We’re now down to level 1 in terms of COVID-19 restrictions and sources say that we’re the authorities are mulling on going to level 0 – the least restrictive of all.
As such, car brands have been actively launching their new models through physical events. The latest invitation we received was from Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) for the local debut of the next-generation HR-V.
While the car itself is already interesting given that it’s the smallest crossover in HCPI’s lineup, there’s one detail from the press release that caught my attention – the HR-V we’ll get is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine.
Now, the question is: are we the first to get the turbocharged third-generation HR-V? Well, no.
Looking at our neighbors, Thailand has launched the HR-V last year, powered solely by a hybrid powertrain. Japan also gets the electrified version, although the base variants are powered by a normally-aspirated 1.5-liter that puts out 117hp and 142Nm of torque. China has pure EV models.
Europe, on the other hand, only gets the hybrid powertrain. The Old Continent is known for its strict emissions rule so this isn’t a surprise. In a surprising move, the US will get its own version of the HR-V that’s visually different and will be launched within the first half of this year.
So if the rest of the world doesn’t have the turbo HR-V, where else? The answer lies in one of our nearest neighbors – Indonesia. Apparently, Honda is about to launch the HR-V in the country. While details about the model are still scarce at this point, recent sightings in Indonesia tell us that it will be getting the turbocharged model. The Indonesian debut of the HR-V is on March 23, 2022.
What can we expect from the local model?
According to Honda’s announcement, only the top-of-the-line HR-V V variant will be the sole force-inducted model, while the base S trim will be powered au naturel. Power figures aren’t out yet but if the 1.5-liter gasoline mill we’ll get will be the L15BG FFV inline-four i-VTEC from the Honda Civic, it should be good for 178hp and 240Nm of torque.
Of note, the current outgoing HR-V is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine that makes 140hp and 172Nm of torque. By numbers and if the new HR-V will indeed get the one from the Civic, then it will be more powerful than the outgoing model, which should sound good for enthusiasts and younger set of HR-V buyers.
Then again, we’ll just have to wait and see but there is more to be excited about with the new HR-V beyond the engine.
HCPI generously informed us that both variants of the HR-V will have the Honda Sensing suite of safety features that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Auto High-Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN) – the same ones found in the Honda Civic.
HCPI also said that the new HR-V will be priced between P1,300,000 and P1,600,000. That doesn’t sound too bad as the outgoing model currently sells for P1,296,000 for the base E while the TOTL RS Navi has a price tag of P1,515,000. In any case, HCPI seems to be looking to price the HR-V competitively amid the strongly contested crossover segment.
Four color choices are going to be available, namely Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and the new Premium Opal White Silver color that’s exclusive to the V variant and warrants an additional P20,000.
We won’t be the first to get the turbo third-generation HR-V but at least we’re among the firsts as the Philippine launch is happening on April 19, 2022. Honda will begin accepting reservations for the next-generation HR-V starting April 1, 2022, but as early as now, dealers are already up for your inquiries.