Honda Malaysia has announced that the refreshed HR-V has garnered over 8,500 bookings to date. First previewed in July 2018, the HR-V facelift was launched in January and that month alone saw close to 4,000 bookings stream in. Since launch, Honda has delivered over 3,000 units and the company claims compact SUV segment leadership with an 87% share (as of January 2019).
Unsurprisingly, Klang Valley contributed the lion’s share of sales with 47%, followed by southern and northern regions with 18% each. The B-segment SUV’s new Passion Red Pearl colour (also new to Honda Malaysia as a whole, more vibrant than the old Dark Ruby Red Pearl) proved to be popular with the early birds, with 28% of buyers opting for it.
The HR-V facelift introduces two new variants – the RS and the Hybrid. Malaysia is the only market outside of Japan to officially introduce the HR-V Hybrid, which comes with Honda’s Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent dual-clutch drive) powertrain as seen on the Jazz Hybrid.
It combines an Atkinson-cycle 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC engine (132 PS/156 Nm) and a 30 PS/160 Nm electric motor, with drive going to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Total system output is 152 PS and 190 Nm. A lithium-ion traction battery supplies juice to the e-motor. The Hybrid’s boot is slightly smaller, at 404 litres versus 437.
The E, V and RS grades come with an unchanged 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with 142 PS and 172 Nm, paired to a CVT automatic. The only mechanical addition of note is a new Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system, which is specific to the RS variant.
Speaking of the sporty-looking RS, it adds on darkened contrast elements such as dark chrome door handles, black chrome license garnish and gloss black side sills and black fog lamp garnish. It’s also a wee bit longer and wider than the standard variants and rides on 18-inch two-tone five-spoke wheels with 225/50 tyres (the E, V and Hybrid ride on 215/55 R17 rubber).
As standard, all variants come equipped with smart entry/push button ignition, automatic air-conditioning, auto headlights, daytime running lights, cruise control, paddle shifters, steering wheel audio controls and four speakers for the audio system, among others goodies.
The E and Hybrid feature halogen headlights and bulbed front fog lamps; inside, you’ll find a part-leather three-spoke steering wheel and black half-leather upholstery, along with a 6.8-inch centre screen.
The V and RS adds on LED headlights, LED front fog lamps and rear LED bar signatures. They also get a full leather steering wheel and full leather upholstery, finished in black in the the V and ivory in the RS. The sportiest car also has dark grey contrast trim. Both come with a 7.0-inch screen and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
As for safety, the HR-V now comes standard with six airbags, something that was previously only available on the top V spec. Emergency stop signal (ESS), vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA) and a multi-angle reverse camera are also standard across the board. The V and RS get the passenger side Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera.
The Honda HR-V facelift range starts from RM108,800 for the E and RM118,800 for the V. The Hybrid is yours for RM120,800, while the range topping RS goes for RM124,800. All prices are on-the-road without insurance. As before, there’s an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the hybrid battery, on top of the standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty for the car.
For full specs and to compare the latest HR-V with its rivals, check out CarBase.my.
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