2022 Honda HR-V: 3 Things we like and 3 things we don’t

Honda has recently launched the all-new third-generation Honda HR-V in Malaysia to take on the segment’s current bestseller, the Proton X50 as well as the Japanese rival Toyota Corolla Cross. In the latest avatar, the HR-V has been receiving an overwhelming response from the public as the bookings for the SUV have crossed the 20,000 mark. 

Undoubtedly, the new HR-V is a stylish vehicle with advanced features that fits the customers’ daily lifestyle. However, like every other good thing in this world, it also misses out on a few aspects. So, as the title suggests we will be discussing the three things we like most about the new HR-V and three things we don’t in this story. But before that, let’s check out the key specifications of the SUV.  

Honda offers the new HR-V in four variants - S, Turbo E, Turbo V, and RS e:HEV. And, unlike the other countries, Malaysia gets the model in three different engine options, including naturally aspirated, turbocharged and hybrid types. As for comparison, Indonesia gets the turbo and naturally aspirated engines, while Thailand and Europe have only hybrid HR-V on the list.

The base-spec version is powered by a naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC four-cyl unit generating 121 PS of maximum power and 145 Nm of maximum torque. The E and V variants, on the contrary, run on  a 1.5L VTEC Turbo mill rated at 181 PS and 240 Nm. However, the top-spec is exclusively fueled by a hybrid mill combining a 1.5-litre 4-cyl DOHC i-VTEC with an e-motor, together delivering 131 PS and 253 Nm of torque.

The Honda HR-V variant-wise price list is as follows - 

Variants	Price (on-the-road, with sales tax, without insurance)
HR-V S	RM 114,800
HR-V Turbo E	RM 129,800
HR-V Turbo V	RM 134,800
HR-V RS e:HEV	RM 140,800

3 Things we like about the 2022 Honda HR-V

Gorgeous looks

The latest HR-V looks gorgeous and premium compared to its predecessor and is touted as one of the most handsome-looking cars available in the market. It comes with a more mature and sportier stance, which appears more like a coupe. 

The front fascia is dominated by an all-new sporty front grille paired with restyled LED headlights, while the rear end is elevated with a bold design featuring an LED tail light strip. The latter runs across the back leaving a luxurious vibe on the road.

Adding to the attractive aesthetics are LED sequential turn signals, stylish daytime running lights, LED fog lights and new18-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 Continental UC6 tyres.

Well-built cabin

Honda has also gone to great lengths to freshen up the HR-V interior, which exudes a modern feel with aesthetically pleasing and convenient bits. Upfront, we can see a new soft-touch dashboard, which is more open and laid horizontally. It is kitted with an 8.0-inch infotainment unit, a 7.0-inch instrument panel and new AC vents along with a Honda-first air diffusion system. The latter allows better circulation of cool air in the cabin, however, it works only on the side vents. 

There are also Ultra Seats with three models - Utility, Long and Tall, enabling passengers to adjust rear seats for more boot space or to keep long or tall objects with ease. The seats are wrapped in either fabric or black leather upholstery. 

The cabin also offers the rear passengers 35 mm extra foot and knee room over its predecessor; they also get a more reclined backrest angle. The driver’s eye point is also 10 mm higher than before. 

Among the other key features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, eight speakers, Honda Connect remote services, Remote engine start, and Keyless entry. Further, adding to the comfort are several storage compartments and charging ports.

Honda Sensing ADAS as standard

The top-spec HR-V RS comes equipped with a full set of advanced safety technologies, including Honda LaneWatch and Honda SENSING safety suite. The latter is also made standard across all variants and comprises the following advanced driver assistance safety systems -

• Forward Collision Warning
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Lane Keep Assist System
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Auto High Beam
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Low Speed Follow
• Lead Car Departure Notification

3 things we don’t like about the 2022 Honda HR-V

Four airbags as standard

While even the base-spec HR-V is loaded with all advanced safety systems, it is quite surprising that Honda equipped the car with just four airbags. However, the base versions of its closest competitors - X50 and Corolla Cross come with six and seven airbags, respectively.

Slower acceleration

In comparison to the segment’s bestseller, the X50, the new HR-V is slower. While the former runs from zero to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds, the HR-V Turbo E and V models do the same task in 8.7 seconds. The base-spec and RS hybrid take 12.1 secs and 10.7 secs for the same. This could be a deal breaker for some customers.

Less headroom at the rear

While Honda worked on the foot and knee room, the headroom for the rear passengers is still a bit cramped. This could be problematic for tall passengers.

Well. that’s about the new HR-V pros and cons. What do you think of the latest Honda, let us know in the comments.

Also read: 2023 Honda Civic Type R arrives as the most powerful Type R ever