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The interior retains Honda’s unique Magic Seat System which allows exceptional space utilisation but features model-specific upgrades to the upholstery, fabric and finishes.
In addition, the HR-V’s full-featured infotainment system has been standardised across the range.
Driven: Honda's new HR-V crossover
Safety remains an HR-V priority with a full complement of active and safety systems that includes six airbags, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and emergency braking indicators.
The updated HR-V model range still offers a choice of Comfort and Elegance trim levels, as well as 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre drivetrains featuring Honda’s i-VTEC technology and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearboxes.
Image: Quickpic
Toshiaki Kusakari, head of automobiles at Honda Southern Africa, said: "The Honda HR-V has been a worldwide success since its introduction, establishing a strong position in the ever-growing SUV category."The HR-V’s global popularity is also reflected here in South Africa, where it is one of the key models in the local offering.
"It slots in perfectly between the larger CR-V and the more compact BR-V. We’re convinced that these latest updates will further entrench the urban crossover as one of our top sellers locally."
Design
The crossover now features Honda’s latest ‘solid wing face’, which incorporates an all-new front bumper, a re-profiled bonnet, and redesigned headlights.
The more aggressive front bumper design includes a new licence plate garnish, as well as recessed apertures for LED foglights now standard on the 1.8 Elegance model.
The new headlights feature LED elements and LED daytime running lights on the Elegance version, while the Comfort derivative headlights employ projector-type halogen units.
Image: Quickpic
There are also updates to the rear of the HR-V. The taillight clusters gain a smoked appearance, while the licence plate garnish has also been redesigned to match the front’s more aggressive styling approach.While the 1.5 Comfort model retains its popular 16" alloy wheels, the 1.8 Elegance is now fitted with new 17" wheels sporting a contemporary design in line with its flagship status.
The exterior colour palette on offer for this latest HR-V has also undergone some changes, with red and blue now added to a list.
Interior
The cabin benefits from upgraded finishes and materials.While the solid execution, soft-touch surfaces and piano-black detailing will already be familiar from the outgoing model, the Comfort version of this latest HR-V gains new fabric designs, while the Elegance gets smarter perforated leather upholstery with double-contrast stitching.
A key aspect of the HR-V cabin’s spacious execution is Honda’s unique Magic Seat System, which has been retained in the updated model. It allows for a variety of seating and load carrying configurations, ensuring an unrivalled level of versatility in this segment.
The split rear bench seat can be folded forward conventionally to extend the 393-litre luggage compartment to a capacious 1002 litres.
Image: Quickpic
Image: Quickpic
Standard across the range are electrically operated windows and mirrors, remote central locking, aircon, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel and a multi-information trip computer.As part of the upgrade package, Honda has standardised the infotainment system, which means that both Comfort and Elegance models now feature a 6.8" touchscreen display, instead of the 5" screen previously fitted to the Comfort version.
The sophisticated infotainment system embraces an extensive functions and features list, including Bluetooth-based hands-free telephony and audio streaming, extended connectivity via USB and HDMI, and smart device screen mirroring for access to device-specific functions such as video and photo files, as well as GPS navigation.
The system also incorporates a FM Stereo/AM radio tune and multi-speaker sound with multi-function controls. In the case of the 1.8 Elegance model, a rear-view parking camera is linked to the parking sensors.
The remainder of the comprehensive standard equipment list remains unchanged, including an electrically operated parking brake with auto hold that engages automatically after braking to a standstill, and then disengages when the accelerator is activated.
Full house safety
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, together with head restraints and inertia reel seatbelts for all seating positions.Honda’s celebrated Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure ensures occupant safety in collisions by maintaining the integrity of the passenger safety cell, while controlling structural deformation to absorb impact forces.
In active safety terms, the HR-V offers ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) activation.
Further peace of mind is provided by Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a high-mounted, third brake light. IsoFix child seat anchors are also included.
Power
The 1.5 Comfort CVT is powered by a 1497cc four-cylinder engine, featuring i-VTEC variable valve timing and electronic fuel injection, capable of 88kW/145Nm.
The 1.8 Elegance CVT employs a 1799cc four-cylinder engine, capable of 105kW/172Nm.
The CVT gearbox fitted to both models has been designed to deliver a direct and linear response more akin to the characteristics of a manual gearbox. Shift paddles allow drivers to select gears manually for a more engaging driving experience.
Image: Quickpic
The retail prices include a 5-year/200 000km warranty, a 4-year/60 000km service plan, and a 3-year AA Roadside Assistance package. Services remain at 15 000km intervals.
