Seven years have handed for the reason that Honda HR-V landed in Malaysia. The SUV we’re acquainted with is definitely the second ‘Hello-rider Revolutionary Automobile’ to make use of the identify – the primary being the boxy two-door oddball from the early 2000s – however to most, the one which was launched by Honda Malaysia in 2015 is ‘the primary HR-V’. From right here, all mentions of ‘earlier HR-V’ or ‘the unique’ confer with this one.
UPDATE: The 2022 Honda HR-V is now open for reserving in Malaysia.
No confusion once we’re speaking in regards to the influence the HR-V made on the Malaysian market, although. It wasn’t the primary compact SUV out there when it reached our shores in 2015, however the RU-series HR-V might effectively be one of the crucial vital SUVs ever launched in our nation.
It was an instantaneous hit, an entry that was every little thing to everybody, as a lot as a crowd pleaser as an SUV can get. Technically a B-segment SUV, its pure rivals right here would have been the Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008, however in opposition to these two, Honda’s model energy could be sufficient to win it, earlier than factoring that the HR-V was a far superior automobile.
In its early days right here, the HR-V fought for gross sales with vehicles from a category above, C-segment SUVs such because the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage (these two manufacturers and nameplates had been nonetheless of their prime in Malaysia then) and the Mazda CX-5.
To say that the HR-V has been a hit for Honda Malaysia is an understatement. It turned the defining compact SUV, a model new product line for HM that went on to seek out over 111,000 properties. It’s not unusual to see shopping center parking heaps and suburban taman porches full of rows of HR-Vs. Just like the Myvi of higher center class areas.
Not the undisputed champ
However nobody stays on the prime of the sport unchallenged without end. Nationwide makes Perodua and Proton each now have compact SUVs of their vary, and Toyota – for lengthy, a laggard on this rising sector – now has a spread of SUVs on supply, from the Perodua-manufactured Rush to the Lexus-level Harrier. Not too long ago, the large T made a giant assault on HR-V territory with the Corolla Cross.
The HR-V’s standing because the default compact SUV is not any extra. The newer and cheaper Proton X50 outsells it and the Corolla Cross is gaining momentum. The qualities that made the HR-V so widespread are nonetheless related at this time, nevertheless it definitely isn’t a contemporary face anymore and alter is required.
That change is coming very, very quickly to Malaysia, and so we headed to Thailand for a preview drive of the brand new HR-V, which was launched there with a single e:HEV hybrid powertrain in November 2021.
We known as the outgoing HR-V a recreation changer in our first native drive in 2015, and alter the sport it did. However the guidelines of the game are effectively established now, and the brand new third-generation HR-V received’t be altering something – as a substitute, its mission is to place the nameplate on the prime of the pack, once more.
Solely the identify is similar
That received’t be achieved by same-same trying evolutionary design, definitely not within the fast-paced SUV recreation, and the HR-V delivers on this respect. This new one seems to be nothing like its predecessor; every little thing from the physique form to the mannequin wordmark is contemporary. The one issues carried over are the identify and hidden rear door handles.
If the earlier HR-V was all swoopy traces in an natural form, the brand new one has a well-defined define. The straight traces lengthen to the shoulder line, which is excessive and straight – it doesn’t rise from entrance to again just like the X50 and so many others. This robust picture is contrasted by the rake of the rear display, which defines the brand new HR-V’s form. No sloping roof, only a sharp rake.
To my eyes, this clear however robust look is a giant (and good) distinction from the highly-stylised X50 and the mushy curves employed by Mazda and Honda itself with the present CR-V, which all appear to be they’ve an enormous door dent within the profile. I like my SUVs sq., however seems to be are subjective – what’s your take?
Don’t mistake the restrained physique for boring although, as a result of the general look is lifted by eye-catching particulars. Up entrance is a big grille that’s bolder than any Honda nostril I bear in mind (RS’ chequered flag sample is louder than the common horizontal stripes). The LED headlamps have thick brows that join with the highest of the grille. One fascinating element is the purple accent line on the decrease bumper, which has a “heartbeat” blip on one facet. Amp up your life, they are saying.
The edges are fairly easy, with the robust shoulder line combining with the raked rear display to offer a robust silhouette. The hidden rear door handles – a trick utilized by the earlier automobile to have extra of a “coupe look” – have been retained. The wheels are easy darkish 18-inch gadgets on this Thai-spec RS. Park each previous and new side-by-side like we did and also you’ll see the much less sloping nostril and extra angled rear hatch.
Increased love
Up to now so completely different, however the greatest divergence is on the rear. The brand new HR-V sports activities a full width gentle bar that offers it greater than a touch of Porsche Macan from afar. The LED bar is damaged up by the Honda emblem, like the brand new Harrier, however the HR-V’s signature is thicker and seems brighter. The precise back lights are fairly novel too – gentle ‘chips’ are specified by a row, like a much less layered model of BMW’s OLEDs.
To my eyes, the brand new HR-V seems a good bit bigger than it truly is. At 4,385 mm lengthy, at this time’s RV era is simply 39 mm longer than the facelifted RS it’s changing, whereas the 1,790 mm width and a pair of,610 mm wheelbase are unchanged. Maybe the very obvious greater floor clearance – 196 mm, 26 mm greater – performs a task within the phantasm.
You do get a very good impression of that peak from behind the wheel, and that’s one thing I’ve come to love in day by day driving. There are some preferring a extra “car-like” low slung really feel for his or her SUVs, however why, when you possibly can simply purchase a daily sedan/hatchback?
The brand new HR-V’s design is such that the windscreen and home windows are fairly shallow – paired with an all-black inside, the texture might be both sporty or claustrophobic, relying on how you want your cabins. I’m in all probability within the minority, however personally, I like lighter hues and if all-black just isn’t avoidable, splashes of color to interrupt the monotony. The Thai RS cabin is a darkish house, nevertheless it’s neutralised by a panoramic glass roof.
This two-piece roof, which has bigger protection than the previous-gen’s glass roof (wasn’t supplied in Malaysia), has a daily retracting shade in entrance and two items of clip-on shades on the again, like a targa prime previous Toyota MR2 with out the centre spar.
The shades are sturdy and really straightforward to take away and affix. Unbelievable for street journeys and sightseeing – I like it. Nevertheless, taking a look at Malaysians’ desire to be insulated from the weather, the glass roof may not make it into HM’s spec sheet – we’ll see.
Cabin strain
I actually preferred the earlier HR-V’s inside, and seeing a Thai RS wine red-black instance jogged my memory why. Sports activities car-like with that tall centre console and easy in structure, it’s sporty and feels fairly particular. The brand new cockpit isn’t disagreeable, nevertheless it seems to be extra standard and fewer driver-focused.
There’s a horizontal vent strip right here, however not like within the newest Civic, there’s no grille and try to camouflage the vents. Sans ornament or accents, the vent strip and the big trim piece beneath it (barely softer plastic however no stitching) seems to be a bit of plain.
Talking of vents, there’s a Honda-first air diffusion system that you just’ll discover on the facet vents. In the event you don’t need chilly air blasted in your face, however nonetheless need some air flow, flip the knob and air will movement out from the slim inverted-L strips. Appears like one thing I’d use fairly often; if solely diffusing the air from the facet vent doesn’t divert the remainder of the air to the opposite vent (the one subsequent to the display), making it stronger and defeating the aim of calm air.
The part-digital meter panel (analogue speedo) is similar one seen within the Metropolis RS e:HEV, and it does its job effectively – undecided why a G-meter is required, however hybrid-specific shows akin to the ability/cost gauge and energy movement diagram are helpful.
My different inside grievance is in regards to the head unit. The 8.0-inch merchandise helps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is nice, and appears high-quality in footage. Nevertheless, in observe, the display angles away from the driving force. The scenario isn’t as unhealthy as within the newest Proton Iriz/Persona, and the reflection not half as extreme, however when you see it…
Additionally, the top unit-style of the display and its again field isn’t as slick trying as a real floating show with lined innards. There’s additionally some reflection of the sprint prime on the windscreen in harsh daylight, nevertheless it’s nothing main.
We’ve grow to be accustomed to Honda’s LaneWatch digicam through the years, however I’m not totally satisfied that it’s superior to the common blind spot warning system that everybody else makes use of. Will Honda at some point “eat humble pie” and drop it like Lexus did with its irritating Distant Contact Interface?
Alas, the HR-V’s cockpit is comfy and useful, but additionally unremarkable – the dashboard design is nicer than the Metropolis’s, however falls in need of the requirements set by the Civic FE. Intentional, maybe. The X50 Flagship’s two-tone cockpit and Mazda interiors do really feel that bit extra premium. Keep in mind that Malaysian specs would possibly differ from this Thai RS.
Vary extender EV
As talked about, the newest HR-V is hybrid-only in Thailand, as a consequence of authorities incentives for electrified automobiles. The i-MMD (clever Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid system is branded e:HEV, and it replaces the earlier HR-V Hybrid’s i-DCD system.
Like within the Metropolis RS e:HEV, a 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine works along with an e-CVT, an built-in electrical motor that additionally acts as a starter, and a bigger second motor. The DOHC i-VTEC engine makes 106 PS/127 Nm, and features primarily as a generator for the e-motor, though it will probably present direct drive to the wheels at excessive speeds because it’s extra environment friendly in such conditions. As that is Thailand, the ICE is tuned to just accept E20 gasohol.
The e-motor produces 131 PS and 253 Nm of torque from 0 to three,500 rpm. Honda Thailand quotes a complete system output of 215 PS and claimed gasoline consumption of 25.6 km/l.
In comparison with our Metropolis RS e:HEV, the Thai-spec HR-V RS e:HEV’s ICE has an additional 8 PS and the e-motor has a 23 PS benefit. The HR-V is after all heavier – the top-spec Thai HR-V you see right here ideas the scales at 1,407 kg, which is 161 kg heavier than our Metropolis RS sedan.
Just like the hybrid Metropolis, the HR-V e:HEV is a pleasure to drive in gradual visitors. That’s as a result of it’s primarily an EV on the town, easy and quiet as we inched our approach out of Phuket’s Patong Seashore. i-MMD is a big improve over i-DCD with regards to rolling in pure EV mode, having the ability to go a lot additional and face up to considerably extra pedal strain earlier than the engine is compelled to help.
Improved dynamics, consolation
At residence, I just like the “EV so far as attainable” recreation, however we’ve acquired locations to go and Phuket’s hills beckon. And similar to that, originally of the drive, the brand new HR-V feels completely different from the previous one. The steering stands out – it’s fast and sharp, and feels meatier than what I’ve come to count on from Honda.
When you get used to the smaller angles wanted for bends, the HR-V is fluent and low-effort on winding sections. At excessive speeds, the helm is regular and stress-free. I’ve not had a go on the new Civic but, however others inform me that the brand new sedan can be an excellent steer, so Honda’s acquired one thing occurring right here.
In the event you’re apprehensive in regards to the new HR-V greater floor clearance affecting dynamics, don’t. Physique roll isn’t actually a think about quick street driving, and that features a very twisty uphill-downhill slim stretch round Phang-nga Bay en path to Krabi, which jogs my memory of the street from Kuala Kubu Bharu to The Hole. The rear suspension continues to be a torsion beam, and Thai roads are smoother than ours, however I don’t count on journey consolation to be a difficulty in Malaysia.
One other upgraded space that present HR-V homeowners would possibly discover is NVH. Insulation from street roar is first rate (Thai RS makes use of 18-inch Bridgestone Alenza SUV tyres) and there are not any wind noise points to report.
The engine has a muted growl when prolonged, with revs dropping as your proper foot eases off the gasoline. Right here, there appears to be much less of a deliberate torque converter AT-mimicking “shift sample” programme than Toyota CVTs, however I’m OK with both. With the e-motor’s torque doing the heavy lifting, excessive revs aren’t wanted more often than not anyway. With that stated, don’t count on “215 PS/253 Nm” ranges of efficiency – quoted figures for electrified vehicles are at all times extra attractive than the precise acceleration, and this ain’t no Golf GTI. The HR-V hybrid isn’t a gradual automobile, however you’ll be shopping for it for the gasoline effectivity, vary topping gear and sporty seems to be.
Some notes from the rear seats, which I attempted on a couple of sections. The earlier HR-V was extra spacious than its footprint prompt, and its the identical right here – legroom is nice and the rear seat is kind of well-shaped for 2, though becoming three abreast wouldn’t be a snug affair because the centre part is raised by a good bit.
The peak of the seat base is ideal for my 175 cm body, and there’s a palm’s value of headroom to spare, which is a contact lower than within the previous automobile. Maybe there shall be barely extra room with out the glass roof, which by the way in which extends additional again than within the earlier automobile.
The rear air conditioning vents and helpful telephone slots within the seatbacks are appreciated, and I additionally like the situation of the cupholders, that are on the doorways, arm-level. Extremely Seats, which flip as much as accommodate tall gadgets, is a type of issues that you just don’t realise you want, till you employ it for the primary time – you already know, like these nifty Daiso gadgets. Nobody maximises house like Honda, and the HR-V shall be an important household automobile.
The return of the king?
In a fast-paced world the place devices are changed yearly, we’re liable to dismissing one thing that has been round, however newer isn’t at all times higher in each facet. And the outgoing HR-V didn’t grow to be a nasty automobile in a single day. Honda has one thing good to construct from, and for those who observe European soccer, you’ll know that have might be invaluable within the greatest of video games.
The brand new HR-V is healthier to drive and a extra comfy automobile to journey in, and the i-MMD hybrid system is a significant leap ahead (don’t scoff at FC, as a result of the period of low-cost subsidised gasoline for all is ending quickly). These are important enhancements, however IMO, the largest plus level is the brand new mannequin’s clear sheet design. The HR-V seems bigger and extra premium than earlier than, and the form is a singular one which units it other than the competitors. Honda Sensing throughout the whole vary could be good.
Ah, the vary. In Thailand, the HR-V is hybrid-only, whereas in Indonesia, the SUV might be had with two 1.5L engines – naturally aspirated (121 PS/145 Nm) or turbocharged (177 PS/240 Nm). On the time of writing, we don’t know which of the powertrains shall be supplied in Malaysia alongside the e:HEV. Established in our market now, the 1.5T is a shoo-in, however phrase is that there shall be a 1.5L NA base mannequin as effectively.
The latter appears shocking, because the earlier mannequin had a 1.8L NA, and a “Metropolis engine” powering a bigger physique doesn’t sound too interesting. However it will likely be enough (Australia has the 1.5L NA too) for these utilizing the HR-V as a suburban runabout, a second/third automobile “for tough use” to the outlets. Some would possibly even want a fuss-free confirmed engine with none boosting. The identical factors apply to the two.0L NA-powered CR-V, and HM sells a couple of of these. Moreover, those that need extra energy can at all times go for the turbo model.
So, a three-pronged assault to reclaim the throne? Two or three, you’d be foolish to wager in opposition to the Honda HR-V.
GALLERY: 2022 Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, Thailand spec
GALLERY: 2022 Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, Thailand spec, official pics
