New Honda HR-V facelift adds sharper look to compact hybrid SUV

The Honda HR-V has received a gentle nip and tuck three years after it was launched, which should help it look as fresh as possible in the hugely competitive compact SUV class. 

Although considering the HR-V is currently Honda’s best-selling model in Europe, the brand probably didn’t think it needed much help. Styling tweaks consist of a new grille shape and a sharper front bumper, with all-black trim that’s meant to give the car a more purposeful look.

Fresh headlight units feature darkened internals and a more prominent daytime-running light signature, while the LED light bar at the rear has also been updated. Three new paint colours are available too: Sage Green, Seabed Blue and Urban Grey.

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The interior has received similarly subtle refinements, such as the centre console and lower part of the dashboard being reprofiled to make accessing the wireless charging pad easier for the driver and passenger. Meanwhile, increased sound deadening for the cabin is meant to improve refinement and interior comfort in the HR-V, while all models now come with privacy glass.

Honda has also introduced a new Advance Plus trim to the line-up. This adds a glass roof, a unique set of alloy wheels and extended paint finish, with the lower bumpers, wheelarches and other exterior trim finished in the body colour, and contrasted by a ‘Crystal Black’ grille.

Finally, the Honda ‘Sensing’ suite of safety and driver-assistance tech – which features on every model – now includes a 360-degree surround-view camera system that can be activated via the touchscreen if needed. Some of the active safety systems have also been updated to reduce their intrusion when driving, and traffic-jam assist has been upgraded to provide steering support from a standstill.

Prices for the facelifted Honda HR-V starts from £31,495, with buyers offered a choice of five trim levels: Elegance, Advance, Advance Plus, Advance Style and Advance Style Plus. 

Standard equipment across the range includes a nine-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and adaptive cruise control. Honda’s clever ‘Magic Seats’ system is also standard-fit, and it not only allows the rear seat backs to be folded flat, but the squab can be flipped upwards into a vertical position.

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Advance trim (from £33,995) adds a powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery and piano black interior trim. 

Advance Plus (from £36,995) is a new specification added as part of this facelift. These come with a unique set of alloy wheels and extended paint finish, with the lower bumpers, wheelarches and other exterior trim finished in the body colour, and contrasted by a ‘Crystal Black’ grille.

Advance Style cars (from £37,195) build on that kit list with a wireless charging pad, premium sound system, the new multi-view camera system, plus a two-tone paint scheme and roof rails. The only benefit of upgrading to the range-topping Advance Style Plus trim (which is also new, and priced from £37,995) is a panoramic glass roof. 

Every HR-V features a full-hybrid powertrain that uses two electric motors to drive the front wheels, plus a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts solely as a generator. The set-up produces 129bhp and 253Nm of torque – enough for 0-62mph in under 11 seconds. Honda claims it can return up to 52.3mpg.

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