After Civic, Honda HR-V facelift coming to SE Asia

Earlier this year, Honda started to introduce minor updates to their existing models. The facelifted Civic was revealed first, and then the HR-V, called Vezel in Japan, also underwent some minor changes.

As we go to the final quarter of the year, both are now making their way to the Southeast Asian region. Honda Thailand has announced the facelifted HR-V will make its debut at the 2024 Thailand International Motor Expo that’s happening this November. While the news came as an early announcement for Thailand’s Motor Show, Honda Thailand was quick to give the first images of the updated crossover.

The facelifted Vezel in Japan had the changes done to the standard variants, but Honda Thailand revealed the updated HR-V in the top-spec RS e:HEV. It features similar changes in front with the redesigned LED headlights, a wider front grille with a trapezoid mesh design finished with chrome accents, as well as the new RS badge design that was first debuted locally by the Brio.

Likewise, the taillights have also received a revised light signature, along with new two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. There’s a new color for the Thai market that’s called Sand Khaki Pearl, and comes with a black roof to complete the two-tone look.

Inside, it’s more of a tech upgrade for the HR-V as it now comes with an 8-inch touchscreen head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If we’re right about this one, this should be similar to the new infotainment system of the updated City that’s already in the country.

In the Thai market, the HR-V in its RS trim is powered by a 1.5-liter e:HEV powertrain with 131 PS and 253 Nm of torque. Locally, we have the RS in the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo. It remains to be seen if HCPI will adopt the e:HEV powertrain for the next update of the HR-V.

Since the Thai market HR-V RS update will debut by November, then it’s likely that we won’t see the new HR-V at least until early next year.