If the Honda City is the first thing that comes to mind when non-national B-segment sedans are mentioned, then its SUV sibling, the RU5 Honda HR-V is the de-facto non-national B-segment SUV.

Numerous B-segment SUVs were introduced prior to the Honda HR-V (Ford EcoSport, Suzuki SX4, Suzuki S-Cross, Peugeot 2008), but none would come close to the success of the HR-V.

Honda Malaysia collected over 7,000 bookings for the HR-V within a month of its launch, cementing its position as the best-selling B-segment SUV.

At the time of writing, CARSOME has almost 60 units of the RU5 Honda HR-V, with prices starting from RM 62k.

Overview

The RU5 Honda HR-V made its debut in Malaysia back in February 2015 across 3 variants: 1.8 S, 1.8 E, and 1.8 V.

All variants are powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 142 PS and 172 Nm, mated to a CVT automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

4 years later in 2019, Honda Malaysia launched the facelifted RU5 HR-V range. This time around, Honda Malaysia streamlined the HR-V’s line-up by axeing the base 1.8 S variant and introducing a new RS variant.

At the same time, Honda Malaysia also introduced the RU3 HR-V Hybrid. Unlike the port injection engine found in the GM7 City Hybrid and GP5 Jazz Hybrid, the RU3 HR-V Hybrid offers a direct injection 4-cylinder petrol engine.

As a result, the combined system output of the RU3 HR-V Hybrid is slightly higher, coming in at 152 PS and 190 Nm. The RU3 HR-V Hybrid also gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Over the years the HR-V was offered in Malaysia, it received a number of running changes. For example, the top-spec HR-V was launched with ivory white leather upholstery, but was replaced by a full-black leather interior just 5 months after its debut.

Subsequently, Honda Malaysia gave the HR-V RS a dark brown leather interior in June 2020.

Then in January 2021, Honda Malaysia updated the HR-V range with a new 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as giving the HR-V Hybrid LED headlights.

Also Read: New infotainment in 2021 Honda HR-V fixes its biggest weakness

Honda Malaysia then launched the HR-V SE as a run-out model in late-2021, which added equipment such as lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The HR-V SE also adds a dashcam and trunk tray to the mix.

Also Read: Up close with the 2021 Honda HR-V SE, the final hurrah to the B-SUV that started it all

Which variant to get?

If you’re shopping for a pre-facelift Honda HR-V, aim for the top-spec 1.8 V variant, as it is the most feature-packed variant available, offering features such as automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, semi leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 7-inch head unit, 6 speakers, (passive) cruise control, and 6 airbags.

Moreover, the pre-facelift HR-V's 7-inch head unit is a more pleasant unit to use than the facelift model's head unit.

In the case of the facelifted HR-V, all variants are equipped with 6 airbags. The upper V and RS variants add the Honda LaneWatch camera, which is a handy addition. That said, as much as a looker the HR-V RS may be thanks to its 18-inch alloy wheels, ride comfort is poorer than variants fitted with the 17-inch alloy wheels. Tyre replacement costs are also higher with the larger 18-inch units.

But if the HR-V’s CVT transmission isn’t your cup of tea, then you should seriously consider the HR-V Hybrid. The 7-speed dual-clutch definitely sets the hybrid apart from the regular HR-V variants, offering lightning quick shifts.

Common problems?

Like the GM6 Honda City, the RU5 Honda HR-V is a relatively trouble-free crossover. If maintained well, the RU5 HR-V can push past 200,000 km with little issues.

That being said, potential owners of a used HR-V should keep an eye out for these potential issues.

For cars that have gone past the 100,000 km mark, it’s advisable to give the suspension bits a once over, replacing the worn parts with brand-new ones.

Additionally, just like other Honda models, the RU5 HR-V’s steering rack is also a known issue. If your suspension parts have been refreshed and the steering rack noise still persists, it’s then a good idea to check the steering rack checked and replace if necessary. A steering rack replacement will set you back roughly RM 2,000.

Conclusion

For the price of a brand-new Perodua Ativa, a used RU5-generation Honda HR-V is definitely a very interesting proposition.

Not only is the HR-V a larger vehicle, but the HR-V is also far more powerful than the Ativa and offers a vastly more practical cabin, owing to the multi-folding Ultra Seats.

Plus, a good deal is always made sweeter when there's discounts and offers to be had. From 17- to 19-March, head down to CARSOME Automall PJ for CARSOME Autofair 2023! Nab yourself up to RM 8,000 in discounts, longer warranties and free services, on top of special offers at CARSOME Service Centres too.

Register here to enjoy all the benefits and more.