When Honda launched the all-new Honda City last October, the main highlight was the range-topping City RS e:HEV hybrid variant which made its world debut in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the pricing for the City RS e:HEV wasn’t revealed, and the model was only slated to be delivered to customers this year.
Well, guess what? The company today confirmed that the All-New Honda City RS e:HEV will indeed be reaching its rightful owners later this month, and that is not all. Honda Malaysia has also introduced its latest innovative and advanced technology, the Honda Connect which will be available for the first time in the All-New Honda City RS.
What is Honda Connect?
Applying smart Telematics Technology, Honda Connect allows the users to connect with their cars with a touch of their fingertips via a smartphone application.
Key functions of the Telematics technology in Honda Connect include Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Applications, Security Applications, Vehicle Tracking and Support Services – all of which are aimed at easing owner’s accessibility to their vehicle and its information whenever and wherever.
Under Safety and Security, Honda Connect is equipped with Automatic Collision Detection System, Security Alarm Detection, Speed Alert, Find My Car, Geo-Fencing Alert and Emergency Call.
The Automatic Collision Detection System provides immediate support to the driver via Honda’s 24 Hours Roadside Assist Call Centre in case of an accident or air bag deployment in the car, where a notification will be sent to the Call Center and emergency support will be dispatched.
Monitor your car remotely
And then there is the Security Alarm Detection feature which remotely monitors the car situation from wherever the owner is. A push notification will then be sent to the owner as well as Honda’s 24 Hours Roadside Assist Call Centre when the car door, trunk or bonnet is forcibly opened.
Owners are also able to conveniently and safely locate their vehicle with the Find My Car function in Honda Connect which allows owners to park with ease anywhere knowing that they can now easily locate their car on a map that is linked to their smartphone.
Besides that, there are the Speed Alert and Geo-Fencing Alert functions to alert and notify the owner when the vehicle is being driven out of the set conditional parameters of driving radius and speed limit.
Honda Connect also includes Remote Vehicle Control; Car Status and Service Reminder; Vehicle Dashboard and Point of Interest (POI) search.
24 Hours Roadside Assist Call Centre
Owners can also request for Honda’s 24 Hours Roadside Assist Call Centre to unlock the doors remotely if the car keys were accidentally left inside.
Besides the car lock, this feature can also remotely start or stop the car engine, switch on or off the air conditioning to conveniently cool the cabin as well as remotely switching on the lights to help the owner locate the parked car at night time – all of which truly redefines safety and convenience while bringing the joy of connectivity and mobility to customers.
An emergency call function enables users to quickly connect with emergency contacts which can promptly support and assist user in emergencies. Driving behaviour and Trip logs work to track and record driving styles with driving data from the connected vehicle.
The Service Reminder function provides users with updates on all past service information including reminders for next periodical maintenance. Users can check Service History, Parts List and Estimation cost for future vehicle service as well as contact a Honda Dealer to make a service appointment.
Honda Connect’s Remote Diagnostic Support provides initial assessment and necessary diagnosis on the issue at hand. It can detect any issues with the 11 main indicators, after which Honda’s 24 Hours Roadside Assistance Call Center will arrange for necessary support if requested by the owner.
Similarly, with the other safety and security features, a push notification will be sent to users when trouble occurs with the vehicle and is detected on the warning lamp.
11 indicators
The 11 indicators supported by the Remote Diagnostic Support are Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Supplemental Restraint System, Brake System, Engine Malfunction, Charging System, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System, Electric Power Steering (EPS) System, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC), Safety Support and Power System.
Last but not least, Honda Connect also works to offer an advanced form of communication through the One-to-One Message function, Social Network Services (SNS) Posting and Customer Inquiry features.
The One-to-One Message are reminders on service maintenance, insurance renewal and annual vehicle tax deadline while SNS Posting allows users to share their vehicle trip logs with their community via social media.
