Honda HR-V IIMS- 14

Here’s the star of Honda’s 2014 Indonesian International Motor Show stand, the Honda HR-V. Making its regional debut in Jakarta, the B-segment SUV is now open for bookings, with local production in Indonesia starting in January 2015.

If you’re wondering about the ‘prototype’ in the name, the white and blue cars seen here are Indonesian-made prototypes, with exteriors that are pretty much confirmed, we were told. Interior trim and spec are not finalised yet, which is why no interior pics were allowed.

Still, we have some information on what could be the “ASEAN-spec HR-V”, should markets like Malaysia and Thailand mirror the Indonesian car, which is likely.

Honda HR-V IIMS- 9

Two engines will be offered in the Republic, a 120 PS/145 Nm 1.5 litre from the City and Jazz, and a 1.8 litre pushing 139 PS and 169 Nm. Both four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC units are paired to a CVT automatic gearbox, but the smaller engine can be had with a five-speed manual as well. Honda normally reserves CVTs for smaller engines, so it’s interesting to see a 1.8 CVT here. New trend?

The HR-V, or Vezel in Japan, sits on the platform that underpins the B-segment City/Jazz duo, but its wheelbase is the longest in the family at 2,610 mm, 10 mm longer than the sedan and 80 mm longer than the hatch. Being an SUV, it’s the tallest too – all versions ride on 17-inch alloys with 215/55 tyres.

Speaking of versions, four grades will be available in Indonesia – 1.5 A, 1.5 S, 1.5 E and 1.8 Prestige. The base A is manual only, the S is available with MT or CVT, while the other two are CVT-only. The white car here is a 1.5, which comes with halogen headlamps and black plastic underlining the body. The blue 1.8’s entire body is in the same colour, and it comes with LED headlamps with DRLs.

Equipment wise, all HR-Vs get an electric parking brake, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, dual airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist. The Jazz’s useful Ultra Seats also make an appearance here. The highest spec 1.5, the E, adds on auto air con, keyless entry with push start, cruise control, shift paddles and leather seats.

Besides the abovementioned exterior differences, the 1.8 Prestige is set apart inside via a panoramic roof and a leather lined interior, as opposed to just leather seats. Safety wise, it adds on side and curtain airbags to make it six in total, plus a reverse camera.

Indonesian estimated pricing starts from 240 juta rupiah (RM64,907) for the base 1.5, rising to 350 juta rupiah (RM94,555) for the 1.8 Prestige. At IIMS, Honda also displayed HR-Vs dressed up by Mugen and Modulo.




Honda HR-V Mugen



Honda HR-V Modulo



JDM Honda Vezel at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show








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