2022 Honda HR-V: Top competitors in the Malaysian market

Even before its launch, the 2022 Honda HR-V created a lot of buzz in the Malaysian market which is evident from its high booking figures. And now after its launch, the B-segment SUV continues to be popular with customers, which means a handful of cars hailing from the same category as the HR-V will face the challenges to attain the same customers as before.

So, which cars will be most affected by the launch of HR-V? Let’s find out, but here are the 2022 HR-V key highlights.

Price & Variants: The new HR-V is offered in four variant options in Malaysia, all of which are mentioned below along with their respective prices.

HR-V S	RM 114,800
HR-V Turbo E	RM 129,899
HR-V Turbo V	RM 134,800
HR-V RS e:HEV	RM 140,800

Engine: Powering the base trim, S, is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC 4-cyl engine making a maximum power output of 121 PS along with a peak torque of 145 Nm. The Turbo E and Turbo V variants, on the other hand, are powered by a 1,5-litre VTEC turbo engine pumping 181 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque. The range-topping RS trim is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cyl DOHC i-VTEC mill that is coupled with an e-motor, together making 131 PS and 253 Nm of torque.

Standard features:

• Automatic LED reflector headlamps
• LED combination tail lights
• Power folding ORVM
• Keyless entry with walk-away automatic locking
• Push-button start
• Tilt & telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• Analogue instrument cluster with multi-info display
• Single-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
• 8-inch touchscreen 2-DIN head unit with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support
  
• USB ports
• Reverse camera
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats with Ulta Seat function
• Four airbags
• Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features
• ABS with EBD & BA
• Stability control
• Agile Handling Assist
• Hill start assist
• Hill descent control
• Seat belt reminder
• Rear seat reminder

As one climbs up the SUVs variant list more and more features are added, thus justifying the higher price tag.

Also Read: All-new 2022 Honda HR-V: How safe and comfortable is the new Honda SUV?

2022 Honda HR-V Competitors -

Proton X50

This one will be a tough battle, as the Proton X50 is the market leader for B-segment SUVs as well as the overall leader for the SUVs in Malaysia. In June 2022 alone, a total of 4,473 units of X50 were delivered. Thus making June the best sales month since the car’s launch in October 2020. The SUV is currently offered in four variant options, namely - 1.5T Standard, 1.5T Executive, 1.5T Premium, and 1.5 TGDi Flagship.

The X50 price ranges from RM 83,800 to RM 109,800, thus making it far more competitive than the HR-V. Its standard feature list includes -

• LED Projector headlamps
• LED DRLs
• Steering mode selection
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Driving modes
• Intelligent entry with push start button

• Remote engine start
• Power windows
• Rear AC vents
• N95 cabin filter
• Manual air-con
• 8-inch touchscreen with voice command, navigation, music streaming, weather forecast, smartphone connectivity
• Bluetooth, 4G & wI-fI
• 2 USB ports

All the X50 variants are powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cyl in-line, 12 valve DOHC turbo engine making a maximum power of 150 PS along with a peak torque of 226 Nm. The output figures are slightly different for the range-topping 1.5 T GDI Flagship model, 177 PS and 255 Nm.
The drive is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with manual mode. As for the latest update, the SUV now benefits from an onboard Spotify music streaming app support with the ACO tech Atlas OS.

Also Read: 2022 Honda HR-V: How does it stack up against the Proton X50?

Toyota Corolla Cross

The next available option that a prospective buyer can look at in a similar price range is the Toyota Corolla Cross. The SUV is offered in two variant options - base level 1.8G and top 1.8V, priced at RM 124,000 and RM 134,000 respectively. Its standard feature list includes -

• Halogen projector headlights with bulb-type DRLs
• LED fog lamps
• LED combination tail lights
• Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with tilt & telescopic adjustment
• Single-zone automatic climate control
• 9-inch touchscreen information display with Apple CarPlay &
• Android Auto support and Miracast functionalities
• 8-way power adjustable driver seat

• 12-volt outlet
• Rear centre air vents
• Two USB Type-A charging port
• Foot pedal parking brake
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Passive Cruise control
• Tyre pressure warning system
• 7 airbags
• Front & rear parking sensors
• 360-degree surround view camera
• Front-facing dash cam

Riding on the TNGA-C platform, the SUV is powered by a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl Dual VVT-i petrol engine making 139 PS and 172 Nm.

In the latest update, UMW Toyota Motors just launched the Corolla Cross Hybrid model. The petrol-electric crossover sits on top of the lineup and is priced at RM 136,550.

Also Read: Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross or book the 2023 Honda HR-V?

Peugeot 2008

Another competitor to the 2022 HR-V is the second-gen Peugeot 2008 that was offered in a sole Allure variant. Priced at RM 126,753, this B-segment SUV is locally assembled at the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah. Part of the car’s standard kit is -

• Automatic LED headlamps
• LED DRLs
• LED tail lights
• Bulb-type rear fog lamps
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 12 parking sensors
• Keyless entry & engine start
• Electronic parking
• Passive cruise control
• Three drive modes
• Single zone climate control
• Mood lighting
• Manually-adjustable front seats
• Reverse camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Walk away lock

• 10-inch instrument cluster with 3D-effect graphics
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Android Auto &
• Apple CarPlay support
• 6 airbags
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Anti-Skid Regulation (traction control)
• ABS with EBD & brake assist
• Hill start assist
• High beam assist
• Blind spot monitor
• Active lane keeping assist
• Driver attention warning
• Camera-based autonomous emergency braking

Powering it is a PureTech 1.2-litre turbo three-cyl petrol engine generating maximum power of 130 hp and 230 Nm of peak torque. The drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Also Read: Peugeot Malaysia announced an extended service interval

Mazda CX-3

• LED automatic headlamps
• LED DRLs
• LED front fog lamps
• LED tail lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Keyless entry
• Powered sunroof
• Eight parking sensors (four front and four rear)
• 10-way power driver’s seat with memory function
• 4.6-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display
• Head-up display
• Single-zone automatic climate control
• Paddle shifters

• 7-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
• i-Activsense suite of driver-assist features
• 6 airbags (front, side and curtain)
• ABS
• Dynamic Stability Control
• EBD, brake assist
• Traction control
• Hill Launch Assist
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Walk away lock
• All-seat seatbelt warning

Priced at RM 130,729, the CX-3 is powered by a SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill making a maximum power of 154 hp and 206 Nm of peak torque. The power is transmitted to the front wheels via a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Apart from the above-mentioned options, prospective customers looking for a B-segment SUV in the given price range can also check out the Hyundai Kona. As for those who can wait a bit, the 2022 Nissan Kicks is on its way.

Also Read: 2022 Nissan Kicks: What to expect