Honda adds sporty RS variant to updated HR-V range

Honda’s updated HR-V compact crossover will go on sale next month with a new addition to the line-up in the form of the HR-V RS sports variant.

The HR-V stable now houses a four grade lineup starting from $24,990 for the VTi and rounding out from $34,590 for the top model VTi-LX.

Honda Australia Director Mr. Stephen Collins, said the refreshed HR-V lineup builds on the qualities that the car was first lauded for with improved safety, styling and sportiness all while retaining its unmatched versatility.

“The HR-V is one of the best cars we have brought to Australia in the last decade. Since launch it has consistently been in the top three of private sales for the small SUV segment year-on-year and we believe it to be the most complete small SUV available. The introduction of a new RS grade, builds on the Honda DNA of sporty styling and world-class engineering while ensuring there is no compromise on the comfort and versatility this car is known and loved for,” said Mr. Collins.

HR-V will now be available in four variants: VTi, VTi-S, RS and VTi-LX. Unchanged from before, the 1.8 litre 4 cylinder engine is coupled with a CVT across the range. It produces 105kW @6500rpm and 172NM of torque @4300rpm with a combined fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100km in combined conditions.

The entry level VTi comes standard with LED daytime running lights, remote keyless entry, auto climate control single-zone, emergency stop signal, customisable speed alarm, electric parking brake with brake hold and tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel.

Stepping up to the VTi-S there are new designed 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rear parking sensors, LED front fog lights, LED headlights with auto on/off functionality, chrome interior finishes, smart entry with push button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather gear knob.

The RS variant (pictured) is all new to the HR-V lineup, replacing the VTi-L and designed for the customers who want a more edgy and sporty HR-V. While retaining the 1.8-litre engine shared by its stablemates, the RS is also equipped with a new variable gear ratio steering within the motion adaptive electric power steering, translating to a more dynamic and direct ride and handling.

The exterior design of the RS is in keeping with the badge moniker with 18-inch alloy sports wheels, black chrome front sports grille, black mirror caps, dark chrome door handles, honeycomb front lower grille and fog garnish, a piano black body kit, privacy glass on the rear doors and the RS badge.

Inside the RS houses leather-appointed seat trim across driver and all passenger seats, heated front seats, smooth sports leather steering wheel and leather gear knob and sports pedals.

Rounding out the grade lineup is the VTi-LX featuring a further level of sophisticated styling with chrome door handles and a panoramic sunroof. Equipped with front and rear parking sensors, power window with automatic one touch functionality, LED Interior light and LED Map light, auto dimming rear view mirror and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, the VTi-LX also comes standard with Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System featuring forward collision warning, high-beam support system and lane departure warning.

For the first time Honda’s City-Brake Active System is standard across the range providing audio and visual warnings to the driver in the first instance and applying braking in the second when the vehicle detects a potential collision to minimise the severity.

Honda’s LaneWatch system is also now standard from the VTi-S upwards, providing the driver with an 80-degree view of the passenger side; plus all grades are equipped with a multi-angle reversing camera.

The multimedia functionality of the HR-V remains a 7-inch colour display featuring Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity with built-in satellite navigation across the range.

2018 Honda HR-V pricing and specification

 

Transmission

MLP flat paint

MLP metallic paint

HR-V VTiCVT

$24,990

$25,565

HR-V VTi-SCVT

$27,990

$28,565

HR-V RSCVT

NA

$31,990

HR-V VTi-LXCVT

$34,590

$35,165

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