Not fair, they get a turbo!
Traditionally, the UK market has received Honda’s products a little later than the rest of the world, but the Japanese firm somewhat makes up for this by packing UK-market cars with kit and spec that the rest of the world simply doesn’t get. And while the 2019 HR-V that’s debuted there might preview what we might get aesthetically, the most salivating part of this model-year update isn’t coming to our shores at all.
First, we’ll cover what we will get: The new model year HR-V features mildly-tweaked aesthetics, like a new ‘Solid Wing’ face with a prominent (almost garish) chrome grille, flanked by sharp full-LED headlights, and underscored by a new front bumper. At the rear there are new taillights (that we probably won’t get) and a bit of chrome garnish between them, while everything’s been retained down the flanks sans some new alloy wheels.
Inside, Honda says they’ve made it plusher by improving the choice of fabric upholstery, and redesigned the seats to greater comfort. Also, the marque’s claiming to have used more soundproofing to reduce road noise, and they’ve also thrown in an active noise-cancellation system to work towards the same goal.
But the biggest change is what won’t be making it to our shores. Under the bonnet, in addition to the turbo-diesel mill that they’ve always been offered, is the 1.5-litre i-VTEC Turbo engine from the Civic. The rev-happy mill produces about 134kW and 220Nm (though output numbers weren't officially detailed), mated to a CVT automatic transmission sends power exclusively to the front wheels, and claimed fuel consumption is rated at a scant 5.3-litres/100km.
We may not get the turbo, but we do get a sporty-looking variant. The Honda HR-V RS was unveiled earlier this month as part of the 2019 model-year updates, and you can read more about that here.
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