Honda HR-V 2019 Review

Honda has revealed the first details of the 2019 HR-V, its most sophisticated subcompact SUV to date. The new model features enhanced exterior styling, updates to the interior and a range of advanced technologies.

Upgrades to the elegant exterior design include a more substantial interpretation of Honda's 'Solid Wing Face' graphic, with a new, high-gloss dark chrome panel that replaces the black-and-chrome combination above the grille. The front bumper features deeper air intake sections that house circular fog lights, and the headlights now have projector lenses with redesigned LED daytime running lights as standard.

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

Higher-grade models feature 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 dark 'smoked' effect.

 Honda will offer a choice of eight exterior colours for the 2019 Honda HR-V, including the addition of Midnight Blue Beam Metallic. The other colour choices comprise: Milano Red; Platinum White and Crystal Black in a pearlescent finish; and Lunar Silver, Modern Steel, Brilliant Sporty Blue and Ruse Black metallic hues.

The Honda HR-V remains as versatile as ever, including the carry-over of Honda's innovative Magic Seat® system. Redesigned seats for the driver and front passenger incorporate changes to the seat cushion and back rest, providing enhanced overall support - especially for the shoulder area. The standard fabric upholstery now uses a higher-quality material, while top grade models feature a combination of fabric and leather with double stitching for a more appealing finish.

From launch, the 2019 Honda HR-V will be available with the highly-efficient 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine, which offers a high output of 130 PS (96 kW) and maximum torque of 155 Nm at 4,600 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.7 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual (6MT), and 11.2 seconds with the optional CVT. The petrol engine offers an impressive blend of power and efficiency, with average fuel economy from 5.3l/100km (53.2 mpg) and official average CO2 emissions of 121 g/km for the CVT model.

The i-VTEC engine has been enhanced by 'advanced plateau honing', that lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinder bores by creating an ultra-smooth surface. Its timing chain guides also feature a new friction-reducing coating, which further helps to reduce long-term wear and boost engine efficiency.

Honda has improved the interior quietness and refinement of the Honda HR-V by adding greater levels of insulating material around the car, including around the front bulkhead and wheel arches, the boot structure, and both front and rear door panels. Depending on model grade, the 2019 HR-V will also be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for the first time. ANC is designed to reduce low-frequency noise in the interior by monitoring for such noises using two in-cabin microphones, and then cancelling them out with precisely-timed 'reverse phase' audio signals through the speakers.

Production of 2019 Honda HR-V 1.5L i-VTEC variants has started with the deliveries commencing from October 2018. A sportier, 1.5L VTEC TURBO engine will follow with availability from Spring 2019, alongside a 1.6L i-DTEC diesel engine.