After making its global debut last February, the Honda HR-V has finally been launched in ASEAN. And in a surprising twist, it comes exclusively with hybrid power.
Launched in Thailand, the 2022 HR-V comes with Honda’s twin-motor e:HEV hybrid system (read here for a primer on how it works). This system pairs a 107 horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors that produce a peak output of 131 horsepower. Peak torque is at 253 Nm. Together with selectable drive modes, it’s all good for a 10.7-second 0 to 100 km/h time and a top speed of 170 km/h and a 25.6 km/L fuel economy rating.
There are three variants of the HR-V for Thailand, the E (the silver one), EL (the black one), and the RS (red one), all of which come equipped with Honda SENSING as standard equipment. With that, it gets Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow (ACC with LSF), Automatic High Beams, Road Departure Warning with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
In terms of styling, the 2022 HR-V is similar to the versions seen in both Japan and Europe, although they don’t follow the controversial body-colored grille. Instead, a high-gloss black horizontal design is standard, while the sportier RS variant gets a mesh-type design. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, while the RS gets a two-tone roof (exclusively in Ignite Red), sequential signal lights, larger wheels (18 inches) and even a panoramic sunroof.
Aside from the aforementioned sunroof, the HR-V also retains its clever ULT seats while getting a wireless charger, an 8-speaker system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital-type speedometer, and a hands-free power tailgate. It also has the unique air diffusion system.
It remains to be seen whether Honda Cars Philippines will follow Thailand’s lead on offering the HR-V with hybrid power. In other ASEAN markets such as Indonesia, it’s understood that Honda is also testing their compact crossover with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine shared with the all-new Civic as well as a conventional combustion engined variant.
Given the choice, would you want Honda to launch the turbocharged or hybrid HR-V? Either way, expect it to arrive locally sometime in 2022.
I avoid ANC Honda
ReplyDeleteThe corolla cross hybrid experiment here proved that buyers are not willing buy a hybrid at that price range. Better to sell hybrids of more expensive vehicles where buyers are not price conscious.
ReplyDeleteI expect at least Honda PH should bring in a Honda Sensing top of the line variant....them bringing a hybrid is as long shot, they haven't introduced any Hybrid since the CR-Z
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