Honda Malaysia previously previewed the range-topping RS variant of the facelift and now the number one non-national carmaker has given us a first taste of the non-RS variant of the refreshed crossover.
For now, the company is hush-hush about the exact details of the HR-V facelift, but we learnt that this Ruse Black Metallic unit shown here is one of the higher specification model (but below the RS variant). Compared to the HR-V RS, the design changes on this lower variant is less pronounced with the most obvious changes happen on the front end.
Up front, it gets a new pair of projector halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights that replace the halogen reflector units. The grille is now a Honda Wing platinum design which tucks neatly into the headlamp housing. The lower section of the bumper sees a new foglamp housing.
This HR-V variant rides on the same 17-inch dual-tone alloys wrapped in 215/55 profile Continental UltraContact UC6 tyres. At the rear, the refreshed HR-V gets an additional chrome trim across the tailgate but loses out on the silver touch on the lower diffuser section. Also missing is the Honda Lane Watch camera that is mounted on the side mirror and the full LED taillamps, both found on the HR-V RS variant.
Expect the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to be carried over, producing 142 hp and 172 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels.
One innovation on the HR-V facelift range is the Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) that varies the steering ratio according to the speed and steering input to give the car a more responsive steering and reduces the steering angle needed to make a turn. This not only gives the car a sportier driving feel but also better control and stability at speeds.
Unfortunately, the interior is sealed off from prying eyes, so we will just have to wait until the official reveal which should be just around the corner (Q3 2018).
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Honda HR-V Facelift
Honda HR-V RS Facelift
