Launched in July, the 2022 Honda HR-V is a capable B-segment SUV that you can get from RM 114,800. There are four variants to choose from with three powertrain options, and topping the range is the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, which we have here, that fetches a price of RM 140,800.
Making up the rest of the variant list is the “S”, “E”, and “V”, with S powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (121 hp/145 Nm) and the “E” and “V’ powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (181 hp/240 Nm). The “S”, “E”, and “V” send all power to the front wheels via CVT.
Interestingly, the range-topping “RS e:HEV” variant is not the most powerful variant, producing 107 hp and 131 Nm from the engine and 131 hp and 253 Nm from the electric motor. The transmission in use is an e-CVT.
At low speeds, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is moved by the electric motor and only at higher speeds does the engine take over the job of turning the front wheels. This means that at higher speeds, you are limited by the performance of the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine.
The hybrid Honda HR-V is also slower than its turbocharged counterpart, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds compared to the turbo’s 8.7 seconds. Where the RS e:HEV wins is the fuel consumption where it records 4.1 l/100km over the turbo’s 6.5 l/100km.
On the outside, the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV gets the RS body kit that includes the “chequered flag” front grille, sporty bumper, and a “heart beat” graphic (in red for the RS) on the lower grille. There is also an easter egg silhouette of the Honda HR-V on the rear windscreen which is standard across all the variants.
The RS e:HEV gets automatic LED reflector headlights, LED fog lights, LED combination taillights, front sequential LED indicators, automatic wipers, 18-inch allow wheels, and smoked taillamps. Size-wise, the Honda HR-V measures 4,385 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,590 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. For reference, the Proton X50 measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,609 mm in height, and has a 2,600-mm wheelbase.
Inside, the Honda HR-V’s most practical featur is the signature rear ULTRA seat that offers several configurations. Special to the RS e:HEV is a dark headliner that provides a sportier ambience, albeit compromising a spacious feel.
Highlights on the interior of the Honda HR-V include an 8-inch touchscreen head-unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, rear air-con vents, and an air diffusion system for the front air con vents. Exclusive to the RS e:HEV is a hands-free access tailgate with a walk-away auto close function, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.
Standard on all variants of the Honda HR-V is the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance which includes Autonomous emergency braking, Adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, Lane keeping assist, Lane centring assist, Automatic high beam, Lead vehicle departure warning, LaneWatch blind-spot camera (V and RS variants only). The only lacking feature is blind-spot monitoring.
Included in the RM 140,800 price tag of the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty alongside an eight-year unlimited mileage lithium-ion battery warranty. Also included is a five-times free labour scheduled service, applicable to the first 100,000 km.
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Keyword: Gallery: Honda HR-V RS e:HEV, from RM 141k – a better choice over the turbo?