All-new Honda HR-V unveiled in Thailand, only in e:HEV hybrid powertrain



Honda Automobile Thailand has just officially launched the all-new Honda HR-V compact SUV and this new generation only comes with one sole powertrain- the e:HEV hybrid.

On the exterior design, Thailand also debuts the RS design, which is not available in Japan (under the Vezel name) or Europe. The RS treatment gives the all-new HR-V a bold front grille with chequered chrome design, a thin red highlight on the RS lower grille with a pulse marking called ‘Amp Up’, gloss black lower body treatment like the current HR-V RS, exclusively-designed 18-inch rims, panoramic glass roof as well as smoke coloured tail lamp.

The all-new Honda HR-V RS e:HEV also comes with an exclusive Ignite Red metallic two-tone paintwork featuring a gloss black upper half. Available in two other non-RS variants which are E and EL, the all-new HR-V comes standard with LED headlamps and taillamps, auto-folding side mirrors and keyless entry with walk-away auto-locking.

The EL variant adds a powered handsfree tailgate with a walk-away auto closure system and LED fog lamps. Inside, standard features include synthetic leather seats, automatic air-conditioning system with front air diffusing vents and rear air vents, 7-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster, drive mode toggle switch, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity as well as the versatile 60:40-split rear seat.

The range-topping Honda HR-V RS e:HEV hybrid meanwhile adds a wireless charger, 8-way powered driver’s seat, RS exclusive interior upholstery with red thread highlights, touch-sensitive overhead map lights and reverse-tilting left side mirror as an aid to parking.

As mentioned earlier, only one powertrain is available across all three variants of the new Honda HR-V- the 1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid engine that debuted in the Malaysian Honda City RS e:HEV. Overall power outputs have been raised to cope with the larger body of the HR-V, with the electric motor pushing out 131 hp and 253 Nm of torque (additional of 22 hp) and the 1.5-litre engine with Atkinson-cycle churning out 105 hp and 127 Nm (additional of 7 hp).

In the UK, Honda quotes a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 10.6 seconds.

This Honda i-MMD full hybrid setup that focuses on propulsion through the electric motor with the petrol engine only complementing power to the system at high speeds sees a fuel efficiency of 25.6 km/L or 3.9 L/100 km. All variants are also fitted with deceleration paddles selectors (replacing manual gear selection function) on the steering wheel to adjust the regenerative braking force. One-pedal driving is not available in the new Honda HR-V e:HEV unlike the Nissan Kicks or the recently launched Daihatsu hybrid system that could be offered in a Perodua Ativa.

One aspect that is standard (nearly) is the fitment of the safety systems. All variants come standard with the latest Honda Sensing ADAS suite that adds Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) as well as improved Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Keeping Assist System with ACC and Low-Speed Following. The Honda LaneWatch single-camera-based blind-spot monitoring system is available from the mid-range EL variant.

Prices are unannounced, with the company only planning to formally release the price of all three variants on November 19 th, with the HR-V E e:HEV variant is expected to continue to be priced under THB1 million (approx. RM125k) and the HR-V RS e:HEV under THB1.2 million (approx. RM150k).

Honda Automobile Thailand is also offering an extended hybrid battery warranty coverage of up to 10 years, while the overall hybrid system gets a five-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage.   


GALLERY