Honda HR-V upgraded

Honda Australia has announced first details of its MY18 HR-V ahead of the upgraded compact SUV’s local release in August.

Top billing is the fitment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard across the range, matching competitors like the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR.

Previously, only premium versions of the HR-V came with Honda’s city-speed AEB, dubbed City-Brake Active System (C-BAS), which employs a windscreen-mounted laser radar to detect forward objects and apply the brakes if it senses an imminent collision at speeds below 30km/h.

The four-variant, all-auto Honda HR-V range currently opens at $24,990 for the entry-level VTi, but no pricing as yet been announced for the MY18 line-up.

The second highlight will be the addition of a new sports-themed RS version of the MY18 HR-V, bringing 18-inch black/silver alloy wheels, a piano-black body kit, dark chrome exterior accents, black rear trim, black mirror caps, honeycomb sports grille, LED fog lights, RS badging and the new option of Phoenix Orange Pearlescent paint (pictured).

Inside, the RS features a leather-lined sports interior with new-design seats (heated up front) and a sports steering wheel.

Mechanically, the new HR-V RS also gains Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering, as seen in the Civic and CR-V, and sports-tuned suspension with a front anti-roll bar that Honda says makes it the most engaging HR-V so far.

As seen in February with the facelifted Honda Vezel, as the HR-V is known in Japan, all MY18 HR-Vs will come with cosmetic updates including new headlights, bumpers and wheels.

There is no change to the HR-V’s 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front wheels through a CVT auto, and no sign of the petrol-electric Vezel Hybrid sold in Japan.

Nor will Australia’s HR-V, which is produced in Thailand, come with the full suite of Honda Sensing driver safety aids (including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control), which is currently restricted mostly to flagship models but will be fitted to all new models from the redesigned 2020 Jazz.

There’s no word on whether the MY18 HR-V's infotainment system will bring Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto functionality, although Honda Australia is yet to announce full specifications.

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said more than 36,000 HR-Vs have been sold Down Under since 2015. So far this year it is the fourth best selling compact SUV behind the Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3 and Subaru XV.

“With our iconic Honda Civic and CR-V performing strongly, particularly with private buyers, our focus now shifts to HR-V,” said Collins.

“It’s been a consistent top-three seller with private buyers since its launch, and with the new car offering more style and more safety, we expect this trend to continue.

“So the brief for the new HR-V was clear; keep what customers love, like the 18-way ‘Magic Seats’ and versatile roomy interior, and add some newfound style, sportiness, plus AEB across the range.”