For those who haven’t been following our HR-V stories over the past month or so, we’ll give you a quick summary. The Honda HR-V was a model that was put on display at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2013, under it’s ‘Vezel’ domestic name.
It was an interesting model that combined the high-volume Jazz/City platform, with the kind of engineering and development reserved for crossover vehicles. The resulting model can’t have been better timed, with Ford’s EcoSport hitting the market just last year and opening up a new segment for entry level crossovers.
There are many variants of the HR-V available overseas with numerous engines and powertrain options, but we get the 1.8-litre CVT version, with only front-wheel drive.
Power output is a respectable 142 PS and 172 Nm, despite the engine being merely SOHC. This powertrain is new for our country as we have never have a 1.8-litre engine paired with a CVT before.
What you need to know is that there are three grades of the HR-V on sale: the S, E, and V. In terms of powertrain they are all the same, as are they in terms of external dimensions (kerb weight varies between 1239 and 1249 kilos as a result of equipment, but they’re all incredibly light cars). All three grades get the same 16″ alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 R16 rubber.
Where the grades differ is in the equipment. S and E specs get halogen headlamps and daytime running lights while the high spec V gets LEDs, although all models have automatic headlights.
Only the high spec V gets turn signals on the wing mirrors as well, and chrome coated outer door handles. While the S spec gets keyless entry, it doesn’t have a push start system. The higher E and V spec models get both keyless entry and push start.
Cruise control and multi-angle rear view cameras are reserved for the V spec model, as is the leather interior. Both E and V spec recieve dual-zone air conditioning, whereas the S spec makes do with a manual single-zone unit. Entertainment varies between the 3 specs: the S gets a simple head unit, the E gets a 5″ monitor, while the V gets a full on 7″ head unit and 6 speakers to boot- HDMI port and voice recognition included.
But safety is one area where Honda doesn’t skip out on. In terms of active safety, all models receive the full electronic package; everything from ABS with EBD to VSA (stability control) and HSA (hill start assist). However for passive safety, both S and E spec make do with only dual front airbags, and the V spec gets side and curtain airbags as well.
Prices for the models start at RM99,800 for the S, RM 108,800 for the E, and RM 118,800 for the V.
