2019 Honda HR-V gains sporty RS variant

Honda has added a sporty RS model to its HR-V compact SUV, featuring a bunch of sporty aesthetic enhancements and sharper ride and handling.

The RS joins the HR-V range as part of a MY2019 update that brings fresh styling and autonomous emergency braking across the range.

Standout features include alloys, piano black body kit including mirror caps and license-plate garnish, a honeycomb grille, and dark chrome exterior accents, and bigger 18-inch alloys. It will also available with an exclusive Phoenix Orange Pearlescent paint option.

Inside, you’ll find leather sports steering wheel, and new-design leather seats with front-row heating.

The HR-V RS will still have the range-standard 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, however, its ride and handling has been tweaked to complement its racy looks with new Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering, similar to the technology used the Honda Civic and CR-V, plus front stabiliser bars and ‘enhanced suspension’.

Meanwhile, city-speed autonomous emergency braking, which Honda calls City-Brake Active System (C-BAS), is now standard across the HR-V range.

We’re yet to see how the facelift affects other variants, but, if the HR-V RS is any guide, expect a refreshed grille and front bumper design.

Pricing and full specifications will be available closer its local launch in August.