Honda HR-V: Safety explained

Honda Malaysia has been basking in glory courtesy the response received for its stellar compact SUV, HR-V. It is a relatively new model from Honda in the Malay market, though it has turned out to be a game-changer for the Japanese brand, contributing a large pie of the car maker’s monthly sales. First launched in 2015, a mid-life version was introduced a year ago, including a new hybrid variant, a first in the segment.

Packed with practical features, HR-V has maintained zenith in the compact SUV space since its launch in the country. The facelift further bolsters its position in the market, where it occupies around 79 per cent of the total share. While this trivia is interesting, another important detail that may skew your attention is the safety suite for the compact model, but before we begin with that, let us first go through the Honda HR-V specs and engine collated in the form of a table below.

2019 Honda HR-V engine and other specifications -

Engine	1.8L, 4-cylinder, SOHC i-VTEC
Power	142 PS at 6,500 rpm
Torque	172 Nm at 4,300 rpm
Transmission	CVT

Is HRV a 4WD?

No, the Malaysian-spec Honda HR-V is not available with a 4WD drivetrain. It is however available with two four-cylinder engines, paired to a CVT and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Is HRV a hybrid?

Yes, Honda Malaysia has added a new hybrid variant to the 2019 HR-V line-up powered by Honda’s 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, and an electric motor with a combined output of 152 PS and 190 Nm.

Engine	1.5L, 4-cylinder, DOHC i-VTEC
Power (combined, engine + motor)	152 PS
Torque (combined, engine + motor)	190 Nm
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch

What is the price of a 2019 Honda HRV?

The 2019 Honda HR-V is available in a conventionally powered petrol version and the newly added hybrid version that costs slightly more. The price break-up for the entire range is mentioned in the given table.

Variant	Price
Honda HR-V E	RM 108,800
Honda HR-V V	RM 118,800
Honda HR-V Hybrid	RM 124,800
Honda HR-V RS	RM 120,800

Honda HR-V safety suite

Unlike earlier times when the focus in a car was centred on aesthetics and mechanics, there has been a shift in the last decade with more prominence being given to safety. Thousands of innocent people succumb to death every day in road accidents across the globe either due to lack of safety features, or lack of awareness. A conscious effort has been made towards making safety paramount in passenger vehicles, and Honda has adapted this change well. Speaking of its compact SUV, HR-V, it benefits from most of the advanced gadgets, while missing out on some amenities.

Solid airbag cushioning

Airbags are the first aide of protection in a collision that have become common in passenger vehicles globally. Speaking of Honda HR-V, it packs airbags in the front for driver and the co-passenger along with side airbags and side curtain airbags, ensuring solid shielding for the occupants in case of an accident.

ABS with EBD

Another safety feature commonly found in modern passenger vehicles is the anti-lock-braking system (ABS) accompanied by electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). It works well during hard braking, preventing wheels from locking up. This set-up consists of four components including computer-controlled valves on each brake, speed sensors on each wheel, electronic brain and a pump for restoring hydraulic braking pressure. EBD, on the other hand, is considered an extension of the ABS, designed to estimate the amount of load on each wheel. Both the features aide better-steering control to the driver during hard braking situations.

Hill Start Assist (HAS)

It is a driver assistance feature that aides smooth run on a slope, especially when the vehicle has to drive off again. In simple words, it prevents the vehicle from descending on a slope and provides stability.

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

This feature prevents wheels from slipping sideways during sudden cornering or steering. It provides stability to the vehicle, preventing it from skidding while taking a sharp curve or turn.
All the above-mentioned features, save for Honda LaneWatch, are standard across 2019 Honda HR-V line-up. Overall, the safety kit is comprehensive, consisting of major advanced tech that guards the occupants and assists the driver on challenging terrains.

HR-V basic safety features

Apart from the above features, the compact SUV also comes with the following safety tech.

• Emergency stop signal (ESS)
• Rear seat ISOFIX
• Multi-angle rearview camera
• Security alarm with immobilizer

Meant for the rough terrains, it equips prominent stability safety amenities that keep the vehicle composed on hilly areas and erratic roads.

Does Honda HRV have blind-spot monitoring?

No, the Honda HR-V does not come with a blind spot monitoring system, however, it gets Honda’s LaneWatch Camera on the V and RS variants only, which mirrors blind-spot monitoring in terms of functioning.

What is the Honda LaneWatch?

The Honda LaneWatch has been designed to keep the driver aware of what is happening on the passenger side. It is similar to blind-spot monitoring in the functioning and features a camera below the right passenger-side mirror which provides the image to the central display screen, providing a clear view of the passenger side or the blind zone.

Also Read: Honda HR-V - Buyer’s guide