We've been covering the 2015 Honda HR-V for quite some time now – first at its world premiere at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show as the JDM Vezel, then its regional debuts in six markets: Indonesia, Europe (as a concept), Brazil, US, Thailand and Australia. Last month, Honda Malaysia teased potential owners through a nationwide preview, then took us to drive the car in Chiang Mai.
Its arrival, then, has been long and drawn out, but it's finally here, unveiled at Symphony Lake Suite in KLCC this morning. As with its Jazz sibling, the HR-V is available in three variants – RM99,800 Grade S, RM108,800 Grade E and range-topping RM118,800 Grade V, all prices being on-the-road with insurance, inclusive of a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty as well as six times free service up to 100,000 km.
Previewed by the 2013 Urban SUV Concept, the Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle (or Hip and Smart Runabout Vehicle, as it's now referred to) aims to combine the personal feel of a coupe, the utility of an MPV and the toughness of an SUV. The styling certainly echoes that, mixing rugged plastic body cladding, a distinctive "Solid Wing Face" front fascia, a steeply rising character line and hidden rear door handles.
The theme continues inside with an SUV-like tall driving position, a high hip point that aids entry and egress and a sports car-esque tall transmission tunnel. Similar to top-spec Jazz and City models, soft-touch plastics with faux stitching line the cabin, providing a more upscale look and feel. One feature set to polarise opinion is the trio of air vents ahead of the front passenger, which is claimed to provide optimum air flow around the interior (unlike the City, there are no rear air vents).
The Jazz's centre fuel tank layout is retained, enabling the fitment of the rear Ultra Seats – aside from folding flat, they can also tip up to provide space for taller objects. Other nice touches include an instrument cluster with seven customisable lighting colours, an electronic parking brake that frees up space for two cupholders on the centre console, as well as Auto Brake Hold which keeps the car stationary at a stop when engaged – a boon at traffic lights and in jams.
Under the bonnet, all models get the Civic's 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC four-pot, making 142 PS at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm at 4,300 rpm. Sending the power to the front wheels is G-Design Shift CVT – the transmission uses a torque converter for better response off the line, endowing the HR-V with step-off acceleration that is said to be quicker than the 2.0 litre CR-V. A fuel-saving ECON Mode also comes as standard.
In terms of equipment, all HR-Vs come equipped with the same 16-inch wheels, auto headlights, LED tail lights, front and rear fog lights and a shark fin antenna. E variants get side mirror-mounted indicators, while only the top-spec V receives twin-projector LED headlights and chrome door handles.
Inside, the mid-range E adds keyless entry, push-button start, steering wheel audio controls and touch-panel single-zone automatic air-conditioning, while the V tacks on cruise control, variable interval adjustment for the intermittent front wipers, semi-leather upholstery that replaces full fabric on the other two models, leather-lined door cards, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob as well as illuminated vanity mirrors.
Different head units for all three variants, too – a standard double-DIN radio and CD player for Grade S, a five-inch touchscreen Monitor Audio infotainment system for Grade E and a seven-inch touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system with voice control, HDMI connectivity and a multi-angle (wide, normal and top) rear-view camera for Grade V. Four speakers are standard for the lower two models, six on the V.
Safety-wise, the HR-V comes standard with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), hill-hold assist and rear Isofix child seat anchors. V-spec models get additional side and curtain airbags for a total of six airbags.
Lastly, the traditional Honda colours of Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl are joined by a new Ruse Black Metallic hue, which glows purple in sunlight. As is usual for a Honda, the HR-V is offered with two Utility packages and two Modulo styling kits, starting from RM1,550. The company is bullish with sales of the new B-segment SUV, setting a monthly target of 700 units.
Want to know what it's like to drive? Read our review here. For full details regarding the specifications, equipment and option packs for the 2015 Honda HR-V, head over to CarBase.my.
Honda HR-V Malaysian brochure
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