Honda reveals SE Asia version of 2022 HR-V hybrid

After making its global debut earlier this year in Japan, Honda's stylish B-segment crossover is now in Southeast Asia.

Officially making its regional debut in Thailand is the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V. Featuring a sleeker design and a Civic-like cabin, the HR-V has changed not just in size, but also in looks.

It now has a more upright front fascia that is dominated by a huge grille, sweeping LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, and a stylish hood. Around the back, it now has a more angular rear end, wider fender flares, and a back-swept tailgate. Depending on the model chosen, the HR-V can come with a wide array of alloy wheels, including an optional Modulo set. Other key highlights seen on the new HR-V include black body cladding, a two-tone roof (RS only), a tailgate-mounted spoiler, and a panoramic sunroof.

Over to the cabin, and the HR-V adopts a more simplistic design. It now has a free-standing 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, new dials for the automatic climate control system, a simpler dashboard, redesigned multi-info display, and a three-spoke steering wheel with multimedia buttons.

It also gets rear A/C vents with built-in USB chargers. That way, those in the back can now easily recharge their smartphones and other mobile devices. Other amenities available include an automatic tailgate, power-adjustable driver's seat, push-button start, wireless phone charging, LED reading lights, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, rear center armrest with cupholders, and selectable drive modes (Normal, Econ, and Sport).

As before, the HR-V continues to be available with the ULTR seats. Also available on the City Hatchback (as well as the Jazz), the 60:40 split-folding rear seats can be set to Utility Mode, Long Mode, Tall Mode, and Refresh Mode – hence the ULTR name. This can allow drivers to put in long or tall items, or even turn them into a relaxing lounge area.

From its namesake, the Thai-spec HR-V is only available as a hybrid. Power comes in the form of a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four that is helped along by two electric motors. The engine alone makes 105 PS and 127 Nm of torque. But with the i-MMD system in play, the crossover makes a combined system output of 131 PS and 253 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the wheels via an e-CVT. Honda also claims the HR-V e:HEV can average 25.6 km/L.

For the first time, the HR-V is now equipped with the Honda Sensing system. This gives the crossover intelligent safety features that include a collision warning system with collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beam, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, and lead car departure notification.

Other available safety features on the 2022 HR-V include hill-start assist (HSA), vehicle stability assist (VSA), walk-away auto-lock, hill-descent control (HDC), agile handling assist (AHA), and front and rear passenger seatbelt reminders.

With Thailand now selling the 2022 HR-V, we won't be surprised if it will be arriving in the country sometime next year. But will we get the PH-spec model as the e:HEV hybrid, or will we only get it with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine? Watch this space.