Honda has been caught working on the facelifted HR-V
in Southern Europe, with the test car wearing camo on both ends to hide the
subtle changes. Not that we don’t know what to expect from it since its JDM sibling,
called Vezel locally, has already received a mild facelift back in February,
while US-spec models have already been revealed. The styling changes are going
to be small but very effective in refreshing the image of the Japanese small
SUV.
These will include a new front grille, redesigned
LED headlights, front and rear bumper while the interior is expected to receive
new color options, reshaped front seats and an updated infotainment system with
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The facelifted Honda HR-V is also expected to offer improved
NVH levels by adding more insulation while the active safety systems bundle
-called Honda Sensing- is getting the company’s latest driver assistance
gadgets and features. Honda Sensing will include systems like Collision
Mitigation, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise
Control.
Euro-spec Honda HR-Vs are currently offered with a
128 hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine or a 118 hp 1.6-liter i-DTEC diesel. We
still don’t know for sure if Honda’s planning any changes to them but some
reports suggest that the carmaker might drop the diesel option from the HR-V’s
range and introduce a hybrid 1.5-liter petrol powertrain with a seven-speed
dual-clutch transmission instead.
The 2019 Honda HR-V is expected to be revealed
towards the end of the year.
