Back when Honda Motor Company first introduced the HR-V as their subcompact crossover SUV, people were hesitant about the idea of crossovers in the late 90s. But the company knew back then that this is going to be one of the most sought-after car types ever built. They weren’t wrong, as the HR-V has been one of the most remarkable subcompact crossovers introduced internationally. As Honda HR-V comes back for its third generation, the ever distinct car model evolves into a more handsome and sophisticated couple-like crossover than before.

Variants

The 2022 Honda HR-V is available in two variants in the Philippines, and those two differ in many aspects, including the looks, powertrain system components, and features. The Honda HR-V 1.5 S Automatic Transmission is priced at Php1,250,000, while the Honda HR-V 1.5 V Turbo Automatic Transmission is at Php1,598,000. Both variants come with Honda’s most advanced safety and security feature, the Honda Sensing.

On the other hand, there are five HR-V colors available: Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Passion Red Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Phoenix Orange Pearl.

Dimensions

Both the S and the V Turbo variants have a more massive body dimension than the outgoing HR-V. The V Turbo variant is longer by 55 millimeters compared to the S variant but is lower by 15 millimeters than the previous version measuring 181 millimeters of ground clearance. On the other hand, the S variant is more elevated, which comes with 196 millimeters of ground clearance. The two new variants also differ in curb weight, with the S variant that comes in 1,262 kilograms and 1,363 kilograms on the V Turbo variant.

For its width, height, and wheelbase, the two variants share the same measurements. Both measure 1,790 millimeters wide, 1,590 millimeters tall, and a 2,610 millimeters wheelbase.

Powertrain

The outgoing version of the Honda HR-V has a 1.8-liter engine that produces 140 horsepower and 172-Newton meters of torque. However, the 2022 HR-V S CVT variant comes with a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC gasoline-powered engine, the same as the Honda City, that produces a maximum of 119 horsepower and 145-Newton meters of torque output; while the 2022 HR-V V Turbo variant carries a 1.5-liter DOHC VTEC Turbo gasoline-powered engine, the same with the Honda Civic, that can produce up to 175 horsepower and 240-Newton meters of torque output. Both variants are in a Honda Earth Dreams Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) configuration and have an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.

Exterior

The difference between the V Turbo variant from the S variant is more distinguishable because of their front air vent grille design. The V Turbo gets a black mesh grille that looks close to the Toyota Corolla Cross, which comes out with a sporty vibe; while the S variant gets a black slated grille. The V Turbo variant also comes with a sporty front diffuser with a chrome heartbeat design on top, symbolizing the 2022 HR-V’s slogan – amp up your life.

The headlights and fog lamps have gotten slimmer than before, and are in full-LED with daytime running lights completing the longer and flatter hood than before. The overall front fascia of the new Honda HR-V appears as a sporty and mature coupe-looking crossover than the outgoing version.

The side profile of the HR-V features an evolved design rather than a complete overhaul of the previous version. A dominant character line lies from the edge of the hood across the doors and ends to the taillights. The V Turbo comes with 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels while a two-tone of the same size for the S variant. Another interesting part that adds a coupe look to the HR-V is its hidden door panels, which give an impression that this is a two-door car instead of a four-door crossover SUV.

The back of the 2022 HR-V also contributes to its overall sleek and sporty exterior featuring a raking design structure, usually seen on coupes. Its futuristic-looking lightbar that runs across the width of the vehicle defines the rear presence of the HR-V and gives it an expensive-looking impression. To make it look sportier, the V Turbo variant gets a dual exhaust on both sides under the rear bumper, while the S variant comes with a single exhaust pipe.

Interior

Because the exterior has gotten sportier than the outgoing version, Honda matched it with a sporty and luxurious interior design. The dashboard is presented with black sleek curves with chrome accents and piano black touches. When it comes to the seats, steering wheel, and gear shifter, the V Turbo variant comes with a soft-touch leather finish, while the S variant uses urethane and fabric materials. Behind the steering wheel is a 7-inch information display cluster that changes color depending on the mode. Providing other vehicle information and serving as an entertainment display, the infotainment system comes in an eight-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The air conditioner vents on both sides of the dashboard can be operated separately with an air spread out feature.

For the seats, the V Turbo comes in a soft leather finish, while the S variant comes in soft fabric material. Both variants have bolstering and UTLR, and the space provided for the legroom is enormously generous, even for tall people. The back row is provided with USB charging ports and dedicated air-con vents.

Safety and Security

For safety and security, it has speed-sensing door locks, multi-view reverse camera, ABS with EBD, front and side airbags, agile handling assist, hill start assist, hill descent assist, engine immobilizer, ISOFIX tethers, stability control, door ajar warning, parking sensors, front and rear seat belts, seat belt warning, front impact beams, side-impact beams, engine check warning, vehicle stability control system, crash sensors, anti-theft device, anti-theft alarm, central locking, and power door locks. The 2022 Honda HR-V also has the advanced technology smart driving assistance of Honda Sensing for both variants, which has low-speed follow, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist system, lead car departure notification, and auto high beam.

Also Read: New-Generation Honda BR-V Comes with Lesser Disadvantages Than the Outgoing Version