The turbocharged Honda HR-V has made its ASEAN debut
A few days ago, Honda Cars Philippines announced that the all-new HR-V is coming next month. Set to debut on April 19, the next-generation crossover will be available with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, will have Honda Sensing across all variants, and will start at around PHP 1.3 million.
Other specifics and details about the 2022 HR-V have yet to be revealed. Luckily, Honda Indonesia has just launched the all-new crossover – giving us a better look at what we can expect for the PH-spec once it's revealed this April.
First and foremost is the 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC inline-four. Available only on the range-topping RS, the engine generates 177 PS and 240 Nm of torque. Compared to the Civic, the motor puts out 1 less horsepower but has the same torque output. Power is then sent to the front wheels via a CVT.
On lesser versions, the HR-V comes with a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with i-VTEC. It makes 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. Fans of the 1.8-liter i-VTEC will be disappointed, however, as Honda is no longer offering that engine. Like the turbocharged VTEC, this one is also paired to a CVT driving the front wheels.
In terms of design, the Indonesian-spec HR-V looks similar to the hybrid model launched in Thailand last November. The RS version gets neat touches of gloss black on the wheel arches, front lip spoiler, rear bumper, and tailgate garnish. Also unique to the RS version is a special front grille that gives the crossover a sportier appearance. Other key exterior design elements present on the HR-V include an optional black-painted roof, stylish alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a tailgate-mounted spoiler.
Inside, occupants are treated to a stylish new cabin that appears to be inspired by the Civic. There's a new 7-inch digital instrument panel (4.2-inches on lesser models), an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control dials, push-button start, paddle shifters (RS only), leather upholstery, as well as a wireless charging pad for mobile phones. In case you need to carry plenty of cargo, the HR-V comes with ULT seats. This allows drivers to set the rear seats in three distinct modes; Utility, Tall, and Long.
As mentioned earlier, Honda Sensing is available across all variants of the new HR-V. With it, intelligent driver aids such as collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, auto high-beam, and lead car departure notification are standard equipment on the 2022 HR-V.
Other key safety technologies present include anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, vehicle stability assist, and up to 6 airbags.
With Indonesia getting its hands on the turbocharged HR-V first, we're hoping that the Philippine-spec models will have similar levels of equipment.