Restyling the exterior design incorporates fresh interpretation of Honda’s 'Solid Wing Face’ graphic, with a new, high-gloss dark-chrome panel that replaces the black-and-chrome combination above the grille. The front bumper features deeper air intake sections that house circular fog lights and the headlights now have projector lenses, with redesigned LED daytime running lights, as standard.
At the rear, a dark chrome garnish across the tailgate mirrors the new trim at the front, and the rear lights sit within darker lens casings. Higher-grade models feature a new 17.0-inch alloy wheel design and the exhaust tailpipe has a more noticeable chrome finisher. Both head and rear lights are upgraded to full LED units, with the rear casings enhanced by a trendy dark ‘smoked’ effect.
Honda will offer a choice of eight exterior colours for the 2019 HR-V, including the addition of Midnight Blue Beam Metallic. The other colour choices comprise: Milano Red; Platinum White and Crystal Black in a pearlescent finish; and Lunar Silver, Modern Steel, Brilliant Sporty Blue and Ruse Black metallics.
Of course, the HR-V remains as versatile as ever, including the carry-over of Honda’s innovative ‘Magic Seat’ folding system. Redesigned seats for the driver and front passenger incorporate changes to the seat cushions and back rests, providing greater overall support, especially for occupants’ shoulders. The standard fabric upholstery now uses a higher-quality material, while top grade models feature a full leather interior as standard.
From launch, the 2019 Honda HR-V will be available with the efficient 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which offers a moderate power output of 127bhp and maximum torque of 114lbs ft at 4,600 rpm. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes 9.9s, when equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox, and 10.6s with the optional CVT. Average fuel economy of 53.2 mpg and Official Combined CO2 emissions of 121g/km are given for the CVT version.
The i-VTEC engine has been improved by ‘advanced honing’, which lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinder bores, by creating an ultra-smooth surface. Its timing-chain guides also feature a new friction-reduced coating, which further helps to reduce long-term wear and boost engine efficiency.
Honda has improved the interior refinement of the HR-V with additional insulating materials around the car, including the front bulkhead and wheel-arches, the boot structure and both front and rear door panels. Dependent on model grade, the 2019 HR-V will also be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for the first time. ANC is designed to reduce low-frequency noise in the interior, by monitoring for it using two in-cabin microphones and, then, cancelling out the disturbances with precisely-timed ‘reverse phase’ audio signals through the speakers.
Production of 2019 HR-V 1.5-litre i-VTEC variants has already commenced, with deliveries starting in October. A sportier, 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine will follow, with availability from spring 2019, alongside a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine.
