Revealed in Japan in March, the facelifted Honda HR-V is lastly making its method to world markets, with Australia being the primary export vacation spot. The revised B-segment SUV is heading Down Below quickly with the identical blink-and-you’ll-miss-them updates first seen on the home-market Vezel.
These adjustments embody embody a mildly reprofiled entrance finish, which seems barely extra streamlined (no extra bulging decrease “mouth”) and includes a wider grille vaguely just like the smaller Elevate (known as the WR-V in Japan), replete with a silver bar that joins the headlights. There are additionally new taillights which function a slim purple bar, giving the automobile a sleeker look.
Additionally added are projector LED headlights, that includes the Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) perform supplied on the Civic in different markets (not right here, sadly). This blocks off sure components of the excessive beam if the Honda Sensing digicam detects a automobile coming within the different course to keep away from dazzling different street customers.
Talking of Honda Sensing, the suite of driver assists has been upgraded with the addition of Site visitors Jam Help, offering Stage 2 semi-autonomous driving (together with steering help, not attainable earlier than) at low speeds. Enhancements have additionally been made to the automobile’s autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane centring help and lane preserving help features.
Honda Australia didn’t present any photos of the inside, however based mostly on what has been seen on the Vezel, we will anticipate the HR-V’s “wraparound” centre console to get replaced by a extra standard unit with a further storage compartment beneath the air-con controls. For the primary time in Australia, the automobile will likely be supplied with the Honda Join app and providers, with a free subscription for the primary 5 years.
Three variants will likely be supplied, together with a brand new mid-spec e:HEV X that slots below the flagship e:HEV L. Each will likely be powered by the identical 131 PS/253 Nm electrical motor, plus a 105 PS/127 Nm 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine as a generator. No mechanical adjustments have been talked about, however the JDM Vezel does get new software program that improves throttle response and considerably reduces the frequency of engine begins and stops; anticipate this to be added to abroad HR-Vs as properly.
Remaining on the base of the lineup is the Vi X petrol variant. This was powered by a 121 PS/145 Nm 1.5 litre i-VTEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT, and this could keep the identical this time round, with no turbocharged mannequin on the horizon. Final however not least, the facelifted HR-V debuts two new colors – Slate Gray and Botanical Inexperienced, changing the departing Meteoroid Gray.
Now that the up to date HR-V is lastly headed to export markets, its ASEAN debut ought to be occurring fairly quickly, with Thailand virtually definitely getting the automobile first. Nonetheless, we will just about rule it out of coming to Malaysia this yr – Honda Malaysia beforehand mentioned it can solely launch two new fashions in 2024; the primary being the facelifted Metropolis Hatchback in Could, the second set to be the also-revised Civic.
GALLERY: 2025 Honda Vezel facelift
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