2025 Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo V facelift in Malaysia – full gallery of top petrol model, RM137,900

When the facelifted Honda HR-V was launched two weeks ago, it was only shown in range-topping e:HEV RS trim, with no petrol variants present. Thankfully, Sumber Auto Edaran, a dealer in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, had a unit of the 1.5 Turbo V for us to check out, and we realised there might have been a reason for the ICE models being hidden from view until now.

No, it’s not the price – at RM137,900, the V is a not-insignificant RM6,000 cheaper than the RS, and while it is vastly more expensive than the base RM115,900 S, the turbocharged engine and several bits of added kit seem to be worth it.

It’s not the aforementioned engine, either, which is a returning 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder making 181 PS at 6,600 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,700 and 4,500 rpm. All this is sent to the front wheels through a CVT as always, enabling it to get from zero to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200 km/h. Fuel consumption, meanwhile, is rated at 6.5 litres per 100 km.

Instead, it’s most probably the looks. The V does receive most of the design changes of the facelift, including the mildly re-profiled front bumper and flatter hexagonal grille, as well as the bodykit that’s exclusive to the Turbo and e:HEV variants – replete with the returning “heartbeat” trim on the front air intake. Twin visible exhausts (Turbo only) and the two-tone finish for the range-topping 18-inch alloys (V and RS only, again introduced on the refresh) are also fitted.

However, the petrol models lose out on the key improvement on the facelifted HR-V – matrix LED headlights with centre-mounted projectors, enabling active cornering lights and adaptive high beam. These are exclusive to the RS, meaning that the rest of the range retains the previous LED reflectors.

Perhaps an even more glaring omission are the new taillights. The old ones seen here are still full-width, but they lose out the illuminated centre strips that give the RS model a much sleeker look. This has the added effect of making the new petrol models nigh-on indistinguishable from the older car from the rear.

Further items have been docked off the interior, which retain the new slimline (still non-OEM, but no longer resembling a CRT television) eight-inch touchscreen head unit – now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – along with USB-C charging ports and the symmetrical centre console (replacing the old “wraparound” piece) with a larger “shelf” sitting above the smartphone storage area.

Here, the V loses out on the RS’ Qi wireless charger in that phone storage slot, as well as dual-zone air con, auto wipers and RS-specific alloy pedals and seat logo embossing. You do, however, still get the new auto-retractable side mirrors, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery and eight speakers. A hands-free powered tailgate, previously exclusive to the RS, has now also been extended to the V.

Other standard kit on the V includes sequential indicators, front and rear fog lights, keyless entry with walk-away auto lock, remote engine start, paddle shifters, a seven-inch part-digital instrument display, Honda’s trademark rear Ultra Seats and a reverse camera. Six airbags, the Honda LaneWatch camera and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists – including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, front departure alert and auto high beam are also fitted.

2025 Honda HR-V 1.5 S facelift – RM115,900
Gets as standard:

Mechanicals

1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC engine
1,498 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol
121 PS at 6,600 rpm, 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Front-wheel drive
0-100 km/h in 12.1 seconds
Top speed 186 km/h
Fuel consumption 5.9 litres per 100 km
Econ and Normal drive modes
Electronic parking brake with auto brake hold
MacPherson strut suspension (front), torsion beam (rear)
Ventilated brake discs (front), solid discs (rear)

Exterior

Automatic LED reflector headlamps
LED daytime running lights
LED combination taillights
18-inch alloy wheels, 225/50 R18 Continental UltraContact UC6 tyres (increased from 17-inch)
Single hidden tailpipe
Body-coloured door handles
Shark fin antenna
Keyless entry with walk-away automatic locking

Interior