2022 Honda HR-V coming to Thailand next month, is PH next?
We could get the all-new Honda HR-V sometime next year
If there's one Honda that is due for a replacement, it's the second-generation HR-V. First introduced in the Philippines back in 2015, it has only received a single update in 2018. But with more brands launching a B-segment crossover, the HR-V is in danger of getting left behind.
But it looks like we might get our hands on the all-new HR-V sometime next year. That's because the third-generation crossover is supposedly scheduled to make its ASEAN debut in Thailand next month.
According to our friends at Headlightmag, insiders close to the matter mentioned that Honda is already testing the crossover in Thailand. Moreover, Honda dealerships have reportedly started training sales consultants in preparation for the arrival of the new HR-V.
But what can we expect from the Thai-spec HR-V? For starters, the next-gen crossover will be slightly larger than the outgoing model. Measuring 4340mm long, and 1790mm wide, it will be 46mm longer and 18mm wider than before. However, its height is 1582mm, making it 23mm shorter than the current model.
Despite being a shorter vehicle, Honda says the HR-V has better ground clearance at 188mm. For reference, the current model only has 170mm. The 2610mm wheelbase has been carried over from the outgoing model.
As for its design, it now has a more upright front fascia that is complemented by a huge grille. The crossover also comes with a flatter hood, slimmer headlights and taillights, a more angular rear end, wider fender flares, and a back-swept tailgate. Overall, the design changes made the HR-V look sportier.
Similar to the all-new Civic, the HR-V's interior also received a redesign. It now comes with a free-standing touchscreen, a simpler dashboard, an updated instrument panel, more piano black accents, and a new steering wheel. Also gone are the haptic controls for the automatic climate control replaced by traditional rotary dials.
Under the hood, the Thai-spec HR-V will likely be available with two engine options. The first is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter i-VTEC that replaces the 1.8-liter R18. It makes 131 PS at 6600 rpm with 155 Nm of torque at 4600 rpm and is paired to a CVT.
The other engine is a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four that is paired to a two-motor hybrid system dubbed e:HEV. The engine itself produces 98 PS and 127 Nm of torque. Combined with the hybrid system, the total system output is rated at 109 PS with 253 Nm of torque. Like the non-hybrid version, it is paired with a CVT.
Other details regarding the Thai-spec HR-V are still a mystery. However, we won't be surprised if it will be available with Honda Sensing. This will give the crossover intelligent safety systems that include lane-keep assist, front collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Should the all-new HR-V make its ASEAN debut in Thailand in November, it could mean that the Philippine market will get the new crossover sometime next year. After all, Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) does source the HR-V from Thailand. The only question now is, how long will we have to wait?
