Honda HR-V facelifted for 2018

The facelifted Honda HR-V has already gone on sale in some countries, such as Thailand and Japan, and incorporates some small changes to the exterior design, additional specification and new safety technology, although the exact specification for our market has yet to be confirmed.

When the HR-V was launched in South Africa back in 2015, it impressed us with its practical Magic Seat system, good looks and reasonable spec. It was priced competitively too and so well-received that it was named a semifinalist in the Compact Family Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank for both the 2016/17 and 2017/18 instalments of the awards programme.

For 2018, the Honda HR-V has gained a bolder, more contemporary front end, replete with a honeycomb mesh grille, new headlights (ostensibly full LED units), repositioned daytime running lights and a new colour called Passion Red Pearl, seen here.

There are also new 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and optional panoramic sunroof.

The updated specification (in overseas markets) sees the addition of blind spot warning and autonomous emergency braking system. It appears that the infotainment system has also received a makeover – we'd be very surprised if it won't be Android Auto/Apple Carplay compatible.

There's no mention of whether the 1.5-litre engine is still available, but the 104kW/172Nm 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol motor appears to have been carried over. Power goes to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

This article was originally published on Cars.co.za.