The Honda HR-V facelift has made its first public appearance in Malaysia, being previewed today ahead of an official market introduction sometime during this quarter. The complete model line-up for the refreshed compact SUV hasn’t been announced, but the showcase revealed that the range-topping unit will be a RS variant.

No changes to the powertrain and running gear, and so the familiar 142 PS and 172 Nm 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT gearbox continues on. Most of the changes concern the exterior – at the front, there’s a new bumper, a revised grille, new reflector-type LED headlamps and LED fog lamps. At the back, there’s a reprofiled bumper and new LED graphics for the tail lamps.

The RS features a host of dark chrome contrast elements as well as lower body-styling bits finished in gloss black. It’s also equipped with 18-inch two-tone five-spoke wheels and will come with a Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera. The HR-V facelift also debuts a new exterior colour called Passion Red Pearl exterior colour, which will be offered across the local model range.

Aside from possible trim and upholstery revisions, the interior should continue on largely unchanged, but a touchscreen infotainment system should be part of the upgrades, given the mentioned presence of a reverse camera being standard fit across the range. Safety equipment includes six airbags on all models in the line-up, but the automaker’s City Brake Active System (CTBA) autonomous emergency braking system will not be found here.

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