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).



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.

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