Honda's All-New HR-V Is Quite the Headturner

Honda’s HR-V nameplate has been in the Philippines since 1998, when the first-generation was first introduced as a boxy and hip crossover to pair with the highly successful CR-V. Since then, the Japanese carmaker has sold over 3.5 million HR-V units globally. In the Philippines, the most recent model sold more than 7,000 units since it was introduced in 2015.

Honda has unveiled the all-new HR-V at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City. The company said its Philippine debut carries many exciting upgrades that, as the tagline promises, will “Heighten your Senses.”

Photo by Honda PH.

The all-new Honda HR-V was developed with the concept “Amp Up Your Life,” which combines functionality, safety, advanced features, sophisticated design, and superior driving experience.  The concept is a combination of three core values: that the vehicle creates a pleasurable experience that appeals to all the senses and to all the occupants; it inspires confidence that it is very reliable and easy to drive; and lastly, that it should have the right aesthetics.

For the new HR-V, Honda wanted it to have a sleek and elegant look and evoke a strong presence on the road.

The exterior is radically different from the previous generation’s bodywork. We love the coupe-like roofline with the door handles of the rear passenger doors cleverly integrated in the door frames at the corner of the C-pillars. The newly shaped headlights and foglamps all have LEDs as well as the turn light signals and Daytime Running Lights for optimized visibility on the road.

Photo by Honda PH.

The two variants come with two different grille designs. The V Turbo CVT variant comes with a mesh type grille, while the base model S CVT variant comes with a black bar type grille. One very distinctive design of the V Turbo variant is the sport type bumper with the Amp Up Line pulse-like design. 

Both variants of the HR-V come with a shark fin antenna and 17-inch alloys wrapped with 215/60 tires, although each comes in different finishes: a black and silver colorway for the S CVT variant while the range-topping V Turbo CVT variant uses a gray finish. We also love the Euro-inspired LED Taillight Bar, and the dual tailpipes for the V Turbo CVT.

Photo by Honda PH.

Inside, the cabin uses quality finishes and materials, including leather upholstery for the premium V Turbo CVT variant that is optimized for comfort. The new generation HR-V now has an eight-inch touchscreen monitor display audio paired with a six-speaker sound system. The infotainment system supports various multimedia functions such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other goodies include a one-push start system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and—a unique and interesting feature is its single-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents and the new air diffusion system that evenly distributes the natural breeze to all occupants throughout the cabin.

Honda says that the Philippine-spec HR-V will have two engine options: a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine for the base S CVT, producing 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. While the V Turbo CVT variant, on the other hand, features a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine, making it the first-ever turbo-powered HR-V offering. The engine is rated at 177 PS and 240 Nm of torque. It has 3 distinct driving modes including Econ, Normal and Sport Mode for the V Turbo CVT only. 

Photo by Honda PH.

Just like its latest 11th generation Civic, the all-new HR-V also features the new Honda SENSING system which uses a camera with a wider field of view combined with improved software. The updated safety tech achieves better vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, and road marking recognition. Standard offerings include smart keyless entry, security alarm, and immobilizer. The all-new HR-V also supports the G-force Control (G-CON) body structure, which is basically just added protection for passengers in the event of a collision. 

The HR-V S CVT Honda SENSING is P1.25 million, while the range-topping V Turbo CVT Honda SENSING retails at P1.598 million. The Platinum White Pearl and the Premium Opal White Silver Pearl, which is exclusive to the V Turbo variant, has an additional P20,000 premium on the price tag. Visit any of the 37 Honda Cars dealerships nationwide or log on to Honda’s virtual showroom.