What's the news?
Following a hiatus of ten years from the first generation to the next, Honda has decided to facelift its Mk2 HR-V crossover for the 2019 model year.
A gentle evolution of what already existed, the HR-V gains new exterior styling, updates to the interior and a range of additional, advanced technologies to keep it up-to-date in the tough B-segment crossover class.
Most noticeable is the treatment of the front end of the HR-V, where a high-gloss, dark chrome panel is inserted into the radiator grilles either side of the central 'H' badge. This 'Solid Wing Face' graphic is reflective and so gives the HR-V almost different appearances, depending on how the chrome panel is catching the light.
That feature dominates the other changes to the Honda's nose, which include deeper air intakes in the front bumper that house circular foglights, as well as redesigned projector-lens headlights with a fresh shape of LED daytime running lamps incorporated. At the back, there's a dark chrome garnish running width-wise across the tailgate, to mirror the front item, and the rear lights have been darkened.
Further, there's a new design of 17-inch alloy for top-spec models, which also gain chrome finishers for their exhaust pipes, and Midnight Blue Beam metallic paint is added to the palette for the 2019MY HR-V, alongside Milano Red, Platinum White and Crystal Black (all pearlescent finishes), and Lunar Silver, Modern Steel, Brilliant Sporty Blue and Ruse Black (all metallics).
Inside, buyers will still enjoy the Magic Seat loading system in the rear, but the front chairs have been redesigned to provide more support, with changes to the cushion and backrest. Standard seats with fabric upholstery gain a higher-quality textile than before, while full leather will be fitted to the top-sped HR-Vs.
Honda also claims it has increased the levels of sound-insulating material fitted around the crossover's cabin - specifically in the front bulkhead, the wheel arches, the boot structure and all four door panels - to make the HR-V quieter to travel in. Higher up the HR-V range, various models will be fitted with Active Noise Cancellation for the first time, which emits a 'reverse phase' audio signal through the speakers to reduce low-frequency noise in the interior.
Anything else?
Honda will launch the revised HR-V with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC normally aspirated petrol engine, which delivers 130hp, as well as 155Nm at 4,600rpm. The quoted figures for the HR-V with this engine are 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds (six-speed manual; 10.9 seconds for the optional CVT-equipped variant) and fuel economy as high as 53.2mpg (5.3 litres/100km) with CO2 emissions as low as 121g/km (both these numbers relate to the CVT model).
Interestingly, while production of this model of HR-V has already begun, with first deliveries commencing in October, Honda will add the 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine from the Civic to the range in spring 2019... as well as a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo model, raising the possibility of a performance HR-V with around 182hp. We like the sound of that.