The covers are off Honda PH’s 2019 HR-V

After the great anticipation, we finally had the chance to see the updated 2019 Honda HR-V in the metal during Honda’s launch at Solaire. First launched in 2015, Honda’s compact crossover has been enjoying steady sales and gaining traction as a vehicle of choice for those who live an urban and active lifestyle. By June 2018 alone, Honda Philippines was able to enjoy 5,000 units sold, rolling off showroom floors to customers nationwide. 

The 2019 version will now offer a new variant and a slight redesign. On the outside, the new HR-V adopts full LED headlights and daytime running lights, with a fresh front grille and bumper combination. The rear combination taillights get a slight tweaking also. The rear gets a new bumper, and the redesigned alloy wheels round off the visual changes. The RS Navi gets black touches on the exterior with a sportier grille and garnishes, and associated badging. The engine is the same 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine that’s good for 141 hp and 172Nm of torque, and is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

The addition of navigation via a new 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay is a welcome change, and leather seats are standard on the RS Navi, with leather touches on the shift knob, as well.

New colors also grace the RS Navi CVT and the rest of the HR-V lineup. Phoenix orange is exclusive to the new variant, with passion red pearl being available across the model range, and lunar silver metallic bearing available for the 1.8 E CVT only. Deliveries will start by the end of August, so those who have reserved theirs will be happy by the end of the month. 

Already a solid choice for a small crossover, the slight updates to this year’s model and the introduction of a sportier variant should prove to invigorate the lineup of Honda in the Philippines. The success of previous RS models across the model range is a good indicator that customers, given a choice, will always remain partial to an exclusive and premium variant in the lineup. The Honda HR-V will be no different, and we’re excited to get our hands on one very soon.

Pricing is as follows:

1.8 RS Navi CVT: PHP 1,495,000

1.8 E CVT: PHP 1,295,000