Honda Thailand has confirmed the launch of the facelift Honda HR-V at the Thailand International Motor Expo on November 28. Ahead of the event, the company has released initial images of the refreshed B-segment SUV, which was previously unveiled in Japan.
The car showcased is the Honda HR-V e:HEV RS featuring updated styling elements. This includes redesigned LED headlights, a wider trapezoidal grille with chrome accents, and a repositioned Honda and RS badge. These changes differentiate it from the previous RS model which comes with a more vertical grille with chrome pins.
That’s not all, the facelift HR-V also gets full-width taillights with a connecting light bar and new alloy wheel designs. A new Sand Khaki Pearl paint finish is available with a contrasting black roof for a two-tone look. The interior retains a familiar design but incorporates a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity.
The facelift Honda HR-V e:HEV RS comes with the e:HEV hybrid powertrain underneath the bonnet, consisting of a 107 hp 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and two electric motors for a maximum output of 131 hp and 253 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through an e-CVT gearbox. The facelift HR-V’s 0-100 km/h time 10.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 170 km/h.
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In case you’re still unaware, Honda’s e:HEV hybrid system uses the engine primarily functions as a generator. A larger electric motor drives the front wheels most of the time, while the engine can directly drive the wheels at higher speeds for improved efficiency.
Following the updates seen in the Japanese-spec Honda HR-V (named Vezel in Japan), the Thai market model is likely to feature minor interior updates with additional features such as a cubby space above the gear lever. The Honda Sensing suite also includes the addition of traffic jam assist, adaptive driving beam, and sudden acceleration suppression functions.
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