2019 Honda HR-V to come with turbocharged VTEC engine

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2019 Honda HR-V, in its facelifted avatar, is to arrive soon for the European customers this autumn. The vehicle is believed to come equipped with either a 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbo-diesel or a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo-petrol powertrain.

The Japanese auto-manufacturing company has not yet provided the engine output rating in details. It is being speculated that both the 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbo-diesel and a 1.5-litre turbo VTEC petrol powertrain will be introduced in the early quarter of 2019. The petrol might generate 180 hp power while the diesel might churn out around 118 hp.

In case the vehicle comes equipped exactly with a similar engine as that of the turbocharged Honda Civic, a power output of around 169 hp and 250 Nm of torque can be expected. The automaker confirmed the fact that they upgraded the 1.5-litre VTEC inline four-cylinder, which is actually the base powertrain for the Euro-specific HR-V.

In addition to the refined engines, the 2019 revamped Honda receives some makeover in terms of its external appearance as well. The most prominent among them is the bold-looking front fascia and the glossy chrome grille panel adorning the front portion of the vehicle. The DRLs and the LED headlamps are restyled and the air intake are deeper now. The vehicle will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear and front bumpers receive minor style adjustments. The tailgate now is redesigned using a dark-coloured chrome trim piece.

In order to ensure and enhance a more comfortable ride experience, the inside of the cabin also receives some makeover. Extra insulating material for better sound insulation around the front bulkhead, wheel arches, luggage section and door panels have been installed on this refined HR-V crossover. The higher trims might come engineered with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) which can minimize unnecessary outside sound.

The naturally-aspirated HR-V model will hit the dealership in Europe probably in October 2018. Nothing confirmed can be said regarding when it will make it to the shores of Asia.