Honda HR-V: Key updates

SUVs rule the roost. Period! Be it in whatever form and whichever part of the world, they are widely renowned for their ability to traverse terrains and bring almost the same utility which is afforded by the much bigger pickups. In the process, the compact SUVs have also become more fuel efficient and in some cases, fun to drive as well. One such SUV is the Honda HR-V. Modelled on elder brother, the Honda CR-V, the new HR-V also boasts almost all the features of the CR-V but in a lighter compact package. In its second generation now, the Honda HR-V has got the right looks too. So, what has changed in this new Honda HR-V. Here are some of the key updates that this facelifted Honda HR-V brings to our Malaysian market.

1) Looks

If you would have noticed by now, the Honda HR-V kind of always looked staid. It was never bought as much for utility and stance as was for the beauty of the car. This, however, will change now. The Honda now looks quite smart. The chrome bar in the centre now gels with the family look and there are all-LED headlights as well as LED DRLs on the top-spec model. The lower ones still get halogen headlights. Honda has also revised the front and rear bumpers and these now sit flush with the overall design element intended. The grille too gets a mesh design, something which is now common to most Honda models these days. Honda has moved on from the 16-inch wheels and all the HR-V trims now sit on 17-inch alloys. Even the Mugen trim. However, as is the norm, the Mugen trim gets different alloys, has got a front splitter, rear spoiler, and many Mugen badges all around. The door handles for the rear passengers are neatly hidden into the C-pillar. At the rear, the only change visible is the introduction of ESS which essentially stands for Emergency Stop Signal. When a driver applies the brake all too suddenly, the hazards come on to warn the vehicles behind.

Overall, the vehicle looks a tad more aerodynamic as well as has a coupe-tinge towards the rear.

2) Cabin

There are no major changes here but Honda has still managed to keep things fresh. After all, the Honda HR-V is almost three years old in our market and still has an appeal which is showcased at the cash register at Honda. Honda has changed the fabric trim and it is a tad more softer than before. It also now has a centre console pocket where one can keep their phones while they are on charging. Honda has also carved out more space in the centre tunnel and added two cup holders there. In all, the cabin now has seven cup holders.  However, there are still no rear AC vents but given the experience we have had with this for Honda’s aircon system, it shouldn't be a problem either.

The magic seats as Honda likes to call the rear perch still remains and is a wise choice for those looking for versatility from their urban runabout. The seats can fold flat and in various configurations to accommodate more luggage.

3) Safety

This is one feature where the Honda HR-V would otherwise be trumped by its competitors. But not now. While the Vezel (name for the HR-V in Japanese markets) gets a suite of features with the update like Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking System, we don’t get any of these. Instead, six airbags have been made standard and so have Hill Assist, ISOFIX mounts on the rear seats, Auto Brake Hold, Vehicle Stability Assist and a multi-angle rear view camera with sensors at the back. Of course, ABS along with EBD too is standard like before. We so wish Honda would have added the same features like the Vezel to the Malaysian-spec car. However, we understand that this has not been done to keep costs low as well as to not get embroiled getting government clearance for radar-assisted technology.

There is no change to the 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine and it still continues to deliver a class-leading 142 PS of power and 172 Nm of torque. A Continuously Variable Transmission takes care off the gear shifting. Ohh, before we forget, a new red exterior paint scheme has also been added and Honda has marginally increased prices of the new HR-V. The range starts from RM 91,865 and ends in 111,431 inclusive of zero percent GST for the Mugen trim.