Honda HR-V facelift bookings open ahead of the official launch

KUALA LUMPUR: Bookings for the 2018 Honda HR-V facelift have been opened. Honda Malaysia has announced this ahead of its official launch, which is slated to happen sometime this quarter. So, if you are on the lookout for a potential crossover then this is the time because customers registering HR-V before October 31 will get a Petronas gift card worth RM1,000.

The Honda HR-V facelift gets a host of updates on the outside, a revised front grille and bumper, thicker bar with Honda logo that is flanked by full-LED reflector headlamps and new LED fog lamps. The rear profile constitutes LED tail lights that are connected by a new horizontal chrome strip, integrated spoiler and prominent character lines.

There is a range-topping HR-V RS variant previewed at the Honda event in Malaysia that was earlier showcased in Thailand last month. The RS version adds to a sportier profile, with darkened attributes, dark chrome door handles, blacked-out side sills and side mirrors, gloss black fog lamp housing and the license plate that’s finished in black chrome as well.

Additionally, the Malaysian RS model gets 18-inch dual-tone five-spoke alloy wheels, as opposed to 17-inch wheels on the Thai-spec variant. The tube-style LED tail lights are also a part of the RS variant. In Thailand, the new Passion Red Pearl colour shade is available only with the RS model, however, in Malaysia, it is offered across the entire range.

Inside, there are no major changes, aside from possible blacked-out look and trim revisions. However, something that’s confirmed is that the reverse camera from the outgoing V model has been made standard across the range. This also means that a touchscreen infotainment system will be featured on all models.

Under the hood, nothing has been changed. It continues to draw power from a 1.8-litre i-VTEC SOHC engine that produces 142PS of max power and 172Nm of peak torque, mated to a CVT system with paddle shifters.

Safety wise, the HR-V gets six airbags as standard, which was previously offered only on the top-end V variant, vehicle stability assists (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), emergency stop signal (ESS) and the Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera. What missed out on the Malaysia-spec HR-V facelift is the City Brake Active System (CTBA) autonomous emergency braking.

From the sources, it has been ascertained that an HR-V hybrid will be offered at some point. It would be an interesting inclusion for sure. So stay tuned with us for more information in the same regard.