seats were adopted for the driver and front passenger, featuring a console box in between.
Along with the redesigned instrument panel, utility features such as cup holders, USB charging ports and storage pockets are laid out within easy reach of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.
Safety
This 2020 N-ONE gets both active and passive safety aids.
Just like bigger and more expensive Honda models, the Honda SENSING advanced safety and driver-assistive system is standard equipment of the all-new N-ONE.
The 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) version of the all-new N-ONE will be the first among all 6MT mini-vehicles in the market to feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), which support the driver while recognizing the vehicle’s surroundings.
Powertrain
Under the hood is a 58PS and 65Nm 660cc three cylinder (an engine size mandated by Japanese kei car regulations).
You can also buy it with a six-speed manual transmission with the RS model that comes with a little turbocharger. Thereby boosting the power output to 64 PS and 104 Nm, for even more fun.
Besides, if rallying was more your thing, there is even a four-wheel drive option available on every variant. Saying that, the only transmission option aside from the front wheel drive RS is a CVT.
How Much
The initial purchase price may be slightly on the steep side.
Costing from ¥1,599,400 (RM63,000) for the basic, before topping out at ¥2,022,900 (RM80,000) for the top-spec Premium Tourer four-wheel drive grade.
So Honda Malaysia, there is no time like the present for a fleet of brightly coloured N-ONEs to bring some colour to the dull grey streets of Malaysia.
Meanwhile, some adventurous car importers will import and sell a few used units at a high asking price in Malaysia. – The Vibes, November 26, 2020
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