New HR-V matches style and practicality

THE new Honda HR-V is the company’s most sophisticated subcompact SUV to date. Sportier exterior styling is complemented by upgrades to the interior design and materials, as well as a broader range of advanced technologies. The HR-V continues to offer the space and versatility of an MPV and now benefits from enhanced driving dynamics and a wider choice of fuel-efficient engines.

From the first glance, the new HR-V’s more elegant features are apparent – including a more substantial interpretation of Honda’s ‘Solid Wing Face’ graphic.

The HR-V’s tall stature combined with its solid design and strong presence provides a feeling of safety, security, confidence and usability.

Inside, the 2019 HR-V offers impressive interior space and – thanks to innovative features like Honda’s Magic Seat system – high levels of versatility. High quality soft-touch materials and sophisticated design elements define the HR-V’s interior as an optimal blend of practicality, refinement and the feel of a sporty, enclosed cockpit.

The new 2019 HR-V offers buyers a choice of powerful and efficient engines. Production of the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol variants commenced in late 2018, while the higher-performance 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine is available from Spring 2019. The 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine is also available in selected markets. All engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the petrol engines are also offered with an automatic CVT.

Honda’s HR-V has a coupé-like cabin profile, with a powerful nose and strong lower body forms, together with finely-sculpted surface detailing. It creates a characterful look that produces an emotional appeal among its target audience, which highly values style and practicality.

On the road, the new HR-V boasts a distinctive and self-assured identity, while having a clear family lineage. The refresh leads with a more substantial interpretation of Honda’s ‘Solid Wing Face’ graphic with a new, highgloss dark chrome panel that replaces the black-and-chrome combination above the grille.

HR-V’s coupé-like body shape creates a dynamic and sporty look, complemented by rear door handles integrated within the C-pillar. Distinctive, sharply-defined lines run the length of the body, giving the HR-V a purposeful, forward-leaning stance and a sense of movement and agility, even at a standstill.

For the latest model, Honda’s designers sought to bestow HR-V with an even more robust presence. Strongly sculpted lower body panels are enhanced by deeper air intake sections in the front bumper that house circular fog lights, while the headlights now have projector lenses with LED daytime running lights as standard.

At the rear, a dark chrome garnish across the tailgate mirrors the trim at the front, and the rear lights sit within dark lens casings.

On higher-grade models, the wheels are upgraded to a new 17-inch alloy design, and the exhaust tailpipe has a unique chrome finisher. The headlights and rear lights are upgraded to full LED units, and the rear casings are enhanced with a dark ‘smoked’ effect.

HR-V retains outstanding aerodynamic performance in the crossover segment. Beneath the vehicle, three covers (under the engine, front floor and rear floor) help to smooth and optimise air-flow, boosting fuel efficiency. They also enhance noise insulation for improved interior refinement. Aerodynamic development work focused on optimising front and rear aerodynamic lift to further improve vehicle stability at speed.

The new Honda HR-V.