Video: 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 e:HEV RS, hybrid or Turbo?



Pioneering the B-segment SUV market in Malaysia, the Honda HR-V is now in its second generation. Prices of the HR-V start from RM114,800 for the base ‘S’ variant. This generation of the Honda HR-V is also the first to be equipped with a hybrid powertrain (for Malaysia). The question is, should you go for the turbocharged ‘V’ variant at RM134,800 or the hybrid ‘e:HEV RS’ variant at RM140,800?

Between the ‘V’ and ‘e:HEV RS’, their differences on the outside include the grille finishings, the colour of the ‘heartbeat’ trim piece on the lower grille, RS badges, tailpipe exits, and the taillamp finishing. The all-around claddings also come with different finishes. With the Honda HR-V e:HEV RS as the main focus, here’s GC Mah to guide you through this B-segment SUV…

With the main difference between the ‘V’ and ‘e:HEV RS’ being the powertrain, lets have a closer look at their specifications. The ‘V’ variant runs a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that makes 181 hp (metric) and 240 Nm of torque. Equipped with a CVT, 0-100km/h is done in 8.8 seconds and the car has a top speed of 200 km/h.

The hybrid ‘e:HEV RS’ runs a mild-hybird (MHEV) system that consists of a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine that makes 107 hp (metric) and 131 Nm. Not so astonishing, it is the electric motor of the hybrid system that shines with a maximum power output of 131 hp (metric) and a maximum torque of 253 Nm. 0-100km/h is done in 10.7 seconds onwards to a top speed of 170 km/h. The transmission in use is an e-CVT.

RELATED: 11% of Honda HR-V buyers in Malaysia opted for the hybrid e:HEV RS variant

The differences between both cars extend into the cabin, where the ‘e:HEV RS’ gets a black headliner while the ‘V’ gets a light-coloured version. The RS is also equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control while the V only gets a single-zone version. Despite being slower, the RS also introduces sporty touches to the cabin like sporty aluminium foot pedals and red stitchings on the seat upholstery.

Safety-wise, the Honda HR-V gets the full suite of Honda Sensing as standard even on the base ‘S’ variant. This includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Auto High Beam (AHB), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

RELATED: 2022 Honda HR-V and BR-V score 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, high Safety Assist points