Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has revealed that the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V has already received more than 6,500 bookings within just one month of its launch.

Unlike the previous generation HR-V, this all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is only available as a hybrid, at least in Thailand.

The previous model’s 1.8-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine has since been dropped in favour of a 1.5-litre two-motor e:HEV full-hybrid, the same engine that powers e:HEV variants of the 2020 Honda City and 2020 Honda City Hatchback.

The battery pack however, has been upgraded from the City / City Hatchback’s 48 cells to 60 cells.

The 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle i-VTEC engine makes 106 PS and 127 Nm, aided by a 131 PS / 253 Nm electric motor. A second electric motor works as a starter and generator to recharge the battery pack.

Most of the time, drive is done purely by the electric motor, with the engine firing up only when battery charge level is low, or at higher highway speeds / engine load.

Claimed fuel consumption is 25.6 km/litre (3.9-litre/100 km), but unlike the previous HR-V, this one lacks E85 gasohol bio-fuel compatibility, works only with up to E20 gasohol.

In Thailand, the HR-V is offered in three e:HEV variants - E, EL, and RS. Prices start from THB 979,000 to THB 1,179,000 (about RM 123k to RM 148k).

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda HR-V launched in Thailand, hybrid only, from RM 123k

Closer to home, we don’t expect the 2022 Honda HR-V to be launched so soon. First, we need to wait for Honda Malaysia to launch the 2022 Honda Civic. Bookings for the C-segment sedan is now open but prices have yet to be announced.

In August, Honda Malaysia updated the outgoing generation HR-V Hybrid with LED headlamps (from RM 113,954).

Also read: 2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid updated in Malaysia, priced at RM 114k, now with LED headlights

Two months later, it introduced a limited edition HR-V SE, which adds blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, and door-opening warning. It’s priced at RM 105,364.

Also read: From RM 105k, the Honda HR-V SE is a limited edition model with BSM and RCTA

We estimate that the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V won’t be launched in Malaysia until H2 2022.

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda HR-V, Haval H6, new Proton X70, and 8 more 2022 SUVs to launch in Malaysia