..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
Related Articles
- Proudly Assembled In Nigeria
(By Olaolu Olusina/Olaolu.olusina@autoreportafrica.com)
There is no doubt that the All-new Honda Hi-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle (HR-V) is setting real standards for others in its class. The sophisticated, unisex and multi-purpose 1.5 litre engine mini-sport utility vehicle, which enjoys 38 percent market share in Nigeria, is truly the best in class.
Progressively moving up to number 1 position in the mini-SUV/compact car segment and coming in only three beautiful colours for the Nigerian market, it is not surprising that the All-new HR-V was adjudged the undisputed winner of the prestigious Nigeria Car-Of-The-Year (COTY) award for 2023.
The three colours – Opal Silver White, Brilliant Sporty Metallic Blue and Coffee Cherry Red – continue to attract a lot of Nigerians to the car as the unique features of the beautiful road machine are simply irresistible.
Coming with All-LED lights in and out with an Auto Beam (Sensing Camera) as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers, the car also features an Improved ground clearance, which is the best in its segment. Overall length is also slightly longer than the previous edition and with power folding side mirrors, its driving feasibility enhances the driver’s confidence.
More roomy and comfortable interior with air diffusion stands the all-new HR-V out even as its MAGIC SEATS, which is new in the market, allows for space maximisation for luggage.
Test-driving the Proudly Assembled in Nigeria sleek and smart All-new HR-V was a great delight for auto journalists at the media launch which was held earlier last April at The Honda Place (THP) along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The experience was simply impressive and unforgettable as it made a lot of impression on the auto journalists who participated in the ‘’Drive and Ride’’ session on April 5, 2023.
The car was presented to auto journalists before the unveiling and actual test-drive of the new road machine round the company’s premises, immediately after the welcome remarks by the Managing Director, Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd., Takashi Nakajima. The Manager, Sales, Marketing & Logistics , Remi Adams, explained the Honda concept which guides what the company stands for, saying Honda seeks “to provide joy to our customers by anticipating their needs and contributing to society through our original technology.”
Maintaining that Honda is always thinking and acting to improve the quality of its customers’ daily lives, Adams disclosed that the new HR-V, now in its third generation, is one of the outcomes of the Honda Concept as the HR-V has progressively moved up to the Number 1 position in the mini-SUV segment with 38 percent of the market share.
A follow-up facility tour of the massive assembly plant of Honda Automobile Western Africa (HAWA) Limited, where the all-new HR-V is assembled, along the Sango Ota-Idiroko Road in Ogun State, later in the year, provided more insights and real-live experience of the assembling processes and what really makes the car tick. The tour was conducted by the Factory Manager, HAWA, Amos Obadein-san.
The Managing Director, Nakajima, also used the opportunity to list the challenges facing the company despite its determination to maintain quality standards.
Nakajima maintained that despite the economic downturn that is affecting manufacturing in Nigeria, Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd is forging ahead after 10 years of operation in Nigeria and eight years of SKD assembly, while the motorcycle arm continues in the same manner since 1979 when the factory was inaugurated.
Although its production output has come down from its installed capacity of 1,000 units of vehicles per annum, the auto firm maintains that it will continue to uphold its quality standard for which it has been known since its establishment in Nigeria 44 years ago.
Nakajima listed foreign exchange problems and the scarcity of dollars to purchase goods and components for manufacturing among other operational difficulties that the company is currently facing .
According to him, the uncertainty of the auto policy is also a challenge, which is now under discussion, adding that the direction of the policy is not stable yet.
Nakajima said as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), it needs some stimulation from the government for the market to increase.
“Ninety per cent of the market is used cars. If we have some regulations around new cars, it will help to build confidence in our business.”The company has an installed capacity of 1000 per year, which can be doubled if there is more patronage from customers and government.
“We have an installed capacity of 1000 per year and daily capacity to assemble 3 units per day. For now, we are doing 50 per cent of the three units, that is, we do 1.5 units per day because of low sales and some other challenges,” he said.
The Honda managing director said the company is currently lacking patronage from the government which is an enabler of products produced locally.
“We are ready to supply the government. As the only OEM in Nigeria and only assembler in Ogun state, we expect some patronage from the state government though they have not shut their doors. Our sales have been more, to the Corporates.
“There is something about popularity acceptance. Government as enabler determines what citizens will do, which trickles down to what consumers buy. As an OEM, our quality is guaranteed and our relationship with every customer is the same,” he said.
It was therefore no surprise that the locally-assembled Honda HR-V successfully beat other brands in its segment to emerge the indisputable winner of the highly coveted Nigeria Car-Of-The-Year award at the 2023 Auto Industry Awards organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) which held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos on December 14, 2023. Honda HR-V shoved aside Suzuki S-Presso and Changan Eado to clinch the award.
Out of the tens of awards at the annual event, the Car-of-the-Year award was the most sought-after and Honda HR-V unveiled as the number one car on Nigerian roads.
The presentation of the laurel was done by the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, to the Head Sales, Marketing & Logistics, HAWA , Remi Adams, and the Area Manager, HAWA, Akintola Jemmy, at the Awards Night.
In the presence of other stakeholders, Honda clinched the prestigious laurel, expressing delight and excitement over the recognition of the brand.
The HR-V, which is proudly assembled in Nigeria, by Nigerians and for Nigerians, has been designed to cope with the peculiar terrain of Nigeria.
The new HR-V represents the Third Generation of the HR-V, building on the successes of the First Generation (1999-2006); Second Generation (2006-2013) and the All New HR-V which is the third generation.
Commenting on the award, Adams commended NAJA for recognising the brand with the prestigious award.
He said it was a morale booster for HAWA in its determination to continue to churn out quality Made – in – Nigeria vehicles.
HAWA has its state-of-the-art plant along Sango Ota – Idi-Iroko road in Ogun State where it assembles vehicles, motorcycles and their parts with an installed capacity of 1,000 units per year.
Reacting to this uncommon feat, especially when nobody seems to have given the all-new HR-V a chance, more so, as it is assembled in Nigeria, Head, Sales Marketing and Logistics, HAWA, Remi Adams, said ‘’This feat is very welcome and standard to Us.’’
In an exclusive chat with AUTO REPORT AFRICA, Adams said : “HR-V is a global award winning model and doing the same in Nigeria is a confirmation of our global strength. In near future we look forward to more robust award segments with criteria made available so that online voters can also play a part in the decision making process.
‘’For now, we appreciate the NAIA team for their continued effort to promote efforts and products within the Industry.’’
On what the Car-Of-The-Year award means to Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited, Adams said : “This simply means hard work and being consistent pays off at the end.
‘’Worthy of note, this HR-V is the only model assembled by Honda globally, it is also the only model within Honda that has Made in Nigeria inscribed on the Name Plate. This is a pride model for Honda in Nigeria and Africa.
‘’In assuring Vehicle Quality in the factory, about 700 line items are checked and must be confirmed okay before production is certified okay and completed. This takes approximately four hours on one vehicle.’’
His message to corporate organisations in Nigeria is that of appreciation because, according to him, “they account for more than 75 percent of our total sales, including the HR-V. We only appeal for their continued patronage.”
For the Government on the other hand, ‘’we solicit patronage for Made In Nigeria Vehicles and not just the HR-V,’’ he pleaded, adding, ‘’As long as we have acceptance and support from the government, the industry will grow as expected. Introducing a single digit interest rate for a hire purchase will be a good action from the government.’’
Adams’ message to individual Nigerians is simple.
“We thank them for their patronage as well, they hold about 10 percent of our total sales, especially the leather HR-V. We solicit for continued patronage and more referrals from them.. They have a good taste of quality for choosing Honda and we are glad they did.” he said.
What Makes All-new HR-V Tick?
Powered by Honda’s 1.5 litre powertrain technology which delivers a blend of efficiency and responsive performance, the third -generation Honda HR-V, which comes in two trims – HR-V EX with leather seats and HR-V LX with fabric seats – is without doubt a smart versatile sub-compact SUV that represents another step in Honda’s commitment to a greener world with less emission.
Carrying on with the concept of meeting the exact needs of modern consumers, the new HR-V, which also comes in three colours (Opal Silver White, Brilliant Sporty Metallic Blue and Coffee Cherry Red) for the Nigerian market, achieves a rare balance of premium SUV styling and exceptional spaciousness, with compact dimensions and easy entry and exit for passengers.
Coupe-inspired Exterior, Premium SUV Styling
The new generation HR-V embodies Honda’s simple, clean, modern design philosophy already seen in the Accord.
Defined by the same key design concepts of function and beauty, the compact coupe-inspired silhouette is familiar yet exciting in appearance, with a playful character and confident SUV stance.
Its sleek stance is achieved by increasing ground clearance by 25 mm, now a total of 195mm GC and reducing the front overhang further reinforcing the robust SUV appeal.
The clean simplicity of design is realised through the car’s smooth surfaces, with exterior design features incorporated into the body shape. For example, the headlights, unique body-coloured grille and distinctive lower mesh grille seamlessly integrate with the forward-protruding nose shape and front quarter panels, giving it a more sculpted appearance and creating a sleek, bold expression.
The body sides present a contemporary, noiseless aesthetic, with a crisp horizontal shoulder line running from the rear as far as the front headlights, generating a sense of forward momentum.
The protruding front section and pulled back A-pillar combine to create a premium long bonnet, visually moving the cabin volume rearwards and further accentuating the sleek coupe-like proportions.
The combination of utility and aesthetics is evident in the simple, elegant tailgate design, which neatly integrates the tailgate door handle within the three-dimensional rear panel.
Aerodynamic improvements are achieved without the need for unnecessary design features that often compromise styling.
Interior Design, Class-leading Spaciousness
Inside the new HR-V, every design element is dedicated to achieving a sense of generous spaciousness and airiness that connects occupants to the outside world, with levels of comfort and practicality unrivalled in the sub-compact SUV segment. Contemporary fabrics and textured materials create a solid, premium feel, with the quality of soft-touch materials.
The interior was designed with a focus on space and light to elevate the sense of airiness in the cabin. This airy feeling is amplified by a unique ‘Air Diffusion System’ where L-shaped vents are positioned in the top corners of the dashboard. This new system addresses a disparity in traditional vent configurations, where passengers often feel uncomfortable with air flowing directly onto them.
Particularly worthy of note is a new driving position, which is 10 mm higher than the previous model. In addition, windows that are designed to admit as much light as possible, which are aided by the horizontally orientated, noiseless instrumental panel to the flat line of the bonnet. Furthermore, the mirror attachment has moved lower down the door, improving visibility around the three-quarter area when turning thereby preventing blind spot situations.
Honda’s next-generation body stabilising front seats feature mat-structure support, replacing the previous spring set-up, which helps prevent fatigue on long journeys and increases comfort in everyday use. For additional comfort while driving, the interior controls are optimally positioned as close as possible to the driver’s field of vision.
Platform and Packaging
Although overall vehicle dimensions are similar to the previous model, the new HR-V offers greater leg room and shoulder space, for an enhanced feeling of spaciousness and comfort. In addition to the 35 mm increase in rear leg room, there is an additional two-degree recline compared to the previous generation HR-V. The platform configuration also allows Honda to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seat set-up, that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility, depending on load space required.
Easy loading access has not been compromised by the coupe-inspired roofline. The clever packaging and Magic Seats, a lower tailgate edge, tailgate aperture, low, flat cargo floor all work in unison to provide this. The resulting cargo space can easily accommodate a wide variety of luggage and lifestyle-related equipment.
Efficient and Responsive Powertrain
Honda’s proven technology delivers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with responsive performance and impressive fuel efficiency. A 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with a CVT transmission that perfectly fits helps to drive with peak power output of 119hp / 6600rpm and a Torque of 145Nm / 4300rpm. You can be guaranteed of best in-class fuel economy with its Econ button that allows the owner to have a fuel usage of as little as 18.4Km/L, depending on driving condition and terrain.
Advanced and Intuitive Connectivity
Thanks to the auto maker’s thoughtfulness, the All-New HR-V provides seamless in-car connectivity that allows owners to connect to their everyday lives with ease. The intuitive 8” LCD touchscreen interface is designed to minimise driver distraction, with a simplified and fully customisable menu layer enabling easy access to convenience features and controls. HMI operation time is greatly improved compared to previous model HMI systems, making it quick and easy to switch between Apps and providing fast response to inputs and commands.
The interface, which is navigated using familiar smartphone-style controls, also enables smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay (through Bluetooth, WiFi or cable) and Android Auto (cable). Over-the-air software updates allow upgrades to the latest features and apps.
Enhanced Safety
Very innovative among the array of safety features in the All-new HR-V are the On/Off headlights: They automatically come on when the car gets into a dark environment, go off when it’s bright, and change the low beam headlights to high beam headlights when necessary.
Hill Descent Control, available for the first time in some markets on the HR-V, operates from a minimum speed of just 3 km/h. This technology enables greater and smoother control on low-grip surfaces and steep descents to increase driving confidence in a wider range of conditions.
Interestingly, only a few months after going on sale, the car earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest accolade, the Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating.
After-sales Support/Warranty
As always, owning a Honda is a passport to peace of mind in motoring due to the nationwide after-sales support network of THP Limited (The Honda Place) featuring updated workshops manned by well trained teams, regular stock of genuine replacement parts, and offering efficient service/maintenance.
Like all other Honda vehicles provided in the Nigerian market by HAWA and THP Limited (The Honda Place), the new generation HR-V is supported by a five-year/100, 000 warranty, in addition to five-year free service including labour and parts available to the owners within the period of the warranty.
HAWA also offers financing opportunities through an arrangement with Polaris Bank and Stanbic IBTC.
- You can read this story and other interesting news directly from AUTO REPORT AFRICA DIGITAL January 2024 by clicking here: AUTO REPORT AFRICA DIGITAL January 2024
- LWA_January2024
