Facelifted Honda HR-V launched. Four variants in total

By ahmadzulizwan, 16 January 2019
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Yay, another SUV. This time it’s Honda and coming good with the facelift of the HR-V and also a surprise variant. Considering no one likes to wait for a surprise to be explained, let’s get to that first. So let’s welcome the HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD variant, the latest addition to the nameplate line-up. According to Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB), Malaysia is the only country outside Japan which has this hybrid available. Since HMSB has pulled this off before (FD2R, Jazz and City Sport Hybrid i-DCD), perhaps it is not such a surprise – so the jokes on them!

The introduction of the HR-V with i-DCD powertrain puts it as the sole member of the local compact SUV segment with a hybrid. As in the City and Jazz, the engine is a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection which when combined with the battery-powered electric motor produces a total output of 152ps and 190Nm. Drive is channelled to the front tyres through the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

A Hybrid exclusive features include the 3D Illuminated Meter Cluster Multi Information Display, Shift by Wire and Sport Mode. However the headlights are halogen with bulb for front fog lights. Basically we can say that while the powertrain is modern, the car itself can appear to look normal. It certainly is physically comparable to the baseline HR-V 1.8E variant, but only with extra Hybrid badges.

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The stunner is the HR-V RS which was previewed in July last year and during the recent KLIMS. Nothing new underneath the bonnet (1.8L SOHC i-VTEC that makes 142ps and 172Nm) but the physical changes are significant. Differentiating from the E,V and Hybrid variants include 18-inch dual-tone alloys, sportier front grille and black front and rear bumper to further enhance its sportiness. You must also notice that cream-coloured upholstery.

The RS adds features such as multi-angle rearview camera, 8-way driver power seat (V & RS), full leather seats (V & RS), Honda LaneWatch camera (V & RS), cruise control and paddle shift. Standard Safety features in the New HR-V include six airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ISO Fix. Price are as follows:

  Honda HR-V 1.8E   RM108,800
  Honda HR-V 1.8V   RM118,800
  Honda HR-V RS   RM124,800
  Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD   RM120,800

 

Up till now, HMSB has received up to 4,600 bookings of the facelifted HR-V for all variants. Moving forward, sales expectation for the petrol variants (E,V and RS) is 1,000 units monthly while the Sport Hybrid i-DCD is 100 units.

The five colour options for the new HR-V are Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic and White Orchid Pearl. Buyers can further opt for the Modulo kit for RM5,737, the Urban Package for RM1,716, and Utility Package at RM902.