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.