2018 Honda HR-V facelift open for booking in Malaysia – new RS variant, LaneWatch, six airbags as standard

2018 Honda HR-V facelift open for booking in Malaysia – new RS variant, LaneWatch, six airbags as standard

Honda Malaysia has announced that the Honda HR-V facelift is now open for booking ahead of its official market introduction, which is expected sometime this quarter. Additionally, customers who register their HR-V before October 31 will be rewarded with a Petronas gift card worth RM1,000.

The HR-V facelift features a new front end – there’s a revised grille, featuring a thicker bar on which the Honda logo sits, along with new reflector-type full-LED headlamps, a reprofiled bumper and LED fog lamps. At the back, there’s a new horizontal chrome link strip on the tailgate.

The refreshed compact crossover will debut a new RS variant, which is being previewed at a Honda event today. The range-topping version, which premiered in Thailand when the facelift made its debut last month, adds a sportier outlook with darkened contrast elements, including dark chrome door handles, black chrome license garnish and gloss black side sills and black fog lamp garnish.

2018 Honda HR-V facelift open for booking in Malaysia – new RS variant, LaneWatch, six airbags as standard

The variant also comes with 18-inch two-tone five-spoke wheels, the latter larger than those on the Thai-spec HR-V, which rides on 17-inch units. The classier tube-type LED tail lights are also finally making their debut in Malaysia on this model. Seen here is the new Passion Red Pearl paint, which will be offered across the range in Malaysia, rather than being limited to the RS as in Thailand.

The display car interior was blacked-out, but there should be no major changes inside, aside from possible trim and upholstery revisions. What has been confirmed is that the current V model’s reverse camera has now been made standard across the range, which means that all models will almost certainly have a touchscreen infotainment system fitted as well.

In terms of safety, the HR-V now comes as standard with six airbags (previously available only on the top V trim level), emergency stop signal (ESS), vehicle stability assist (VSA) and hill start assist (HSA), with the RS (and possibly other variants as well, from what we’re hearing) also coming with the Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera. However, the City Brake Active System (CTBA) autonomous emergency braking will not be found on the local car.

No change to the powertrain and running gear for the facelift – the 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with 142 PS and 172 Nm and CVT gearbox with paddle shifters continues on. It is expected that a HR-V hybrid variant is on the cards at some point.

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Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • Even better value now. But topup abit for the Forester or ASX 2.0

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 45
    • John May 9 Nangis on Jul 12, 2018 at 5:53 pm

      This car, with all the new features and safety will be a threat to Boyue. Yes Boyue is bigger but Honda is Honda.

      Honda is sold in 200 countries worldwide but Geely is sold to only a handful of third world countries other than China. First world countries have rejected Geely.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 49
      • Bumpy HRV on Jul 12, 2018 at 9:30 pm

        If you know how bumpy this “jack-up” Honda City is. You will definitely not going to opt for large rims like that.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 1
        • sam123 on Jul 12, 2018 at 10:30 pm

          Malaysian Lives Matter. Toyota CHR superior safety-wise, there are 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, VSC, TRC plus RCTA. And no bumpy drive at all

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 10
        • Not City, but jacked up Jazz

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
    • Autobahn on Jul 14, 2018 at 7:57 am

      Still a weak 170nm paired with cvt…adds to the number of slow cars on the highway..distant our journey to be like germany autobahn.
      Typical situation like jam and backlog near the menora tunnel on festive season due to 99% low torque vehicles on the road that have torque less than 200nm (majority myvi n persona based on sales volume)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 9
  • Eternalgl0ry on Jul 12, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Is it made in thailand or malaysia?

    Sorry but the differences are too big. I test drove Singapore HRV which is vezel and the quality is like way way better than our crap quality and fitment

    HRV in malaysia. The plastic are always rattle while CBU are very sturdy

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 73 Thumb down 12
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Jul 12, 2018 at 12:37 pm

      As before, the facelifted HR-V is assembled in Malaysia, whereas the Vezel you mentioned is made in Japan.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 50 Thumb down 0
    • Johnson Amigo on Jul 12, 2018 at 6:29 pm

      that’s the reason why if u want CBU quality, here in malaysia, for this mini suv, u go for CX3, no choice but to pay a premium for it…the choice is yours…quality > ALL

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 4
    • the Vezel that you saw in Singapore is the grey imported unit from Japan.. The official distributor of Honda in Singapore does sell the brand new HR-V there.. The differences are Vezel are CBU Japan while HR-V CBU Thai and also Vezel price is cheaper than the new HR-V…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • lilytan on Jul 12, 2018 at 12:30 pm

    No AEB unlike in thai? What a snub. Honda must be bored being the no 1 non msian car brand.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • Sam “Hailat” Loo on Jul 12, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Disappointing…! No Honda Sensing…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 6
  • 18 inch tyres are not cheap btw….
    Something to ponder….
    but those rims are friggin awesome…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
    • Crv owner on Jul 12, 2018 at 4:03 pm

      Those are CRV rims bro… Lol recycling those rims to together cars lowering cost for them

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
    • Big huge rims but tiny brake disk

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
  • Adrian on Jul 12, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    JL, your statement confirms what readers believe & know all these while that locally assembled quality is way way, way, way below the Japs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • TypeR on Jul 12, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    Looks good, especially the rear tube LED lights. 18″ rubbers is perfect for the RS variant.

    What is the estimated price range, or will prices be maintained as is ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Maria on Jul 12, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    I would rather have honda sensing than all those bling2 rims.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 1
  • Gingergarlic on Jul 12, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    Price?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • hrv hybrid on Jul 12, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    I’ll wait for the hybrid HRV with a complete honda sensing features. It would better if can get plug-in.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
    • Hybrid will be lower spec. Same like jazz and city. Impossible will give u honda sensing.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Kuinosan on Jul 12, 2018 at 3:02 pm

    The Hrv offered in Malaysia is really a sub standard model of the CBU models from Japan. The fit and finish, the materials and even the soundproofing is way way better than the ones in Malaysia. Yet Malaysian buyers are snatching these sub standard models up like hot cakes. Who is to blame? I would say the mentality of Malaysian consumers are the main problem, and add salt to wound, the competitors are doing a lousy job at capitalizing on the weakness exhibited by HONDA Malaysia. The current competitors are offering cars which are crap compared to Honda’s already sub standard cars! So the only solution out of this is to give the other less glamorous brands like Kia, Hyundais and Peugeot a chance to make an impression on the mainstream brands by purchasing their vehicles. Just my 2 cents!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 6
    • Rizal on Jul 12, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      I’ll rather get a KIA or Hyundai. When I bought RIO Sx 2013, actually its a CBU units with all the korean yellow tags and Stickers at various panels. Till today no iritating squeak unless hit pothole or bumps, that also due to Low profile tires it has.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 3
    • No Peugeot. Seriously. being Peugeot owner for the past 6 years. Customer service of Peugeot is still at unsatisfactory level.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • No honda sensing = no buy

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
  • Vincent on Jul 12, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    No sunroof

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
  • If you care about Honda Sensing. The price will be sensitive. Haha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • kenot on Jul 12, 2018 at 3:49 pm

    come on honda..please include honda sensing..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
  • Mike Khoh on Jul 12, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    HM throw in some cheap gadgets also can sell like goreng pisang. Malaysian really love their SUV. Ha ha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
  • Saiful on Jul 12, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    What colour available for HRV-RS model?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
  • Honda Civic owner on Jul 12, 2018 at 5:02 pm

    According to my salesman, HRV hybrid will be launching this round. As he attended training.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
  • Ben Yap on Jul 12, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    Good work Honda!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 10
  • Anandha on Jul 12, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    What is the price?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
  • Same L0rr on Jul 12, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    Bye bye proton boyue

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 18
  • Sold my vspec hrv and bought the sorento. Bigger nicer quieter. Bargain for money. No..i dun care much for resale value. My hrv was creaking here and there. Bumpy. Loud as hell otr. The only good thing is that it sips petrol, so the fc is very good..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 4
  • BORING! Another lacklustre Honda product. No Honda Sensing, no engine upgrade (the Civic’s 1.5-litre turbo would be great in the HR-V), no quality upgrade, only tiny styling changes and that’s it!? Far out.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
  • Noor Azlan on Jul 13, 2018 at 9:46 am

    Which car brand is more reliable in terms of engine and gearbox.
    Toyota or Nissan. Tq for comments.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • halloha560 on Jul 13, 2018 at 10:50 am

    Toyota is MORE RELIABLE than Nissan. There are reasons of why Toyota is MORE RELIABLE than Nissan. First of all, Toyota DOESN’T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS about Toyota engines and gearbox which TOYOTA PERFORMANCE and ACCELERATION are WELL-PERFECT. Not only that, while driving using Toyota on the road or even on the highway as well, it gives MORE POWER and SMOOTHER due to the gearbox which have 6 SPEEDS – 8 SPEEDS AUTOMATIC for MOST OF THE NEWER TOYOTA MODELS. Mostly, so far Toyota EMISSION and FUEL ECONOMY are WELL MEASURED PROPERLY which means Toyota DOESN’T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. Whereas for MOST OF THE NEWER NISSAN MODELS for the number of Nissan gearbox is also related to newer Toyota models for the number of Toyota gearbox. As well as Nissan engine also having more power. However, it doesn’t suits help for Nissan acceleration and power which is VERY BAD as there were MANY REASONS of why Nissan have HUGE PROBLEMS about Nissan engines. Because Nissan as a carmaker have CHEATED EMISSION REGULATORS with DEFEAT DEVICES for ALL NISSAN MODELS. Secondly, There are also having MAJOR PROBLEMS for Nissan in which Nissan as a carmaker DIDN’T MEASURE PROPERLY for FUEL EFFICIENCY RATING (FUEL ECONOMY) for ALL NISSAN MODELS which IS MOST LIKELY to AFFECT to the ENVIROMENT. This means that Nissan as a carmaker is NOT VERY RELIABLE AT ALL and also Nissan as a carmaker is actually NISSAN SCANDAL.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 31 Thumb down 13
    • small capital writer on Oct 17, 2018 at 9:29 am

      Yes, Toyota are with lessees problem..BUT I GOT BIG PROBLEM READING YOUR CAPITAL LETTER WRITING..until my head also become BIG.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • passion on Jul 13, 2018 at 11:09 am

    @Noor Azlan Toyota as usual!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1
  • put an “RS” badge into V spec and price it more premium….done ^^

    wonder what items will be missing from the V spec

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Michelin on Jul 17, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    This is soon to be benchmarked by Proton? Seriously?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Tan Kooi Hoong on Jul 19, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    Request for HR-V info

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Buy honda, no because of honda malaysia done very well.
    is because of competitors done very bad.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • small capital writer on Oct 17, 2018 at 9:29 am

    Yes, Toyota are with lessees problem..BUT I GOT BIG PROBLEM READING YOUR CAPITAL LETTER WRITING..until my head also become BIG.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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