The all-new 2022 Honda HR-V has finally arrived in the Philippines. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the all-new HR-V comes with an optional VTEC Turbo gasoline engine for the first time, and we’re the second market in the ASEAN region to receive this powerful variant of the HR-V.
Exterior
HR-V S
HR-V V Turbo
Two variants will be sold in the Philippines: S and V Turbo. The good news is, whichever variant you choose, both are similarly equipped and come with an all-new exterior design that puts minimalism in mind. There’s less visual clutter this time around, and with its sloped roofline and long hood, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V looks much more dynamic and sporty than before. The all-new HR-V also carries over its signature hidden rear door handles, which gives its side profile a coupe-like aesthetic.
All variants come as standard with LED headlights and foglights, LED taillights with a full-width light bar, 17-inch alloy wheels (two-tone for the S and grey for the V Turbo), smart entry with push-button start, remote engine start, just to name a few. There are, however, a few minor aesthetic differences between the two variants. The base HR-V S comes with a horizontal grille pattern, while the V Turbo’s grille features a sportier mesh pattern.
Additionally, if you look carefully at the V Turbo’s lower air intake, it comes with a silver trim piece that mimics a heartbeat. It’s all part of the brand’s “Amp Up Your Life” global marketing direction for the HR-V.
Interior
HR-V S
HR-V V Turbo
Moving toward the interior, the design is likewise minimalist in the way that there is reduced visual noise and clutter. Just like with the all-new Civic, the all-new HR-V comes with plenty of clicky knobs that are extremely satisfying to interact with. This carries over to its new air diffuser on the edges of the dash, which emits soft blown air if you’re not a fan of having the aircon blasting harsh air when it’s at full blast.
Just like the exterior, the interior features of the 2022 Honda HR-V are similar across the two variants. Both come with automatic climate control, rear aircon vents, and an 8-inch touch screen infotainment system from the Honda City with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What separates the two variants are in terms of interior trimmings and upholstery. The base HR-V S comes with analog gauges with a color multi-information display (MID), urethane steering, and fabric upholstery. On the other hand, the top trim HR-V V Turbo comes with leather steering and seats, rear USB ports, a 7-inch partly-digital gauge cluster, along with piano black and satin silver interior trimmings.
Honda’s packaging expertise has meant that despite being a subcompact SUV, the HR-V takes advantage of every inch of interior space available. Not only does it result in a spacious interior, but because this is based on the Jazz that’s now limited to Europe and Japan, the all-new HR-V continues to feature the brand’s iconic ULT Magic Seats that can fold into various positions.
Driving Experience
HR-V S
HR-V V Turbo
Powering the 2022 Honda HR-V are two engine choices. For the base HR-V S, gone is the predecessor’s 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine from the 10th generation Civic. In its place is a smaller 1.5-liter from the current City, which means it now produces 121 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The other engine is also new for the HR-V, and it’s a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine from the current Civic. Fitted under the hood of the HR-V V Turbo, this engine produces a mighty 178 hp and 240 Nm, making the HR-V one of the fastest subcompact SUVs on sale alongside the Geely Coolray. Both models are front-wheel drive (FWD) and are equipped with a CVT.
At this point, most people would probably be concerned that the base HR-V S is down on power compared to its predecessor, and while that’s certainly the case, that’s never a concern out on the open road. The 1.5-liter engine is already a strong performer in the City, and with the HR-V just being slightly heavier than the aforementioned subcompact sedan, it never feels underpowered. The CVT does the typical engine droning as it holds the revs under hard acceleration, but power is delivered smoothly and in a linear fashion.
Most HR-V buyers will already be content with the S variant, but if you want the ultimate in performance, the V Turbo is indeed very tempting. There’s no shortage in power, and because the HR-V is a couple of kilos lighter than the Civic, the engine’s performance is probably overkill to most Filipino consumers already. We predict a 0-100 kph time in the mid-7 second range, which puts it right on par with the Coolray. Like the non-turbo model, this HR-V’s engine delivers power linearly and smoothly with minimal turbo lag, and because the engine doesn’t even need to be revved hard due to its sheer amount of torque, the CVT barely needs to bring the engine to its higher RPMs.
Regardless of which engine you choose, the 2022 Honda HR-V delivers a good balance between sportiness and comfort. The steering feels surprisingly sharp compared to the previous generation model, while the suspension gives the HR-V good body control whilst maintaining its composure on bumpy roads. Road and wind noise is also well suppressed, at least here on Honda’s test track. A longer drive is still needed to truly evaluate the HR-V’s refinement.
Safety
But if there’s one aspect that we commend Honda for focusing on, that would be safety. That’s because it is offering Honda Sensing as standard, even in the base HR-V S. This includes the following features as a result:
- 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)
- Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
Combined with the generous standard exterior and interior equipment of the base S variant, the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 G suddenly seems bare and overpriced as a result. This is even more apparent as the Corolla Cross 1.8 G starts at over P1,308,000 million, while the HR-V costs P1,250,000.
The 2022 Honda HR-V is now on sale across all Honda dealers nationwide at the following highly-competitive prices:
- HR-V S: P1,250,000
- HR-V V Turbo: P1,598,000
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