Honda HRV Thai Spec 1

Not very long before the Honda HR-V makes its Malaysian market debut - word on the vine is that the much-anticipated Jazz-based B-segment crossover is due to be launched in Q1 2015, and its appearance in downtown Kuala Lumpur, at Sentul East, for a TV commercial shoot is a good indicator that it's all getting very close now.

The vehicle was spotted by reader Choo Kok Foong, who came upon the shoot in progress. The HR-V was being filmed making a high speed cornering run around the intersection, with a number of takes made. The clip by Choo caught the vehicle on its last run, being reversed into position.

The HR-V - which made its debut as the Vezel in Tokyo last year - had its ASEAN premiere at the 2014 Indonesian International Motor Show in September. It's set to be produced in Indonesia for the domestic market, beginning January next year.

In the republic, the HR-V will be available in two engine forms, a 120 PS/145 Nm 1.5 litre from the City and Jazz, and a 1.8 litre pushing 139 PS and 169 Nm, both paired with a CVT automatic gearbox (the 1.5 is also available with a five-speed manual). Prices start from 240 million rupiah (RM67,500) for the base 1.5.

Thailand, meanwhile, introduced the HR-V in November, and it was on show at the 2014 Thailand International Motor Expo. In the Kingdom, it's only available in 141 PS and 172 Nm 1.8 litre form, coupled to a CVT transmission - three trim levels are available, with prices starting from 890,000 baht (RM94,800).