Compact crossover stalwart Honda introduced the new generation of its HR-V subcompact crossover for the local market. The crossover is configured to suit the comfort of a sedan, confidence, and toughness of an SUV. Its name stands for High Rider Vehicle. It served as an all-around coupe for individuals looking for a vehicle with high ground clearance, excellent road visibility, and complete safety features. It is also equipped with massive cargo space, wide tailgate, and similar Utility Long and Tall (ULT) seats established on the Honda Jazz that enables it to configure the cargo when loading or unloading highly. The new Honda HR-V is developed based on the concept of the brand's "Dynamic Cross Solid," making it acquire SUV-like lower body and strong cues of coupe-like 'aero-cabin' on the outside. At the front, the Honda HR-V comes with a solid wing face design with unified lights and grille, LED dual projector headlights, and LED daytime running lights (DRL). Standard sporty 17-inch alloy wheels are found across the range as well. In addition, the car's 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine that can be found under its hood produces a maximum 141 hp power output and torque power of 172 Nm.
Launch
Back in June 2015, the Honda HR-V was launched in the Philippines. To complement Honda's compact crossover - the CR-V, they introduced Honda HR-V, their company's subcompact crossover to the country's market. On August 23, 2018, the facelifted crossover was launched that includes an updated lighting system up front and rear part, a new RS trim level that brings a blacked-out grille together with new 2-tone wheels.
The subcompact crossover competes with the kinds of Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke, and Suzuki Vitara. The price of the Honda HR-V is around P1.3 million to P1.5 million.
Exterior
The front end of the Honda HR-V features the brand's LED lighting system that provides stellar lighting output. The top-of-the-line RS variant is equipped with piano-black accents all-over with 2-tone wheels to complement it due and RS badging to the Honda's new RS design treatment.
Chrome grille and monotone wheels are provided for standard units. Also, the rear is updated for the new model year that comes with LED bars filling up the taillight housing that, when compared with the pre-facelift models, have similarities in terms of shape.
The new Honda HR-V model is offered in five distinct color options - Taffeta White, Phoenix Orange Pearl, Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, and Lunar Silver Metallic.
Interior
The Honda HR-V's interior has leather upholstery for top-spec RS trim while cloth upholstery is used for more affordable models. It features a tall dashboard and large vent intended for the front passenger that makes it different from the rest of the models—the center console linked with the center tunnel that accommodates storage cubbies.
The Honda HR-V's gauge cluster is a semi-digital affair with accents and LED backlighting all around. A total of five occupants can sit inside the crossover. Furthermore, its cargo space is measured at 431 L and 1665 L when the seats at the back are folded down.
Technology & Safety Features
The Honda HR-V provides a new head unit from Kenwood that adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone pairing options and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that outputs to a set of six speakers. Moreover, it has a backup camera outputs on the center screen, and for an effortless ingress, it features keyless entry.
Cruise control is present to aid driving as well. The Honda HR-V is an automatic subcompact crossover, features the brand's hill start assist, making a less tedious inclines set off. The Honda HR-V is equipped with safety systems such as standard ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution. Also, a total of four airbags for the drive, front passenger, and two side airbags. In addition, emergency stop signals, vehicle stability assist, an immobilizer system, speed-sensing door locks, and ISOFIX are also included.
Platform & Chassis
The Honda HR-V acquired a monocoque chassis that provides the model its distinct character. Even though the crossover is based on the compact crossover Honda Jazz, it still has a few significant changes in ride height and dimension. Honda HR-V's dimensions are as follows: length of 4294 mm, a width of 1772 mm, a height of 1605 mm, and a wheelbase that measures 2610 mm.
To take on unmanned roads, the Honda HR-V stands on 185 mm ground clearance. It is equipped with a MacPherson strut for front suspension and a torsion beam system for the rear. Both the front and rear wheels used disc brakes, with the front wheels using ventilated discs whereas, the rear set utilized a pair of solid discs. Depending on the variant, the vehicle's wheels come in at 17 or 16 inches.
Engine & Drivetrain
In the Philippines, the Honda HR-V is equipped only with a single engine option that is the 1.8-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor, which is used as well by Honda Civic for quite some time. The engine is silent and runs smoothly but can turn otherwise if the driver wanted to.
The naturally-aspirated engine features a single overhead camshaft and 1.8-liter displacement. It generates a power of 140 hp and torque power of 172 Nm that runs through Honda's Earth Dreams CVT. Like most Honda cars, its engine is powered up to the front and in a transverse layout.
