Back in July, Honda Malaysia previewed the HR-V
facelift, showing the car in its new RS variant guise, albeit with the interior
blackened out. The SUV still hasn’t been officially launched.
Exterior-wise, the facelift introduces a new front
end, led by a revised grille, new reflector-type full-LED headlamps, a
reprofiled bumper and LED fog lamps. At the back, there’s a new horizontal
chrome link strip on the tailgate, and the tube-type LED tail lights finally
make their debut here. The RS, which is the display model at KLIMS 18, adds on darkened
contrast elements such as dark chrome door handles, a black chrome license
garnish and gloss black side sills.
The variant, which rides on 18-inch two-tone
five-spoke wheels and 225/50 profile rubbers, also gets a new exterior colour
called Passion Red Pearl. According to the company, the shade will be available
across the model range and not just limited to the RS.
The interior reveals reshaped front seats and a
two-tone cabin, with light grey and dark grey element – the dashboard and
centre console contrasts are similar in line with that seen on the Japanese
model, but the seats in the local version are done in a single shade (light
grey). For the facelift, all versions of the HR-V will come with a reverse
camera, which also means the inclusion of a touchscreen infotainment system as
standard.
There’s a new Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering
system, which is only available on the RS. Otherwise, it’s status quo
mechaniclally – the familiar 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT ‘box
combination is unchanged, as is its 142 PS and 172 Nm output.
Safety-wise, the HR-V now gets six airbags as
standard across the model range, and there’s also emergency stop signal (ESS),
vehicle stability assist (VSA) and hill start assist (HSA). The RS also
features a Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera, but will not come with City Brake
Active System (CTBA) autonomous emergency braking.
