What’s new with the 2019 HR-V

The new HR-V follows the styling direction of the new generation of Honda passenger vehicles. photos by eugene araneta

Despite 2018 being a very challenging year, Honda Cars Philippines shared a ray of hope for the industry: its SUV sales (BR-V, HR-V and CR-V) are up 9 percent in the same period compared to 2017.

That’s truly impressive news considering the entire market is down by practically 50 percent.

Honda also recently announced the opening of its 38th dealership in the country, located at Tagum City in Davao.

As the adage goes, strike while the iron is hot, and Honda recently unveiled a heavily refreshed HR-V in the middle of its product lifespan for 2018.

Aside from the cosmetic tweaks, an all-new model called the HR-V RS Navi CVT, also breaks cover.

It is a sporty model further differentiated by the larger 18-inch thin-spoke wheels and tires, front LED fog-lamps, a bolder, sportier front grill with matching RS front and rear bumpers, side sill garnish, rear bumper garnish plus dark chrome front door handles and choice black trim throughout the car.

From left, House of Investment director Medel Nera, Honda R & D, Ltd. Co. chief development engineer Yoshinori Nakamura, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. president and general manager Noriyuki Takakura, and Honda Cars Makati Inc. managing director and president Emmanuel Aligada

The RS also gets side front airbags and proximity/sonar parking sensors on all four corners, plus a leather interior.

Honda intended the RS Navi CVT variant to appeal to the emotional, passionate and fashionable buyers who still want value, practicality and utility, while looking for more sophistication in their next car.

Beneath the skin, the HR-V also gets additional sound deadening material to help improve NVH isolation, plus tweaks to the suspension to deliver a smoother, better ride with more agility and control.

Both the basic HR-V E and RS variants get a 7-inch touchscreen display which forms the heart of the multi-media system.

The RS also gets navigation included; the E does without it.

The multi-media system now features both Apple Carplay and Android Auto to make mobile phone connectivity and integration easier, faster and more seamless.

A matching touchscreen display for the climate-control system adds more sophistication.

ABS-EBD brakes are standard, as is traction/stability control, hill start assist, and brake hold assist.

The HR-V gets leather trim for the steering wheel, seats, and shift knob.

An engine start/stop button is standard on both models. A multi-view rear reversing camera also makes handling the HR-V easier in tight parking spots.

The RS Navi variant, with its full suite of electronic driving aids and safety equipment scores full five stars in the Asean New Car Assesment Crash Test.

Tweaks have also been made to the interior, which features Honda’s trademark ULT (utility, long and tall) seating arrangement, first seen on the Honda Jazz and City that allow you to arrange seats depending on the combination of the size of your cargo plus the number of passengers inside the car. This makes the HR-V more practical and versatile than ever.

Powerplant remains the same with Honda’s 1.8-liter i-Vtec engine that delivers 140 hp and 172 Newton meters of torque, delivering power to the front wheels via Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology CVT transmission.

Paddle shifters give an added measure of control, delivering seven simulated forward speeds, handy when tackling a challenging mountain road or difficult road and weather conditions.

Seated in the driver’s seat, there is generous seat and steering wheel adjustment for both reach and rake, while auxiliary buttons give added convenience when fiddling through the multimedia system or toggling through the various in-car trip and fuel computer parameters and cruise control.

Takakura at the wheel of the HR-V

As always, Econ mode is present to deliver better fuel economy, with an Eco-coaching meter displaying a green light when the HR-V’s brains detect you to be driving efficiently and economically.

Honda has also kept the weight down to 1,263 kg for the RS Navi CVT variant, and 1,249 for the E variant, which helps fuel efficiency.

Turning radius is a small 5.3 meters, making it handy in tight city streets.

Five colors are available, with three of them new. The flagship Phoenix Orange Pearl is exclusive for the RS Navi CVT.

The new HR-V is priced at P1.295 million for the E variant, and P1.495 milliion for the RS Navi CVT variant.

It looks like the subcompact crossover SUV segment is heating up even more.