Honda HR-V facelift arrives in Malaysia, to cost RM 108,800 - RM 124,800

KUALA LUMPUR: The wait finally ends. The newest HR-V in its facelifted form has arrived on the Malaysian shores. Although the subcompact crossover SUV was due to be launched in the 3rd quarter of 2018, the launch was delayed and the HR-V has finally hit the showrooms now in January 2019. The price of the new HR-V starts at RM 108,000 for the E variant and goes up to RM 124,800 for the Hybrid model.

The facelifted HR-V will be offered in 4 different variants namely E, V, RS, and the HR-V Hybrid. While the E, V, and the RS models are petrol-fed SUVs, the Hybrid, as the name suggests comes with a hybrid powertrain comprising both a petrol engine and an electric motor. The updates on the exterior of the new HR-V include a redesigned grille, bolder chrome trim on the grille housing the Honda logo, reflector-type full-LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and a revamped front bumper. Moving to the rear, we see the tailgate housing a horizontal chrome link strip which joins the two tube-type LED taillights.

Dimension wise, the new Honda HR-V specs tell us that it measures 4,334 mm in length, 1,772 mm in width, and 1,605 mm in height. Wheelbase on the E, V and the Hybrid variants is 2,610 mm. The RS variant of the HR-V which brings along a brawny and sporty look is 12 mm longer and 18 mm wider than the 3 other models. Other notable exclusive features on the RS variant include dark chrome door handles, darkened contrast elements, black chrome license garnish, black fog lamp garnish, and gloss black side sills.

Features like automatic air-conditioning, auto headlights, daytime running lights, cruise control, smart entry/push-button ignition, steering wheel audio controls and four speakers for the audio system, and paddle shifters are standard across all the variants. All the 4 variants get a 3-spoke steering wheel. While the E and the Hybrid variants get a 6.8-inch infotaimnent system, the V and the RS models are bolstered with a 7.0-inch unit. All the petrol-fed variants come with a boot space of 437-litre whereas the Hybrid model has 404-litre of boot space. With the seats folded down, the boot space goes up to 1,032-litre on the E, V and RS variants and 991-litre on the Hybrid model.

Talking about power, the HR-V Hybrid gets an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre twin-cam i-VTEC engine good enough for 132 PS and 156 Nm along with a 22 kW electric motor which produces 30 PS and 160 Nm. The total output combining the petrol engine and the electric motor is rated at 152 PS and 190 Nm. A seven-speed (dry) dual-clutch automatic transmission takes care of the power delivery on the Hybrid variant. The 3 other petrol-fed models of the HR-V are powered by a 1.8-litre engine which makes 142 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 172 Nm. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) unit is there to deliver the power to the wheels. However, the RS variant also gets a Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system.

The safety features list on the new Honda HR-V include six airbags (dual front, side, and side curtain), ABS with EBD, vehicle stability assist (VSA), automatic brake hold and hill start assist, ISOFIX mount points, multi-angle rearview camera, and a LaneWatch camera which is exclusive to the V and RS models.

The facelifted Honda HR-V price for the different variants is:

• Honda HR-V 1.8L E: RM 108,800
• Honda HR-V 1.8L V: RM 118,800
• Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD: RM120,800
• Honda HR-V 1.8L RS: RM 124,800