Following the global debut of the all-new turbocharged 2022 Honda HR-V in Indonesia, its next destination is the Philippines which is also the first left-hand-drive (LHD) market to offer the turbo VTEC in Honda’s popular crossover.

The third-generation HR-V is offered in the Philippines with two variants and two engine options. Besides the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo (177 PS/240 Nm) on the V variant, the PH-spec HR-V is offered with a naturally-aspirated (NA) 1.5-litre i-VTEC (121 PS/145 Nm) on the base S variant.

Both units are paired to a CVT automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels. There is no e:HEV hybrid variant offered for Filipinos but Honda Sensing ADAS is available as standard.

Also read: 2022 Honda HR-V has 3 engine options: e:HEV, i-VTEC, VTEC Turbo, which is best for Malaysia?

Since 2015, Honda has sold more than 7,000 units of the HR-V in the Philippines but surprisingly, the all-new HR-V has a lower starting price than its predecessor. The 1.5 S starts from PHP 1.25 million (~RM 102k) while the previous-gen HR-V 1.8 E starts from PHP 1.295 million (~RM 105k).

Also read: Oldest in the segment, here's why the Honda HR-V is selling well vs Corolla Cross

Meanwhile, the HR-V 1.5 V Turbo starts from PHP 1.598 million (~RM 131k) but aside from the engines and some trims, both variants are largely similar.

On the outside, both variants of the Filipino-spec HR-V are equipped with automatic LED headlights and DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an LED taillight bar.

The turbocharged HR-V comes with a mesh-type grille and a unique “Amp Up Line” bumper design in front while twin tailpipes complete the sporty look behind. Meanwhile, the base HR-V comes with a black bar-type front grille instead.

Inside, the HR-V fully enhances the spaciousness based on its “Man Maximum-Machine Minimum” principle with more ample legroom and knee room in the rear as well as the ULT seats comprising 3 adjustable modes – Utility Mode, Long Mode, and Tall Mode.

Besides, single-zone automatic climate control with the air diffusion system, rear air vents, as well as 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard.

Also read: Honda explains how the 2021 Honda HR-V's A/C vents work like an air curtain to keep you cool

Leather upholstery and the 7-inch digital display are only available for the turbocharged HR-V variant. The base NA HR-V on the other hand comes with a 4.2-inch digital display and fabric seats.

At the very least, ADAS is standard on both HR-Vs in the Philippines with the Honda Sensing comprising of:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW)
• Auto High-Beam (AHB)
• Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)

Despite Honda Sensing being standard across the HR-V line-up, only 4 airbags are offered (front and side) instead of the usual 6 which are offered in other markets.

With our neighbours receiving the highly-anticipated all-new HR-V, it’s only a matter of time before Honda Malaysia would be launching the popular crossover. Whether the turbo engine or the hybrid powertrain or even both are offered will only be revealed towards the day of launch.

Also read: 2022 Honda HR-V to launch in Malaysia in July, aimed at Toyota Corolla Cross