As expected, the facelifted Honda HR-V will be the third new model to be released by Honda Malaysia in 2025, with its impending arrival announced by the opening of the order books for the SUV. It’s set to be launched sometime in Q3, which we’ve just entered, so it should be due out pretty soon.
What can buyers expect with the refresh? Well, the format presented by the third-gen RV – which made its Malaysian debut in 2022 – has been largely retained, with only minor changes to both exterior and interior.
External revisions consist of a new, wider front grille and a corresponding reprofiled front bumper, along with a new, sleeker LED tail light design. The wheels have also been given a makeover (in the case of the RS), with the 18-inch units now sporting a machined two-tone finish in place of the all-grey scheme seen previously.
Inside, the “wraparound” centre console seen previously has been replaced by a more conventional symmetrical unit, which has an additional storage compartment beneath the air-con controls. The eight-inch touchscreen for the infotaiment system has also been updated, and now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Like with the pre-facelift, the updated HR-V will continue to be offered with three powertrain options (NA, turbo and hybrid) in Malaysia, with outputs similar to that found currently in their respective applications.
The naturally-aspirated 1.5 litre engine is the L15B as found in the petrol City models, and the DOHC i-VTEC four-pot continues to offer 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. Meanwhile, the 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo mill is still rated at 181 PS and 240 Nm from 1,700 and 4,500 rpm, and both NA and turbo units are paired with a CVT.
The automaker’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain also remains unchanged in terms of power output, but it’s said that the system has been tweaked to offer a more enhanced engine sound and to be more responsive in use. Otherwise, there’s a 131 PS/253 Nm electric motor working with a 105 PS and 127 Nm 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle NA engine, which primarily acts as a generator but can also drive the front wheels at higher speeds.
Like the current model, Honda Sensing is on for the count, and enhancements come in the form of the inclusion of Adaptive Driving Beam and Active Cornering Light into the mix. The facelift also introduces two new exterior colours to the SUV, these being Phoenix Orange Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl.
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