2022–2024 Honda Grace: A Carimports.mu Review

Honda Grace (GM4 / GM5 Series)

The 2022–2024 Honda Grace is an exceptionally refined compact hybrid sedan imported to Mauritius directly from late-registered Japanese domestic market stock. Engineered on the highly versatile Honda Fit platform, this vehicle provides an outstanding combination of massive rear passenger legroom, premium interior finishing, and exceptionally strong hybrid fuel economy. It serves as an ideal choice for corporate professionals, small families, and private drivers who require highly dependable transport with the elegance of a traditional sedan layout.

Sourced directly from Japanese auctions, the Grace maintains steady inventory turnover at dealerships in Port Louis and Ebene. Honda manufactured this specific platform to prioritize interior volume and riding comfort, heavily upgrading the suspension components to provide a remarkably smooth highway experience. Sourcing a high-grade unit directly from Japan ensures your funds purchase a vehicle with verified mileage and pristine maintenance records, shielding your money from hidden accident damage or poor regional mechanical repairs.

Production History

While standard production of the Honda Grace ended earlier in Japan, extremely late registrations and final fleet batch allocations carry the platform into the 2022 to 2024 import windows for overseas buyers targeting these specific model years on auction platforms. These late-registered iterations represent the absolute pinnacle of the GM series, featuring refined exterior chrome accents, upgraded acoustic dampening to reduce highway noise, and highly proven electrical components.

These late-model units feature standard Honda Sensing active safety systems, integrating proactive driving assist, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking to protect occupants. Honda engineers perfectly tuned the 1.5-liter Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) system during the end of its lifecycle to deliver maximum thermal efficiency and extremely responsive shifting. These ongoing factory updates ensure the Grace handles daily corporate commuting and coastal trips across Mauritian roadways with absolute, unbreakable mechanical dependability.

Most Popular Model Year/Generation

For Mauritian buyers sourcing vehicles from Japan in 2026, finding exceptionally late-registered models specifically between 2022 and 2024 represents a primary procurement target to comply with official import rules. Current regulations mandate that imported second-hand passenger sedans must be strictly between 18 months and 4 years (48 months) old. This critical window must be calculated strictly from the exact date of first registration in Japan to the exact date of shipment. Sourcing a recent unit allows buyers to obtain a highly prestigious hybrid vehicle in excellent mechanical shape.

In this segment, the 1,496cc hybrid powertrain is a highly attractive, strong-demand choice. Under Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) guidelines, hybrid passenger cars in the 1,001–1,600cc category attract a highly favorable 35% excise duty rate, compared with 55% for equivalent conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, plus 15% VAT. This structure provides massive cost savings at customs clearance, keeping the total landed cost extremely competitive for private buyers allocating their money effectively.

Quick Specs

Engine Options & Model Codes

1.5L LEB i-DCD Hybrid (Chassis: GM4 / GM5) RECOMMENDED

The 1,496cc four-cylinder hybrid system combines a highly efficient Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with an electric motor integrated directly into a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power delivery is exceptionally engaging and direct, offering a much more mechanical, sporty driving feel than the standard continuous variable transmissions (CVTs) found in rival hybrids. Because this engine falls into the 1,001–1,600cc hybrid category, it qualifies for the highly advantageous 35% excise duty rate. This powertrain delivers exceptional fuel economy, making it the top choice for drivers looking to slash operating expenses and protect their funds over the long term.

1.5L L15B Petrol (Chassis: GM6 / GM9)

The naturally aspirated 1,496cc four-cylinder petrol engine produces slightly higher raw horsepower paired with a traditional CVT. While it offers a lower purchase price at Japanese auctions, it attracts the much higher 55% standard ICE excise duty rate. The hybrid variant remains the overwhelmingly superior financial recommendation for clearing customs and securing long-term fuel savings in Mauritius.

Interior & Practicality

Passenger Comfort:

The Grace interior prioritizes a highly premium, passenger-focused environment that steps far above traditional economy compacts. The cabin features extremely supportive seating, dedicated rear air-conditioning vents, and a surprising amount of rear legroom that rivals much larger executive sedans. The automatic climate control system cools the spacious passenger area rapidly during hot summer afternoons. The advanced suspension geometry absorbs speed humps and uneven road surfaces around Port Louis efficiently, keeping rear passengers completely undisturbed.

Cargo:

The traditional sedan trunk provides straightforward access to a surprisingly deep, highly secure cargo area measuring over 430 litres. The trunk easily accommodates large executive suitcases, weekly groceries, or corporate trade materials completely out of sight from potential thieves. The rear seatbacks can fold down on specific trims to expand the load floor for longer items, offering excellent daily utility.

Infotainment & Technology

JDM Head Units:

An FM Band Expander must be fitted to Japanese factory radios to pick up local Mauritian stations completely. Most late-registered models feature an intuitive central display screen compatible with aftermarket Apple CarPlay adapters for straightforward English smartphone navigation and media control.

Security:

High. The extreme popularity of Honda hybrid components elevates the risk of targeted theft. Installing a physical steering wheel lock and a concealed aftermarket GPS tracker right after clearing customs is strongly recommended to securely protect your vehicle and your funds.

Fuel Efficiency & Ownership Costs

Economy:

The 1.5L i-DCD hybrid model delivers astonishing fuel economy, averaging 25 to 30 km per litre in heavy urban traffic where the electric motor performs much of the low-speed work. Highway driving remains highly efficient due to the sleek sedan aerodynamics.

Minor Service:

Routine maintenance every 10,000 km requires a very modest amount of money. Owners typically spend between 4,000 and 5,500 MUR for approved synthetic oil, specialized hybrid system checks, and dual-clutch transmission fluid assessments at local independent service centers.

Spare Parts:

Parts availability for the GM Series Grace is absolutely exceptional across Mauritius due to shared mechanical components with the incredibly popular Honda Fit platform. Independent auto stores and specialist repair shops stock replacement brake pads, filters, and suspension bushings, allowing quick repair turnarounds without waiting for overseas shipments.

Suitability for Mauritian Roads

Clearance:

A ground clearance of 135 mm is highly suitable for paved highways, smooth city streets, and well-maintained coastal tracks. Drivers must approach steep speed humps, uneven driveway ramps, and severely degraded coastal roads with care to avoid front lip underbody scraping.

Theft Risk:

High. High market popularity makes this hybrid sedan a frequent target for organized theft. Secure off-street parking behind a gated wall is highly advised to protect your funds.

Safety & Reliability

The Honda Grace holds an impenetrable globally recognized record of mechanical dependability and strong crash safety. The late-model units come equipped with advanced Honda Sensing features, including pre-collision emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Buyers should strictly focus on Japanese auction units rated 4.0 or higher to ensure pristine structural condition. A mandatory pre-shipment inspection must be completed in Japan before shipping to Mauritius to strictly prevent border rejection.

💰 Honda Grace Price In Mauritius

* Prices listed above are average estimated landed costs and asking showroom prices in Port Louis, Curepipe, Grand Baie, and Ebene.

Import Taxation Strategy

* Taxation rates are applied based on engine capacity and powertrain classification under MRA guidelines.

The Ci Verdict

The 2022–2024 Honda Grace is an exceptionally stylish and highly reliable vehicle for daily drivers in Mauritius. It combines highly efficient hybrid performance with a surprisingly spacious rear cabin and incredibly predictable routine maintenance costs. Sourcing a late-registered unit directly from Japanese auctions allows buyers to bypass extreme local dealer markups while getting a flawless, well-maintained vehicle.

In this class, the 1,496cc hybrid's 35% excise duty rate provides a highly accessible entry point for buyers demanding premium Japanese styling with massive fuel savings. Verifying auction inspection reports and ensuring pre-shipment certification guarantees that your funds are highly protected throughout the import process.

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