Honda has announced that the 2019 HR-V will be available in Sport trim, adding unique styling elements and uprated suspension to the compact SUV for the first time.
Powered by the 180bhp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder VTEC turbocharged engine available in the latest Honda Civic hatchback, the Sport trim uses a revised damper set up to keep the HR-V level when cornering.
The Sport is differentiated from the standard HR-V by its black honeycomb front grille, door mirrors and fog light surrounds. Dual-exit exhaust pipes and unique 18in alloy wheels give the variant a more purposeful stance than the entry-level model.
Inside, more supportive seats, finished in black and red, and a black headlining come as standard.
The car maker is aiming the trim level at “buyers who want a sportier driving experience from a subcompact SUV”, and is set to begin production in December, with the first HR-V Sports being delivered early next year.
Revised Honda HR-V chases rivals with styling and engine upgrades​
The facelifted Honda HR-V was revealed back in August with styling and technology upgrades to better compete in the small SUV segment.
A thorough facelift alters the exterior, interior and engine range, with a 1.6-litre diesel leading the line-up. It will now be joined by the 1.5-litre turbo petrol.
The HR-V's new styling joins the rest of the range in bearing Honda’s ‘solid wing face’, with a large chrome shape added to the front end of the car. A new paint colour and a new alloy wheel design will also be available.
Inside, Honda claims to have improved the upholstery fabric and the design of the seats for better comfort. It has also aimed to improve refinement, with a greater use of soundproofing throughout, as well as a noise cancellation system to counter low-end engine noise.
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Not good enough for the money
But the prices were crazy especially when looking at a wheezing £20k 1.5 NA, explains the poor european sales figures.
Just don't buy it.
Had a 1.6 diesel HR-V for just over a year - had to get rid of it - the most unreliable heap of junk I've ever owned. (my previous two Hondas being the most reliable). But that's another story.
There were some positives about the HR-V, the car semed perfectly suited around town but one big negative (apart from reliability) was that on a fast undulating road, the car would bounce all over the place - so bad that it was easy to keep within speed limits because anything over 50mph and it turned into a ride of terror. The report says the chassis has been improved - I hope so because God knows what it'd be like with any more power.
Another negative which this engine may address - 1.6 tdi, on motorway at 70mph and you come to a hill - this is the only car I've driven where I had to drop from 6th to 5th to maintain speed. Even my previous 0.9tce Clio could cope with motorway inclines in top gear without the revs dropping off.
Agree with others, Honda, that once great engine manufacturer, builder of quality products and the last word of reliability has lost the plot. Wonder if they've updated that awful infotainment system in the HR-V yet?
I really hate of this car.
I really hate of this car. Completely irrational hatred maybe. I hate the bland styling, and I hate that its so much more expensive than the Jazz it is based on