Parked alongside the Honda CR-V and Jazz Mugen Concepts is the facelifted Honda HR-V RS – also finished in the same Passion Red Pearl hue – that have been previewed and tested before the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). However, this is the first time the HR-V RS’ interior is revealed to the public and surprise, surprise, it will have Ivory White leather upholstery.
Honda Malaysia has yet to officially launch the facelifted HR-V range despite showing to the Malaysian public in July 2019. The RS which is stands for Road Sailing; will be the range-topping variant of the popular crossover model, wearing all the bells and whistles like LED treatment for the headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps and taillamps, Sport Design body kit as well as larger 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
Lower variants of the HR-V facelift (not displayed at KLIMS18) gets new projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, platinum design Honda Wing grille, 17-inch dual-tone alloys wrapped in 215/55 profile tyres and halogen bulb taillamps.
The cabin of the HR-V RS probably came as a surprise for many, donning an Ivory White leather upholstery that covers the seats, dashboard surface and door cards. Might not be for everyone, but it certainly makes the cabin feels a touch more premium.
Other noticeable equipment on the RS includes eight-way powered driver’s seat, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters, electronic parking brake with auto hold and sports pedals.
The HR-V facelift range soldiers on with the same 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine and CVT combo pushing out 142 hp and 172 Nm of twist to the front wheels. Exclusive on the HR-V RS is the Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering rack that gives the crossover a more composed ride and handling as we’ve tested here.
Safety wise, the HR-V comes equipped with the usual six-airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal. On the RS variant, you’ll get an additional Honda Lane Watch Camera that transmits a live feed to the infotainment screen via a camera mounted on the passenger side mirrors.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda HR-V RS at KLIMS
Honda HR-V RS First Drive
