Honda HR-V: Meets the mobility needs of Filipino drivers

MANILA, Philippines — “This year has been a very challenging situation for the whole Philippine automotive industry,” said Noriyuki Takakura, president and GM, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. at the launch of the all-new Honda HR-V recently.  “Over the years, Honda has exerted much effort to bring more vehicles to satisfy the needs and wants of Filipino customers. We have taken much effort to bring Honda closer to its customers.”

The Honda 2018 HR-V has been designed to match the needs of customers who are looking for a sporty and stylish lifestyle vehicle. In addition to the new HR-V, a new RS Variant is available, which aims to give customers an enhanced sporty appeal of Honda’s compact SUV.

Takura shared that the new 2018 HR-V has been updated with modern sporty styling cues and advanced technology features, which aim to give customers a stylish capable crossover with flexible utility and convenience elements expected from a Honda.

“For 2018, the New HR-V will now have a New 1.8 RS Navi variant that will satisfy customers looking for an enhanced sporty compact SUV,” added Takakura.

As I checked out the two variants of HR-Vs that were on display at the ballroom of Solaire Resorts and Casino Hotel that evening, we noticed the new exterior styling cues. At the front, new features such as a newly designed Front Bumper, Front Grille and Full LED Headlights with Integrated Day Time Running Lights give the New HR-V a signature yet familiar Honda front fascia. At the back, new LED Guide Type Tail Lamps give the New HR-V a more futuristic styling, which not only gives it an up-to-date look but also makes it more visible on the road. Complementing this updated design is the new 17-inch Sport Black Alloy Wheels, which give the vehicle a more aggressive stance and presence on the road.

Noriyuki Takakura, president and GM, Honda Cars Philippines Inc.

In terms of new tech features, the new HR-V is equipped with a 7-inch Touch Screen System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a more intuitive smartphone infotainment connectivity.

I was also intrigued by the ULT (Utility, Long, Tall) seats, which allow three different adjustment modes allowing customers to have flexible seat configurations that can be adjusted depending on the customer’s need.

The HR-V is powered with a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine that produces maximum power of 142 ps at 6,500 rpm and 17.5 kg-m of torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed based on Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology, the engine and transmission provide responsive performance, acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. Honda’s Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON mode and Eco-Coaching Ambient Light, helps encourage fuel-efficient driving.

Not to be missed that evening was the RS variant of the HR-V, which gives it an enhanced sporty and sharp exterior design. Outside, the New HR-V RS comes with an RS design Front Honeycomb Grille together with new LED Headlights. LED Fog Lights are also available exclusively for the HR-V RS and at the side, the HR-V RS receives Dark Chrome Finished Door Handles and Door Trims and a different two-tone 17-inch Alloy Wheel Design specifically made for the RS.

For the RS variant, the new 7-inch Touch Screen now also comes with a navigation system as standard. Capping off the overall sporty package of the new HR-V 1.8 RS Navi, the Phoenix Orange Pearl color found in other Honda RS Models will now be exclusively available for this variant of the New HR-V.

All variants are equipped with advanced and class leading safety features including the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Driver and Front Passenger SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). The 1.8 RS Navi CVT variant will get additional side airbags for added protection for the passengers.

“As Honda works to satisfy the need of the Philippine market, it has established its latest dealerships in Baliuag, Bulacan and Tagum City, Davao,” added Takakura. “We hope to continue to satisfy more Filipino customers and families.”

For information, visit any authorized Honda Car dealership or log on to  www.hondaphil.com.