Deliveries kick off in October 2018
Honda calls the 2019 HR-V its most sophisticated sub-compact SUV to date, so let’s find out what that means exactly.
Visually, the 2019 Honda HR-V stands out from the crowd thanks to a high-gloss dark chrome panel that dominates the front grille. In addition, Honda designers deepened the air intakes that house the round fog lights and redesigned the LED DRLs.
The same dark chrome treatment can be spotted at the rear, mixing with the darkened taillights. Range-topping models get 17-inch alloy wheels and more chrome finish for the exhaust tailpipe. The novelty in the body color range is the addition of a new hue, namely Midnight Blue Beam Metallic.
Cabin-wise, we’re told that “redesigned seats for the driver and front passenger incorporate changes to the seat cushion and backrest, providing enhanced overall support” while “the standard fabric upholstery now uses a high-quality material, while top grade models feature a combination of fabric and leather with double stitching for a more appealing finish.”
Every 2019 Honda HR-V will initially rely on the 1.5-liter i-VTEC naturally-aspirated petrol engine that makes 96 kW (129 hp, 130 PS) and 155 Nm of torque. The powerplant is married to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT.
When connected to the manual gearbox, the engine can take the HR-V from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.7 seconds. Paired with the CVT, the engine will need a tad more time to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill – 11.2 seconds, to be more precise.
Honda’s main selling point, however, when it comes to the 1.5-liter mill is its fuel economy ratings. The Japanese say it will drink just 5.3 l/100 km (53.2 mpg), measured using the WLTP cycle, but also mention that the engine has been treated to produce less friction between pistons and cylinders, a solution that in turn helped with boosting its efficiency.
Two more engines will follow for the 2019 Honda HR-V next spring: a 1.5-liter turbo unit and a 1.6-liter diesel.
SEE MORE: 2019 Honda HR-V price list opens at $20,520 in the US