2nd Generation Honda Stream 1.8 i-VTEC in Malaysia

In this age of rising fuel cost, the new Honda Stream is now beating with a 1.8 i-VTEC powerplant (downgraded from 2.0 i-VTEC DOHC previously). If this petrol motor sounds familiar to you, that�s because it is the same R18A SOHC powering the current Honda Civic 1.8S. Rated output is 140ps at 6300rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4300rpm. Electric Power Steering (EPS) together with Honda�s superb and still �first-in-class� 5-speed auto �box, ensures better fuel economy for this 2nd generation Stream.

As expected, the tilt and telescopically adjustable steering wheel is pinched from the Civic 1.8. The double-DIN (Kenwood) audio head-unit doesn�t allow for on-wheel control buttons/switches. For cabin comfort, there is a standard automatic climate control A/C. The meter panel is of the self-illuminating type and unlike the Civic, is a regular twin dials of speedo and tachometer. In addition, a multi-info display is available, through which the driver can call up motoring info such as current fuel consumption, remaining fuel and estimated travel range. Being a CBU unit, an electric sunroof/moonroof is standard.

Brakes are standard discs all- round, peering through 15� alloys, looking adequately sized, being ventilated items for the front axle. Suspension set-up is the cost-saving MacPherson struts up front while the rear uses a compact reactive-link double wishbone suspension. The more compact rear suspension is said to free up more third row passenger space while wheelbase lengthening by 20mm further increases legroom for 3rd row passengers. Meanwhile, ride height is now lowered by 45mm, helping improve driving stability with the resultant lower centre of gravity.

Safety features include ABS, EBD and dual SRS airbags. There is no Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) for the Stream 1.8, which is electronic stability control system in Honda-speak. According to a Honda dealer�s Sales Advisor there may be a top range Stream 2.0 i-VTEC later in 2008, pending the market�s acceptance and response to the Stream 1.8.

In the meantime, the new Honda Stream 1.8 i-VTEC is available in four colours - Premium White Pearl, Alablaster Silver Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl and Nighthawk Black Pearl. You can park one in your driveway for RM149,800 (on-the-road with insurance).


Related posts:
http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-honda-stream-officially-in-malaysia.html
http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-new-honda-stream-due-in-november.html
http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html

New Honda Stream officially in Malaysia now

Honda Malaysia has announced today that their new Honda Stream 1.8 is available at RM149,800 (on-the-road with insurance), effective immediately.

More details to come later...so watch this spot! ;)

Related posts:
http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-new-honda-stream-due-in-november.html
http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html

All-New Honda Stream due in November 2007!

Having received information from a CBU PDI centre in Port Klang half a year ago that the new Stream hasn't been scheduled for importation from Indonesia this year, this little piece of announcement of launch by Honda Malaysia has somewhat taken me by surprise. Last I was told there were hundreds of unsold current Streams lying around car yards, especially the ones at the port.

Anyway, it's good to hear that the now-overdue 2006 Honda Stream will see our shores before 2008 dawns upon us. Could it be because of the new Nissan Grand Livina launching very soon that Honda Malaysia starts to wake up and buck up?

The other question is: will we see the 1.8 or 2.0L version or both?

Whichever model it turns out to be, NEWBIE CARS expect no dramatic upswing in price tags, perhaps even a little lower in view of the facelift Mitsubishi Grandis 'relaunched' recently.

For more details on the all-new Stream, check this out:

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/03/coming-soon-all-new-honda-stream.html

You may want to read these:

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-mitsubishi-grandis-facelift-for.html

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/08/nissan-livina-mpv-confirmed-for-launch.html

Coming Soon: All-New Honda Stream

Expected soon from Honda Malaysia and following the launch of the 3rd generation CR-V will be the all-new Stream. Featuring a low-floor platform, the new Stream combines stylish compact exterior with a comfortable interior and powerful driving performance. With a low overall height of 1,545mm, the new Stream has a modern dynamic sporty wagon look.

Into its second-generation, the Stream is a 7-seater with the versatility and functionality to make family and friends outings a joy. Along with its vibrant, low-slung styling, it delivers total comfort and a feeling of integration wherever the driver and passengers come in contact with the vehicle � whether getting in and out, steering, throttle response, or manipulating seating arrangements.

Body frame rigidity has been enhanced for improved driving performance, and the front sub-pillars have been eliminated to attain a significant increase in visibility. The floor design has also been significantly improved to create a flat foot area from corner to corner and a significantly lower floor for the third row of seats. These innovations mean improved passenger comfort as well as a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

Both powerplants�the newly developed 2.0L i-VTEC engine with CVT and the 1.8L i-VTEC engine with 5-speed automatic transmission�deliver powerful, smooth driving performance (from low to mid rev band).

Wheelbase has been increased by 20mm and the pedal layout adjusted to increase the tandem distance between the 2nd and 3rd row seats by 30mm, affording more room to third-row passengers.

Its side sill has been redesigned to obtain an extra 20mm of width for passengers in the first and second rows. For the third row, the use of a slim fuel tank permits a lower floor, while the reduced cross section in the rear frame results in more width. The adoption of a separate rear frame and floor panel construction allows for a floor flat all the way out to its edges on both sides. The floor tunnel has been eliminated for a significant gain in leg room. A completely flat floor creates an expansive and relaxing space, no matter where an occupant is sitting.

The R20A 2.0L i-VTEC engine found in the new CR-V will likely find its way into the local Honda Stream. It is unsure at this point whether the 1.8L i-VTEC version will be made available, but highly unlikely judging from the engine capacity of its competitors, the Mazda5 and Toyota Wish. Honda�s i-VTEC system is an improvement on the original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology to allow the engine to retard intake valve closure timing under low engine-load driving conditions. Valve control is complemented by a DBW (Drive by Wire) system that provides optimum throttle valve control, significantly reducing pumping losses. This results in greater combustion efficiency, for a major improvement in fuel economy while cruising. At the same time, improved intake efficiency and a higher compression ratio create ample low-range torque, while comprehensive friction reduction measures and precise air-fuel ratio control result in outstanding fuel economy

The increased energy efficiency of the i-VTEC variable valve timing control system is further enhanced by a 3-stage variable-length intake manifold on the newly developed 2.0L engine to deliver torquey performance at all engine speeds, while the 1.8L engine employs a variable-length intake manifold that optimizes intake ram effect. Both engines achieve excellent fuel economy of 14.8km/l (claimed).

2.0L models are equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with torque converter. The torque converter delivers powerful, urgent off-the-line performance, AND with the CVT�s smooth, seamless acceleration to follow later into higher speed.

The 1.8 Stream comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission that takes advantage of the engine�s performance characteristics to achieve both powerful acceleration and outstanding fuel economy. The upgrade to a 5-speed transmission from the previous Stream�s 4-speed transmission permits both a wider overall range of gearing and closer gear ratios.

Top-end RSZ model comes equipped with a paddle shifter with intelligent control. Operating the paddle shifter when the gear lever is in �D� automatically flips the transmission into manual override. What�s more, the RSZ (2.0L) with CVT also comes with a 7-speed manual-shift mode of �virtual� ratios.

The all-new Stream is widely expected to be launched by Q4 2007 in CBU form, to be imported from Indonesia. A continuation of its predecessor's �tradition�, as well as to relieve Honda Malaysia�s Melaka assembly plant maxed-out production capacity. Price is estimated to hover around RM160K.

Update: According to reliable sources involved in the 'processing' of Honda CBU cars, the all-new Stream is unlikely to make it to our shores in 2007. Allegedly, there are still hundreds of units of the current Stream uncalled for at the holding area at Port Klang, and the slowdown in sales hasn't picked up for this Honda MPV.