SINCE its Philippine debut, the HR-V achieved more than 7,000 units sold. Globally, Honda sold around 3.5 million units as of December 2021. These figures only show the warm reception of the brand’s subcompact crossover. Recently, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) finally unveiled the latest generation HR-V possessing significant enhancements that the Japanese automaker claims to surely “Heighten your Senses.”
Looking fresh and sharp
Developed under the concept of “Amp Up Your Life,” the latest generation HR-V ultimately departed from its predecessor’s concept design. Honda incorporated three core values in the design Pleasure (enjoyable), Confidence (reliable), and Aesthetics (in style).
At a glance, the fresh look features an aggressive character highlighted by newly shaped LED headlights and fog lamps (with auto on/off function), integrated with LED turn light signals and Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Another significant change is the pronounced grille. The top-spec variant V Turbo CVT sports mesh type patterns, while the base S CVT received a black bar type grille. The top spec’s sport-type bumper is notable with the Amp Up Line design.
Overall, the latest generation’s frame transformed from curvy to chiseled, with a sharp body line complementing the coupe-like profile. Both variants have a shark fin antenna and 17-inch alloys wrapped 215/60 tires (gray finish for the V Turbo CVT and black/silver finish for the S CVT). Another striking cue is the LED Tail Light Bar complements the two variant’s contrasting rear bumpers, with the top-spec receiving a dual tailpipe finish.
Completely redesigned
The all-new HR-V’s interior is also a complete overhaul. Now present is a human-centric cabin with good ergonomics and quality materials. The center dashboard highlights an eight-inch touchscreen display infotainment system paired with a six-speaker sound system and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity functions. Other features include a push start system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and single-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents featuring the new air diffusion system. Available as standard is the remote engine start function.
The leather-draped and the received fabric seats are exclusive to the V Turbo CVT. As for the instrument cluster, the top-spec features a seven-inch digital display, while the entry variant comes with a 4.2-inch digital display. Like other Honda vehicles, the all-new HR-V features ULT seats function composed of three adjustable modes. The Utility mode lets the two rear seats fold to increase cargo space. The Long mode, on the other hand, creates a lengthy space by folding the front and rear seats. As for the Tall mode, Honda’s unique versatility is shown in the tip-up rear seats for more vertical space—a segment-exclusive.
VTEC Turbo
One of the all-new HR-V’s highlights is the exciting 1.5-liter VTEC Turbocharged engine fitted to the V Turbo CVT, making it the first-ever turbo-powered HR-V. Power output is at 174 hp and 240 N-m of maximum torque on paper. Meanwhile, the S CVT Honda also received a new engine option of a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 119 hp and 145 N-m of maximum torque on paper. Both new mills are paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Of course, there is the ECON Mode for fuel-efficient driving, the Normal Mode for general and daily driving, and Sport Mode (V Turbo CVT Honda) for that spirited driving.
Honda Sensing
In pursuit of Honda’s global goal to realize zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050, the all-new HR-V now offers the Honda SENSING feature to both variants, joining other Honda models providing the same safety feature. Part of this Honda proprietary suite of safety features are Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Auto High-Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN).
Like the all-new Civic, the fitted Honda Sensing system utilizes a camera with a broader field of view combined with improved software. This updated safety tech achieves better vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, and road marking recognition.
Other standard safety features are smart keyless entry, security alarm and immobilizer, All Passenger seatbelt reminder, front and side airbags, speed-sensing door locks, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear seat reminder, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Hill-Start Assist (HSA), among others. Of course, the G-force Control (G-CON) body structure enhances impact absorption for the added protection of passengers in the event of a collision occurs.
Colors and pricing
The all-new HR-V is available in Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Premium Opal White Silver Pearl (New color; V Turbo CVT Honda SENSING only with additional P20,000 premium) Meteoroid Gray Metallic.
Pricing starts at P1.250 million for the HR-V S CVT variant, while the top-spec V Turbo CVT retails at P1.598 million. Customers can now inquire in all 37 Honda Cars dealerships nationwide or access through the virtual showroom at www.hondaphil.com.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino