autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs
autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Honda HR-V.

In the weeks before Honda Malaysia launched the HR-V in early February, carsifu.my writers were bombarded by queries from friends and colleagues regarding the new mini SUV (sport utility vehicle).

The 1.8-litre HR-V, which stands for Hip and Smart Runaround Vehicle, is representative of the buzz surrounding the passenger car industry’s new darling – subcompact crossovers or mini SUVs.

According to Honda Malaysia, it had received 1,500 bookings for the HR-V as of launch date and is aiming to sell 700 units each month.

This means that the HR-V is expected to account for 9% to 10% of Honda Malaysia’s sales in 2015 – which shows the Japanese automaker’s optimism concerning this new market segment.

Honda Malaysia has every reason to be positive about the HR-V’s prospects in Malaysia, as it is the best-selling mini SUV in Japan and has seen strong demand in Thailand and Indonesia (read

HR-V first impressions

).

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Ford EcoSport.

In Malaysia, Ford is also riding the demand for mini SUVs with its 1.5-litre EcoSport (read

EcoSport review

) which was launched here in August last year.

The EcoSport is the American marque’s new superstar, as it was Ford’s second best-selling nameplate in Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia last year.

The EcoSport contributed 18,149 units or 18% of Ford’s record sales in Asean in 2014.

So, what is driving the demand for mini SUVs?

Ford’s marketing copy explains this well – the EcoSport combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact passenger car with the flexibility, style and ride height of a SUV.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Nissan X-Gear

Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah also put it succinctly.

“The HR-V bridges the gap between upper-range SUVs and entry-level sedans,” said Roslan.

Honda says its HR-V is aimed at Gen-Y singles, young couples and families with active lifestyles.

Pull factors for mini SUV buyers also include competitive price tags and value-for-money offerings.

For example, the EcoSport has two variants priced at RM92,888 to RM103,888.

The top EcoSport variant gets seven airbags, a host of safety features, and Smart Keyless Entry with engine Push-Start Button, as well as rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and a power slide sunroof.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Peugeot 2008

As for the HR-V, there are three variants priced at RM99,800 and RM108,800 and RM118,800.

The top HR-V variant has six airbags, LED headlamps, a seven-inch display, six airbags, multi-angle rearview camera and six speakers.

Meanwhile, buyers in Malaysia can also check out the 1.6-litre Nissan X-Gear which is priced at RM89,800 and billed as a crossover between a multi-purpose vehicle and a SUV.

There is also the 1.6-litre Peugeot 2008 which offers a lot of premium safety and comfort features for RM119,888 (read

2008 review

).

All Peugeot models come with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage together with 24-hours Peugeot Assistance service, complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Mazda CX-3.

Malaysian car buyers can also look forward to the expected arrival of the Mazda CX-3 in July.

According to CIMB Research, the CX-3 is slated to be a hit here due to the increasing popularity of mini SUVs.

The research unit also said in the initial stage, the CX-3 will be launched here in imported 2.0-litre form and priced below RM130,000.

As for premium mini SUVs, buyers with deep pockets in the country are spoilt for choice.

They can check out the likes of the BMW X1 which is offered in petrol and diesel variants, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and Lexus NX.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Audi Q3.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

BMW X1.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Lexus NX.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The GLA arrived here in November last year, and is the first Mercedes-Benz in the mini SUV segment.

It is offered here in three turbocharged variants including the GLA 45 AMG, which is priced at RM378,888 and has the world’s most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine.

Meanwhile, Japanese luxury marque Lexus expects to sell around 2,000 units of the new NX in Malaysia by end-2015.

The Lexus NX was launched here recently, in five variants priced from RM299,873 to RM385,063 (read

NX first local impressions

and

NX first drive in Canada

).

As for the Audi Q3, it is offered in turbocharged 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre variants priced at RM217,600 and RM264,600 respectively.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Volkswagen Tiguan.

Those looking for a premium and sporty German mini SUV can also opt for the 1.4-litre Volkswagen Tiguan priced at RM 178,888.

A 2.0-litre Tiguan is also available at RM239,888.

There is also the Volvo XC60, offered in two 2.0-litre variants priced at RM288,888 and RM315,888.

Another option is the Range Rover Evoque which is available in petrol and diesel variants, and priced around RM400,000.

Also, in the future, Malaysian consumers might have more mini SUV choices such as the Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Nissan Juke.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Range Rover Evoque.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Renault Captur.

autos, cars, mini, hot for mini suvs

Volvo XC60.

According to automotive market research firm Jato Dynamics, the Captur has been a major success for Renault and accounted for nearly 19% of the French automaker’s sales in Europe last year.

“The Captur’s appearance in the list of 10 best-selling models in Europe for December 2014, shows how strong the market for small crossovers has become,” said a recent Jato Dynamics report.

Meanwhile, on the global stage, Nissan’s luxury marque Infiniti will take the covers off its QX30 concept at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The Infiniti QX30 concept is touted as inspiring a new premium compact crossover for those who want a mini SUV that suits their “urban week and get-away weekend” lifestyle.

Keyword: Hot for mini SUVs

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Tesla, Audi, And Nissan EVs Have Minimal Winter Range Loss

Data from 10,000 EVs and 18 models shows a roughly 30 percent lower range in winter on average.

View more: Tesla, Audi, And Nissan EVs Have Minimal Winter Range Loss

Top Gear’s Top 9: minivans that are cooler than SUVs

Hyundai Staria Ford Supervan Hyundai iMax N Ford Transit 'XJ220' Peugeot 806 Procar VW ID Buzz Porsche Vision Renndienst Renault Espace F1 Lexus LM Hyundai Staria What, exactly, is going on in the Hyundai design office at the moment? The Ioniq 5 looks great, the Ioniq 6 is truly ...

View more: Top Gear’s Top 9: minivans that are cooler than SUVs

2025 Volvo EM90 MPV Marks The Debut Of The First Volvo Minivan

Photo: Volvo Volvo released a fully-electric minivan called the EM90 in China on Monday, where the luxury MPV segment is hugely popular. The Volvo EM90 will be the Swedish automaker’s first minivan, and it just happens to be a rear wheel drive EV, though Volvo says the EM90 traces ...

View more: 2025 Volvo EM90 MPV Marks The Debut Of The First Volvo Minivan

Sumitomo Metal Mining looks to boost battery materials output, possibly in US

TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) – Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining (5713.T) is considering producing cathode battery materials in the United States among other options as it looks to expand output to meet demand from electric vehicles, an executive said on Thursday. Sumitomo Metal, which supplies the nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) cathode materials for ...

View more: Sumitomo Metal Mining looks to boost battery materials output, possibly in US

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman with 300hp is here

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with 300hp is here The new (and massive) third-generation Mini Countryman is already here. Now BMW has provided more detail about the infinitely more interesting John Cooper Works variant. Underneath those blocky new flanks sits a 2.0-litre four-pot engine rated at 300hp and 400Nm of torque, ...

View more: Mini John Cooper Works Countryman with 300hp is here

How The Volvo EX30's Minimalist Interface Feels To Operate

Reducing weight, deleting components, and recycled materials make it work. But not without some tradeoffs.

View more: How The Volvo EX30's Minimalist Interface Feels To Operate

This Mostly Stock Electric Mini Punched Above Its Weight. It’s Now A Street Rally Champion

With a standard electric motor and some smart tweaks, the front-wheel drive EV was faster than some Ferraris and Porsches.

View more: This Mostly Stock Electric Mini Punched Above Its Weight. It’s Now A Street Rally Champion

The Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Might Be One Of The Quietest Cars In The World

Dual-chamber air suspension, silent tires, and road noise cancellation tech work together to make the EM90 a silent office on wheels.

View more: The Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Might Be One Of The Quietest Cars In The World

Volvo officially releases the EM90, its first minivan with over 450 miles range

Volvo EM90 Minivan Has a Screen That Folds Down From The Roof And Does Many Things

Mini Reveals New John Cooper Works Countryman, Arrives Q3 2024

Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Has Rear-Wheel Drive And Illuminated Grille

Every electric car you can buy in South Africa under R1 million

Suzuki Jimny With “Little G. Traditional” Body Kit is Mini Geländewagen

Mini Says Fun Performance Cars Won't Die In the Electric Era

New GWM Ora vs Mini Cooper SE – Cheapest electric hatchbacks in South Africa compared

Tynee Mini 3 review: Is it the next new leader in affordable electric skateboards?

Mini launching new hot crossover in South Africa in 2024 – 0-100km/h in 5 seconds

MINI launches the limited-edition MINI Clubman Final Edition in Singapore

The New Mini John Cooper Works Countryman – ALL4 AWD System, 300hp

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel