The all-new iteration of Honda’s popular SUV, the 2022 HR-V, has been officially launched in Malaysia today. The model arrives in a total of four variants, namely the base 1.5L S, the two VTEC Turbo-equipped 1.5L E and 1.5L V, and finally the top-end 1.5L e:HEV RS hybrid. It’s also worth noting that all of which are assembled locally in Pegoh, Melaka.
Though all four models differ from each other in terms of specifications and some visual aesthetics, there are several similarities that are shared across all variants. Chief among these is the Honda Sensing driver assist system which is now standard on all models. This enables for a number of autonomous capabilities including for emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functions, lane centring and keeping assists, and automatic high beam.
The 2022 iteration in general sports an updated design from its predecessor, featuring a more taller, rugged and slightly larger shape. A neat little addition is a red accented heartbeat line situated on the lower grille of its front bumper, which reflects Honda’s “Amp Up” theme for the all-new HR-V. Its updated design also entails a more spacious interior, ensuring added comfort for both the driver and passengers. Additionally, Honda says the car’s back compartment is capable of accommodating tall cargo, as well as two mountain bikes when the rear seats are folded in.
Still on the subject of interiors, the 2022 HR-V is the first vehicle from the brand to feature its new air diffusion system which lets the front air conditioners output air from the side vents located on either side of the dash instead. This allows for, as Honda puts it, “a pleasant breeze like a convertible vehicle” instead of having air blasting through the main vents in front. There are also AC vents in the back of the car for passengers.
Besides that, all four models come with keyless entry and automatic locking, push-button start, soft-touch dashboard, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, quad speakers, two front USB ports, power windows, auto wipers, and dual-zone auto climate control. As for safety related features that are found onboard includes an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, agile handling assist, hill descent control, emergency stop signal, seat belt reminder, four rear parking sensors, reverse camera, and airbag system (four on the S variant and six on the E, V, and e:HEV RS).
The base S variant comes with a 1.5L naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC four cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Honda says it is capable of generating 121 PS at 6,600 rpm, 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm, and a top speed of 187 km/h. Meanwhile, the E and V models are powered by a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine with CVT and features three different drive modes: Normal, Econ and Sport. Performance-wise, both variants are able to output 181 PS at 1,700 rpm, 240 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, and reach a top speed of 200 km/h.
Lastly, the top-end Honda HR-V e:HEV RS features a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine with e-CVT transmission and front electric drive motor. According to Honda, its engine is capable of generating 107 PS at up to 6,400 rpm, 131 Nm torque at up to 5,000 rpm, and hit top speeds of 170 km/h. Its electric motor, on the other hand, is said to be capable of outputting 131 PS at up to 8,000 rpm, and 253 Nm of torque at up to 3,500 rpm. For equipment, it’s worth noting that it is the only model to feature hands-free power tailgate with walkaway close functionality, though it is also the sole version to lack paddle shift controls.
As for pricing, the 1.5L S variant is set to retail for RM 114,800, while the turbo-equipped E and V models are priced at RM 129,800 and RM 134,800 respectively. The Honda HRV e:HEV RS, on the other hand, is priced at RM 140,800. All of the prices listed are on-the-road with sales tax, but excludes insurance. In terms of colour selection, the 2022 iteration of the HR-V is offered in Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic.
It’s also worth mentioning that Honda says it has already received over 20,000 bookings for the vehicle, which accumulated a waiting list period of over 12 months. In other words, you’ll have to endure waiting for another whole year (or even more) before you are finally able to set foot into your all-new HR-V.
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