Honda Malaysia has just taken the wraps off their latest mini SUV, the all-new HR-V. Sharing its platform with the Honda City and Honda Jazz, this new mini SUV will challenge the Ford EcoSport and the Peugeot 2008 locally. The Honda HR-V is also called the Honda Vezel in certain markets. Honda Malaysia has introduced 3 variants of the HR-V for the Malaysia market, namely the Honda HR-V Grade S, Grade E and Grade V as the range topper.
We won’t blame you if you saw cues of its bigger brother, the CR-V from the outside, as the Honda HR-V does look like a shrunken CR-V. Not a bad thing, but the rear end design is different from its bigger brother. For the Honda HR-V, all models will feature 16-inch wheels, LED rear combination lights, shark fin antenna and front and rear foglights. The lower grade E and S variants features regular halogen headlights, while the range topping Grade V gets twin-projector LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. Both the Grade E and Grade V gets wing mirror-mounted turn signals, while the Grade S has its turn indicator on the fenders. Also unique to the Honda HR-V are the hidden rear door handles. Besides that, all variants will benefit from auto headlights.
Under the hood of all variants is Honda’s R18A 1.8-litre iVTEC engine from the Civic 1.8 with 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 174 Nm of twist at 4,300 rpm. The engine is paired to Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology CVT that drives the front wheels. The Honda HR-V is Euro-3 complaint.
Interior wise, the Honda HR-V sports the same faux-leather stitching like the Jazz and City. The range-topping Grade V gets all the toys, like a 7-inch touchscreen LCD display with GPS and Bluetooth, cruise control, touch based air conditioning system and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The lower grade models make do without those, but the Grade E does get a smaller 5-inch touchscreen LCD and regular knobs for the air conditioning system. The Grade S gets a regular two-DIN radio player. Like the Jazz, the HR-V also has various versatile seat configurations from Utility Mode, Tall Mode to Long Mode that can be adjusted to meet the needs of all lifestyles and uses.
Safety wise, all Honda HR-V variants gets Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), One Touch Lane Change, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and Automatic Brake Hold. The Grade S and Grade E makes do with twin SRS airbags, while the range-topping Grade V adds side airbags and side curtain airbags.
The Honda HR-V’s prices will start from RM99,800 for the basic Grade S, while the mid-of-the-line Grade E retails for RM108,800. The range-topping Grade V will set buyers back for RM118,800. All prices are on-the-road with insurance. For owners who desire a sportier look, the Honda Malaysia also offers 2 Utility packages and 2 Modulo packages, starting from RM1,550.
Buyers can choose from 5 colours, namely Ruse Black Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Matallic, Tafetta White and Crystal Black Pearl. Like other Honda models, the HR-V will come with Honda Malaysia’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
For more information, log on to www.honda.com.my.
Honda HR-V photo gallery
Honda HR-V launch photos
