All-new 3rd gen Honda HR-V 2022 coming soon to Malaysia; here's are wishlist

The all-new third-gen Honda HR-V has been making news since the  the latter half of 2022. The car was first launched in Japan, where it also got the Mugen accessories, followed by Europe, Thailand, and Indonesia. In the US, Honda has introduced and opened the bookings for the car, but an official launch is still awaited.

Now, it's our turn to experience the new, third-gen HR-V. The B-segment crossover has been spotted several times in Malaysia and is speculated to be here sometime in Q3 2022. Are you excited? We sure are, and it would be great to see how it competes with the Proton X50.

Before the new HR-V arrives, we have a window to look at our neighbors and other markets with the new Honda and create our wishlist. It's more the features and specifications we'd like to see on the 2023 HR-V. So, let's get started.

Styling

We won't shy away from saying the US-spec HR-V looks better than the one launched in the ASEAN region. This is because the company has kept the consumers' tastes and preferences in mind before deciding. However, that doesn't mean the Thai or Indonesian-spec HR-V is less.

Since Malaysia has a 99.99% chance of getting the same model as its close neighbors, selecting the styling features we need would be better. For instance, the new, horizontal, and forward-looking grille is a must for that clean look. We do not want that new HR-V to miss a few other features: sleek and stylish automatic LED headlights, LED DLRs, LED fog lights, LED side indicators, and LED taillights with LED high mount stoplights. The 18-inch alloy wheels like the perfect fit for the car.

Who doesn't like a little extra comfort? So, for that sake, let's a smart keyless entry system and electrically retractable door mirror. A power tailgate won't be bad, but it should be dropped if that means a considerable price hike.

Cabin layout

We have seen several images of the new HR-V and have concluded that it looks best in black upholstery with the red stitching. We want the Malaysia-spec 3rd gen HR-V to have the same cabin setup, i.e., black leather-trimmed seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shifting knob.

Like most Honda cars, this one should get those flexible seats that help create different sitting modes (Long, Tall, and Utility) to help accommodate anything irrespective of shape and size. Also, small storage compartments and bottle/cup holders are always welcome.
In some markets, Honda has introduced the HR-V with a panoramic glass roof which looks pretty nice and won't be a bad inclusion for the local market.

Comfort and convenience

We have read several reviews of the new HR-V, and the one thing that everyone appreciated is its air diffusion system with L-shape vents that create a more natural airflow in the cabin. So, this one is a must in the Malaysia-spec model as well. Other inclusions we'd like to see are - rear air-con vents, an automatic air-con system, a 7-inch interactive TFT meter cluster, a 9-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, at least six speakers, front and rear USB ports, a smart entry system with one-push start, hands-free telephone & audio steering switches, and walk away auto-lock.

Performance

Honda is offering quite a widespread when it comes to 3rd generation H-RV's powertrain options. So, before we shortlist the one we want, let's see what all options are available.

Honda Singapore offers the new HR-V in two engine options - ICE and hybrid. The farmer gets a 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC making 118 PS and 142 Nm of torque. While the latter, the HR-V e:HEV variant, gets the same mill, it makes 106 PS and 127 Nm, and the hybrid motor's output stands at 96 PS and 253 Nm.

On the other hand, Honda Thailand offers the HR-V with a hybrid configuration, i.e., a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle, 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine with two e-motors.

Lastly, in Indonesia, apart from the basic 121PS/145Nm 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, the range-topping RS variant is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo mill that makes 177 PS and 240 Nm of torque.

What do we want? How about the basic 121PS/145Nm 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine and the turbocharged and hybrid options.

Safety

We'd like the new HR-V to come equipped with Honda Sensing suite of driver assistant features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lead Car Departure Notification System, and Road Departure Mitigation System. In addition, additional gears like hill start assist, hill descent control, at least 6 airbags, vehicle stability assist, rearview camera, electric parking brake, and ISOFIX will come in handy.

Also Read: How safe is the new Honda HR-V Hybrid?

Over and above all, we'd like Honda Malaysia to include the Sand Khaki Pearl colour tone option as the HR-V looks stunning in this hue.

Which feature do you want to see in the upcoming 2023 Honda HR-V? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: 2022 Honda HR-V: How different is it from the current model?