Honda HR-V 2019: just as versatile, more refined

October marks the start of sales of the new Honda HR-V 2019. The compact SUV from the Japanese brand continues to stand out for its versatility and enhances everything related to refinement on the road.

Sophisticated. That is how the Honda HR-V describes itself, and even more so now after the update the compact SUV from Japan receives for 2019. An update that includes minimal mechanical or design changes, with some modifications focused on greater refinement.

What changes in the design of the Honda HR-V 2019

On the outside, the first thing you notice when placing the current Honda HR-V and the new model side by side is the prominence of chrome on the front grille, with a wide high-gloss strip joining the light clusters. A solution that, for some, may even come across as rather “loud.” The front bumper also gets new air intakes. The design of the fog lights changes too, becoming circular, and the daytime running light formed by the LEDs has been redrawn.

At the rear, the chrome detailing from the front is echoed in a strip joining the rear light clusters, though in this case much more discreet. The rear light housings, which keep the same design, are darker. The range of body colours is joined by a metallic blue. And the best-equipped versions of the HR-V include new 17-inch alloy wheels and an exhaust outlet also finished in chrome. Inside, the seats have been redesigned with new upholstery. What does not change is the versatility the SUV offers in the Honda, thanks to a well-utilised cabin, to solutions such as the Magic Seats system for folding down the rear seats, and to a 470-litre boot.

For now, only with the 1.5 VTEC petrol engine

At least at launch, which takes place in October, the Honda HR-V will arrive on the market exclusively with the naturally aspirated 1.5 VTEC petrol engine, which retains the same output: 130 CV. Honda announces slight improvements to this engine to reduce friction and wear. It is offered both with a six-speed manual gearbox and with the CVT continuously variable automatic gearbox from Honda.

Other improvements announced for the HR-V affect the amount of soundproofing material used in the underbody, boot, door panels and wheel arches. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is also used for the first time to reduce cabin noise, with microphones and speakers generating audio signals with a phase opposite to the unwanted noise, cancelling it out.

For now, Honda has not confirmed whether it will later offer the excellent 120 CV 1.6 turbodiesel engine that is available in the current HR-V range. There are also no clues about the use of new turbo engines, such as the 1.0 VTC that we enjoyed so much during our road test of the Honda Civic, and which would suit this SUV perfectly.

Image gallery Honda Civic HR-V 2019

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadHonda HR-V3 versions · from 35,260 €