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Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the new Honda Stream, the second introduction of the car in our local market, but this time its offered by the principals themselves and comes with a 3 years manufacturer warranty, at a cheaper price than grey importers.

More details after the jump.

While the previous Stream was a 2.0 liter unit, this latest generation model is the Stream 1.8, powered by the R18A SOHC i-VTEC engine found in the Honda Civic 1.8S. This engine puts out 140 PS at 6,300rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4,300rpm and is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, with 4th and 5th being overdrive gears for better highway fuel economy. It uses an Electric Power Steering and a Drive By Wire throttle.

The car rides on MacPherson struts with a new side cancellation spring at the front, while the rear uses a compact reactive-link double wishbone suspension. The compact rear suspension setup allows for a better third row passenger space. Ride height is now lower by 45mm, helping lower the center of gravity. The car rides on 15 inch wheels wrapped with 205/65R15 tyres.

If you notice, the previous generation Honda Stream (and also the current Civic, Jazz and City) had an A-pillar sub-frame pillar - this extra pillar that is part of the car frame is what results in that little triangular window located at the A-pillar in a cab forward cabin design. This enhances visibility and gives the car a more sedan-like cleaner outer appearance. There is still a small “pillar” that makes up a triangle but it is very thin compared to the previous Stream.