Honda's popular compact family car has undergone its mid-life update. Local models receive a few minor updates to the exterior and a few furtherspec changes to the interior.

The Honda HR-V facelift has just been released to the local market. It was officially released back in July to European customers and features a modest update to the compact family car. The HR-V has always been big on practicality, featuring Honda's trademark Magic Seat System which folds the rear seats further into the floor allowing for a larger loading area than most of its competitors.

The model lineup in SA will remain the same, powered by the1.5-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines connected to a 7-step CVT gearbox. Power for the smaller unit is rated at 88 kW and 145 Nm while the bigger engine claims 105 kW and 172 Nm.

The trademarked Magic seats installed on the HR-V provide more loading room than many of its rivals.

Redesign

Honda has transplanted its new global design onto the HR-V which incorporates an all-new front bumper, a reprofiled bonnet, and redesigned headlights. There are also recessed apertures for LED fog lamps now standard on the 1.8 Elegance model. The new headlights featureLED daytime running lights on the Elegance version, while the Comfort derivative headlights employhalogen units.

At the rear, the taillight clusters gain a smoked appearance, while the licence plate garnish has also been redesigned. Two new exterior colours are now available in the form ofPassion Red and Brilliant Sporty Blue.

Interior update

The materials and surfaces within the HR-V have gone through a change and update. The Comfort model gains new fabric designs, while the Elegance getsperforated leather upholstery with double-contrast stitching. Noise vibration and harshness(NVH) improvements have been made in order to quieten down the cabin and refine the drive.

Standard across the board are electrically operated windows and mirrors, remote central locking, air-conditioning, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel and a multi-information trip computer. As part of the upgrade package, Honda has standardised the touchscreen-based infotainment system, which means that both Comfort and Elegance models now feature a 6.8-inch touchscreen display. The system has USB and HDMI ports and supports screen mirroring for a connected device. Navigation and certain apps can be used through this. No Apple Carplay or Android Auto is mentioned, which is a bit odd for a newly updated model.

Safety

The HR-V offers ABSwith EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) activation. Stability control is standard, as is Hill Start Assistand a high-mounted, third brake light. Isofix child seat anchors are also included.

Pricing

HR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT R354 900

HR-V 1.8 Elegance CVT R419 900

Theprices include a five-year/200 000 km warranty, a four-year/60 000 km service plan. Services remain at 15 000 km intervals.

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