Honda doesn’t have anything new to show at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show, but the event has at least given us a chance to check out a model that’s a shoo-in for a Malaysian launch this year. That would be the facelifted HR-V, which was launched in Thailand in November.
For 2025, the third-generation Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle gains a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it makeover, centred around a slightly more streamlined (no more bulging lower “mouth”) front bumper and a wider grille vaguely similar to the smaller Elevate (called the WR-V in Japan), replete with a silver bar that joins the headlights. There are also new taillights with slim red bars, giving the car a sleeker look.
The RS model retains its unique gloss black bodykit with a jutting front spoiler and rear bumper insert, fitted with chrome strips and the distinctive red heartbeat motif at the front. One change is that the old chequered-flag grille has been replaced by one that incorporates interlocking trapezoids. New for the flagship variant are matrix projector LED headlights with active cornering lamps, along with smoked taillights.
Elsewhere, the range of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels remain, but the latter now gets a machined two-tone finish (previously full grey), bringing it in line with other markets. Lastly, the colour palette has been expanded with a new Sand Khaki Pearl hue with a black roof, only available on the EL and RS models.
Inside, the outgoing car’s “wraparound” centre console to be replaced by a more conventional symmetrical unit with an additional storage compartment beneath the air-con controls. A new, still locally-fitted head unit comes with an eight-inch touchscreen and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while rear air-con vents, six speakers and dual illuminated vanity mirrors are now standard.
Other bits of added kit are exclusive to the EL variant and above and include USB-C ports at the front and rear, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a Qi wireless charger. As before, the HR-V continues to come as standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with Low Speed Follow, lane centring assist and front departure alert.
The Thai-market HR-V is still hybrid-only, powered by an electric motor that produces 131 PS and 253 Nm of torque, juiced by a 106 PS/127 Nm 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC engine that can also drive the front wheels at higher speeds thanks to a lock-up clutch.
Fuel consumption is rated at 25.6 km per litre, resulting in a claimed range of over 800 km. On global models, the operation of the e:HEV system has been tweaked to “further enhance the engine sound while driving in the city” and make it more responsive, but it’s unclear if ASEAN models receive the same tuning. The RS model additionally gets variable-ratio steering.
Pricing starts at 949,000 baht (RM124,000) for the base e:HEV E, rising up to 1,079,000 baht (RM140,900) for the e:HEV EL and 1,179,000 baht (RM154,000) for the range-topping e:HEV RS. These figures are the same as before, despite all models getting more equipment, Honda says.
Also on display at BIMS are the two bodykits offered officially. The Modulo kit consists of a Shark Grey front spoiler, side skirts and rear spats, and buyers can also add a more open grille with U-shaped inserts, a HR-V-branded black C-pillar decal, dark chrome badges, a tailpipe finisher and a tailgate light that beams downwards when the boot is open for additional illumination.
Inside, the car can be decked out with metal door sill scuff plates and pedals, as well as footwell illumination and rear door sunshades. Honda Thailand sells the Urban Package with just the bodykit at 21,000 baht (RM2,700) and a Utility Package with a tonneau cover and the aforementioned sunshades at 4,800 baht (RM630).
Meanwhile, the Mugen package throws on a more aggressive gloss black bodykit that includes a rear diffuser, plus two different tailgate spoilers and a second spoiler just above the taillights. You can also get a red stripe above the grille, faux carbon fibre door mirror caps, door visors claimed to aid cabin ventilation, and a variety of wheel options that include the 18-inch two-tone multi-spokes you see here.
Inside, the Mugen HR-V can be had with carpets in either black or red with the tuner’s signature tricolour and more faux carbon in the form of the side sill plates. Performance mods are also on offer, including uprated brake pads and a dual-tip sports muffler. The Mugen accessories are sold in à la carte form only and they are significantly pricier than their Modulo counterparts – just the front lip alone (22,300 yen or RM2,900) costs more than the entire Modulo Urban Package.
Expect the Malaysian HR-V to be slightly decontented compared to the Thai model, with items like the panoramic glass roof and the new adaptive headlights likely to be dropped. This is par for the course for Honda Malaysia (HMSB) as it balances the needs of pricing and specs – adaptive headlights were also added to the Thai-market Civic e:HEV RS, but this was dropped for local models.
GALLERY: Honda HR-V facelift with Modulo bodykit at BIMS 2025
GALLERY: Honda HR-V facelift with Mugen bodykit at BIMS 2025
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