From the first glance, the new European HR-V’s design for 2019 has more elegant features – including a more substantial interpretation of Honda’s ‘Solid Wing Face’ graphic. The Honda HR-V’s tall stature combined with its solid design and strong presence provides a feeling of safety, security, confidence and useability.
2019 HR-V models feature new styling, with revised bumpers, headlights, grille, and taillights, while the new HR-V Sport and Touring trims get a unique look all their own. Blackout trim and 18-inch wheels visually distinguish HR-V Sport trims, while the all-wheel-drive-only Touring trim gets multi-element LED headlights, dark chrome trim, and LED fog lights.
Inside, HR-V benefits from a new Display Audio system featuring a simplified interface that includes a volume knob and the addition of Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. The navigation system, available exclusively in Touring trims, has also been improved with sharper graphics and 3D landmarks.
All models feature a redesigned driver’s meter with a large analog speedometer and digital tachometer. EX models and above receive a 4.2-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Driver Information Interface color display offering additional selectable information including available turn-by-turn directions.
1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol
A new addition to the 2019 Honda HR-V line-up is the powerful 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO engine, which was first seen in the latest generation Honda Civic. This power unit is only available on the new HR-V Sport. This four-cylinder engine gives the compact SUV enhanced performance, with peak power of 182 PS at 5,500 rpm. Equipped with a CVT, 220 Nm is delivered between 1,700 rpm and 5,500 rpm.
The Honda HR-V Sport has CO2 emissions from 151g/km (WLTP) (from 135g/km NEDC Correlated) and combined cycle fuel economy from 39.8mpg to 42.2mpg (WLTP).
Enhanced ride comfort and handling
HR-V buyers in Europe will benefit from Honda’s Synaptic Damping Control (SDC) system, which was introduced for the first time in the 2015 Honda HR-V. Fitted to all models as standard, the system enhances both ride comfort and handling by modifying damping force according to the road surface and driving conditions.
Dynamic tuning for the 2019 HR-V builds on a highly rigid platform and bodyshell, which includes high-strength steel for 27% of the body. The stiff bodyshell gives the standard suspension (MacPherson struts at the front and an H-type torsion beam at the rear) a solid foundation, which – together with a low centre of gravity and minimised body roll – delivers a reassuring solidity and inspires a feeling of security when driving.
The HR-V’s motion adaptive electric power-assisted steering system helps to minimise understeer, working in parallel with the low roll centre at the front suspension and the higher roll centre at the rear. The result is exceptionally linear driving behaviour making Honda HR-V one of the most confidence-inspiring cars in the crossover segment, especially when driven enthusiastically.
Powerful and stable stopping power for the HR-V is assured with an all-disc braking system, featuring 293 mm ventilated front discs and 282 mm solid discs at the rear. Electronic aids which boost braking power and enhance vehicle stability include: Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stablity Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Refined interior design with high quality materials
The HR-V’s interior marries divergent themes, striving to achieve spaciousness, reassuring solidity and – for the driver – a cockpit with the wraparound feel of a coupé.
The expansive, airy cabin is fitted with high quality, soft-touch surfaces, subtly accented with brushed chrome highlights and sophisticated stitching lines to provide a premium ambience. The dashboard design combines a solid feel with premium detailing, including a piano-black feature panel that emphasises the sense of quality, class and refinement.
For the 2019 Honda HR-V, new seats for the driver and front passenger provide enhanced support in the seat cushion and back rest. Standard fabric upholstery is now fashioned from higher-quality material, while higher grade models feature a combination of fabric and leather with double stitching for a more appealing finish. Top-grade cars have a full leather interior as standard.
Inside the dedicated HR-V Sport model, the seats are trimmed in a unique two-tone black fabric and dark red leather combination, and it also features gloss black trim finishes for the lower dashboard and centre console panels. Black roof lining adds to the dynamic interior of the model,
Facing the driver, a three-dial instrument binnacle features ‘floating’ illumination rings and Honda’s ECO Assist function, which changes the backlight colour of the speedometer from white to green during fuel-efficient driving.
Facing the front seat passenger, a ‘wide flow’ air outlet incorporates three adjustable air vents across the dashboard, resulting in a comfortable airflow for all passengers. The air flow volume settings are optimised to deliver: high volume for the outlet nearest the side window; low volume for the centre outlet; and medium volume for the air outlet closest to the centre panel.
The sense of spaciousness is amplified on top-grade models in the new HR-V line-up by the availability of a unique-in-class opening panoramic glass sunroof. With one-touch opening tilt and slide operation, the 846 mm-long panoramic sunroof features a sliding sunshade that opens automatically with the roof and can be closed manually to block sunlight. The front section – which tilts to a height of 27.5 mm at its rear – measures 475 mm in length.
Honda’s ‘Smart Touch Interior’ enables operation of frequent functions with the smallest movement and effort. These functions include: Electric Park Brake, Touch Panel Climate Control and One-Touch Indicators.
