Honda Freed facelift launched in Malaysia
Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has given the Freed compact MPV its customary midlife facelift halfway through its third year in the market. Changes are primarily cosmetic, with mechanical underpinnings unaltered, and the same two-variant line-up preserved. Consumers continue to choose between two 1.5-litre 5-speed automatic variants separated only by trim levels.
The gambit opens with a more affordable Grade S model at RM99,800 with insurance, followed by the better-appointed Grade E model at RM113,500, almost unchanged from before. The pre-facelift variants sold at RM99,800 for Grade S, and RM113,494.50 for Grade E. Notable items separating the two variants include leather seats and power sliding rear doors.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno said, “We are pleased to introduce the New Freed, which is a product that maximizes the joy of driving for Malaysian motorists. The latest Freed is a Completely Build-Up (CBU) unit from Indonesia. To-date, Honda Malaysia has sold over 2,500 units of Freed since its launch.”
From the pre-facelift model, the new Freed loses the smoked headlamp finishes, but gains on having a new front bumper and rim design, though the addition of door-side armrests and upper grab handles for the second row seats are perhaps the most useful among improvements made. Amongst compact MPVs, the Freed’s 4+2-seater flat floor layout is unique, and impressively flexible compared to segment rivals.
In terms of colour choices, Honda offers a choice of three colours for the Grade S model – Brilliant White Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl. The Grade E model only has Brilliant White Pearl available.
The Freed is covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty although the fine print dictates that the consumer must return to authorized Honda service centres for all scheduled maintenance intervals. A total of six free labour service coupons are given with each purchase, applicable for the 1,000km, 10,000km, 30,000km , 50,000km, 70,000km, and 90,000km services.
Pictures: Official Honda release.
