Updated Honda HR-V now in ASEAN
Honda is definitely busy updating its lineup. After the Civic compact sedan, the HR-V subcompact crossover is up next with it recently being announced for the Thai market.
First unveiled for the Japanese market a few months ago as the Vezel, the updated Honda HR-V gets slightly redesigned exterior and interior bits that should keep it fresh amidst a continuously growing number of rivals, and increasing demand for its segment.
In front, the updated HR-V gets a new and slimmer hexagonal grille and a slightly redesigned bumper. The 18-inch alloy wheels remain the same on the RS variant but now get a two-tone finish similar to the Japanese-market Vezel. The taillights still have the same shape but get a redesigned lighting pattern.
A new exterior color—Sand Khaki Pearl (main photo), has also been added to the option list.
Inside, the dashboard remains largely identical to before but with a few changes. For starters, the RS trim gets a new glossy red accent running across, and the center console and stack have been redesigned for more storage practicality.
More importantly, it receives a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This replaces the old CRT-like 8-inch touchscreen that it previously shared with the Honda City and definitely modernizes the interior by a lot. USB Type A ports have also been replaced with Type C ports.
Powering the refreshed HR-V in Thailand is Honda’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain. This combines a 1.5-liter i-MMD gasoline engine with dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. This produces a combined output of 131 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, mated to an e-CVT.
Once launched in the Philippines, we think this powertrain will be equipped on the RS variant, just like on the Honda CR-V and upcoming facelifted Civic. Lower variants will likely remain powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine making 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo making 177 horsepower and 240 Nm.
Full details about the refreshed Thai-spec Honda HR-V will be announced at the 2024 Thailand International Motor Expo which is happening this coming November 19 to December 10, 2024. From then, we can probably see this update on the Philippine spec version sometime in 2025.
