Honda HR-V RS gets black interior, replaces original ivory trim

KUALA LUMPUR: Facelifted Honda HR-V RS was launched in Malaysia five months back with the ivory interior, which seems to have failed to win hearts. Depending on consumers’ feedback, Honda Malaysia has now introduced a new version with a black interior.

In the new version, all the touches of ivory are replaced with black elements. These include leather upholstery, door panel, dashboard panel trim, and centre console. Apart from these cosmetic changes, Honda has not modified or added anything at all.

To recall, the facelifted SUV is based on the Grade variant. In terms of exteriors, it brings a lot of new styling elements including the mesh-style front fog lamp garnish and a sports-type front grille.

The front/rear bumpers’ lower portion, side mirror covers, and side sills have been given a gentle touch of gloss black. The outer door handles feature a dark chrome finish, while the black chrome paint job on the licence plate garnish. The car rides on 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 profile tyres.

Honda HR-V RS comes with a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, which pushes out a maximum power of 142 PS along with a peak torque of 172 Nm. The engine is coupled to CVT box having paddle shifters. There is a new VGR (Variable Gear Ratio) steering system, available only to the RS model.

Speaking of the safety features, the new model comes with six airbags and a Honda LaneWatch Blind Spot Camera. Other equipment includes ESS (emergency stop signal), HSA (hill start assist) and VSA (vehicle stability assist).

The facelifted Honda HR-V RS is available in three exterior color options that include Modern Steel Metallic, recently introduced Passion Red Pearl, and White Orchid Pearl. It gets a price tag of RM 124,800.