Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
MORE than three years since its introduction in the country, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) finally gave their ‘Hip and Smart Runabout Vehicle” the much-awaited update. The recently launched 2018 HR-V is now packed with numerous enhancements inside and out. Additionally, the updated model now comes in a new RS variant to provide customers with Honda’s touch of enhanced sporty appeal in a compact SUV.
Inspired by Honda’s “Provocative X-over” design approach, the enhanced exterior highlights elements of sophistication for smarter impression and function, as well as emotional for enriched surface expression and texture. Exterior-wise, enhancements focused more on new styling cues in the vehicle’s fascia, rear end and rims. The solid wing face design now features a different dark chrome grille aligned with full LED headlights with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The newly designed bumper, on the other hand, has an altered fog lamp frame and black garnish around the frame’s lower panels.
Meanwhile, the rear end received new set of LED guide-type tail lamps for better illumination with a touch of futuristic styling. Completing the exterior design boosts are the new set of 17-inch Sport Black two-toned alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 R17 series rubbers.
Retaining that distinct coupe-like interior coming from the high center console, the advanced and sophisticated cockpit area still offers that sports car-like impression. But the infotainment system has been upgraded to a new 7-inch touch-screen unit equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android platforms enabling better connectivity functions with smartphones. As for the seats, the improved functionality now features the interior with multi-utility cargo room adjustments. With the versatility of three different modes, customers can now have flexible seat configurations for utility, long and tall modes.
Under the hood is Honda’s established 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine generating 140 hp at 6,500 rpm and 172 N-m of maximum torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed with Earth Dreams Technology, the powertrain still provides the same level of performance and improved fuel efficiency through the existing Eco Assist System. The function consists of Econ mode and Eco-Coaching Ambient Light, which aids in promoting fuel-efficient driving.
New RS variant
Dressed with enhanced sporty elements and add-ons, the new variant comes with exclusive RS-inspired design cues. Up front, the model received front honeycomb grille along with the dark chrome design and full LED headlights with DRL plus LED fog lamps. Even the door handles are trimmed with dark chrome complementing the glossy black garnishes in the lower panels. At the rear, meantime, the LED guide-type tail lights come in smoked design to supplement the sporty image, plus of course, the RS badge. As for the rims, the sporty variant comes in an exclusive five-spoke, two-tone, 17-inch alloy wheels also wrapped in 215/55 R17 series rubbers.
The RS variant’s dark interior theme is endowed with a full-leather material complemented with piano black accents in the steering wheel and center console for that premium feel. Integrated in the new 7-inch touchscreen unit equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android platforms is the latest and most intuitive navigation system exclusive for the sporty variant. Powertrain-wise, the new RS version shares the same engine and CVT drivetrain with the E variant. But adding to the distinctiveness factor of Honda’s RS models is the exclusive Phoenix Orange Pearl body shade.
When it comes to safety, all variants are equipped with advanced and class-leading features such as Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and driver/front passenger SRS airbags. Other active functions available are Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. The 1.8 RS variant, however, is equipped with additional side airbags for passenger’s added protection.
The 2018 HR-V is now available in all 38 dealerships nationwide with five vibrant body shades, such as Phoenix Orange Pearl (exclusive to the RS variant), Passion Red, Pearl (new color), Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic (exclusive to the 1.8 E variant). The 1.8 E CVT is priced at P1.295 million, while the sporty 1.8 RS Navi CVT is valued at P1.495 million.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino