Honda HR-V

4 variants of the 2022 Honda HR-V, given the codename RV, are available to the Malaysian market, with three powertrain options, and all are locally assembled in Pegoh, Malacca, just like the rest of Honda Malaysia’s range of vehicles. These 4 variants and their OTR pricing without insurance are:

Honda HR-V S, powered by a 1.5-litre NA engine and priced at RM114,800
Honda HR-V Turbo E, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and priced at RM129,800
Honda HR-V Turbo V, powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine, and priced at RM134,800
Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, priced at RM140,800

The new generation Honda HR-V is significantly different that the previous RU generation model in terms of design. The new Honda HR-V is more angular, with straight sharp lines throughout its exterior, and it definitely gives the impression of added ruggedness or robustness. Up front, the hood does not slope down early, resulting in a higher nose, and here the old wing element has been exchanged for a modern, diamond-themed hexagonal aperture. Right below it is the now-famous heartbeat detail. Looking rearwards, the rear screen is more sharply raked, while full-width LEDs add an expensive touch to the rump.

Visually, the Honda HR-V appears more roomy inside, although it is only 39 mm longer than the outgoing model. This is likely due to the dashboard design, which bins the sporty but enveloping style for an open, linear layout that is accentuated especially by the full-width air-conditioning vents. Black is the dominant colour inside,  which keeps the interior looking classy and unfussy.

Practicality remains of high importance in this new Honda HR-V. The fuel tank is kept in its central location, which enables the return of the famously utilitarian Ultra Seats.

Honda Sensing, which is Honda’s active safety and driver assistance suite, is available as standard for every variant of the new Honda HR-V, and included is the new wide-view camera. Hill Descent makes a first time appearance on the car, while variants E and upwards gets 6 airbags. LaneWatch and Honda Connect telematics are available from the V upwards, and the RS receives exclusive equipment like a powered tailgate with walkaway auto close, auto wipers, dual-zone climate control, semi-leather upholstery, sport pedals, and a deceleration selector (which provides engine braking) for its hybrid system.

The Honda HR-V S is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 181 PS (119 hp) and 145 Nm of torque. It will finish the century sprint in 12.1 seconds, and top out at 187 km/h.

The Honda HR-V E, and Honda HR-V V are powered by the same 1.5-litre VTEC turbo engine that is rated at 181 PS (179 hp) and 240 Nm of torque. The E takes 8.7 second to finish the century sprint, which is a tenth faster than the V’s 8.8 seconds, and both will top out at 200 km/h.

Both engines are paired to a CVT, and in the turbo models, there are three selectable drive modes: Sport, Normal, and Econ.

As for the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, the i-MMD electric motor makes 131 PS, which is 22 PS more than in the Honda City RS, and peak torque is the same at 253 Nm. The accompanying petrol engine, which on normal conditions functions as a generator and only performing ‘normal engine’ duties at higher speeds, makes 107 PS (106 hp) and 131 Nm. Benchmark figures are 10.7 seconds and 170 km/h.

Honda claims improved handling over the previous generation model, as the body of the car has 10% increased lateral rigidity and 5% increased torsional rigidity, together with the suspension attachment being 15% stiffer.

As for comfort, there is an increase of 35 mm of legroom for the rear passengers, and the backrest angle of the rear seats have also been reclined an extra 2-degrees. For additional comfort, Honda has incorporated a new air diffusion system on the side air vents – closing the knob on the vents will now cause cold air to waft out gently, should the user not wish to be blasted in the face by cold air but still wants to have cold air circulating in the cabin. This is a great feature, especially in our tropical climate.

Here are the quoted fuel economy figures for the new Honda HR-V.

Honda HR-V S : 5.9 l/100 km (16.9 km/l)
Honda HR-V E and Honda HR-V V : 6.5 l/100 km (15.4 km/l)
Honda HR-V RS e:HEV : 4.1 l/100 km (24.4 km/l)

Including all active safety systems as standard across the range is a decision that must be lauded, however, we would have liked to have the goodies of the RS variant in a non-hybrid turbo model as well. Still, we understand the reasons why Honda Malaysia has decided to do so. As one of Malaysia’s best-loved SUVs, the new Honda HR-V has large shoes to fill, but based on first impressions alone, it looks like the shoes have been filled to overflowing. Malaysia certainly thinks so too, and orders are still coming in, even with the 12-month waiting time for one.