The Honda HR-V finally gets electrified in PH

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is starting 2025 with a preview of its newest electrified model. After the CR-V and Civic e:HEV is the HR-V e:HEV, and it’s also facelifted.

The HR-V nameplate returned to the Philippines in June 2015 as the Japanese automaker’s entry into the subcompact crossover segment which was then in its infancy.

With the hybrid version now available, HCPI will now be able to be more competitive with electrified competitors such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30.

Powering the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is a new 1.5-liter Inline four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 105 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque, paired to an electric motor that produces 131 horsepower and 253 Nm. 

Lower variants gets a carry-over 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 121 horsepower and 145 Nm, mated to an Earth Dreams CVT.

Design-wise, the HR-V gets a few styling differences. Most noticeable is the slimmer hexagonal grille and slightly redesigned bumper. Sand Khaki Pearl has also been added as a new exterior paint job option.

It remains largely identical to before on the inside. The biggest visible change is a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that replaces the old CRT-like touchscreen. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A wireless phone charger is also now available in the redesigned center console which is now symmetrical. 

In terms of standard equipment, some features trickle down from the RS to the mid-grade V such as 18-inch alloy wheels (but with a two-tone finish), a LaneWatch camera, power driver’s seat, and rain-sensing wipers.

New features have also been added such as rear parking sensors, auto-tilting side mirrors, a wireless phone charger, and a power tailgate with walk-away function (RS only).

Of course, the Honda SENSING suite of advanced driver-assist systems. Honda CONNECT is also now available on the RS and V.

HCPI will begin pre-selling the refreshed Honda HR-V line starting tomorrow, January 21, 2025. Image prices range from PHP 1.6 million to PHP 1.9 million. What do you think of it?

_{PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA}