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2019 Honda HR-V Technology and Safety Review

Packed with tech features but with a few quirks.

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2019 Honda HR-V Technology and Safety

With a P1,495,000 price tag for a subcompact crossover, the 2019 Honda HR-V is expected to be packed with high-tech features that provide convenience and safety to the occupants of the car. Well, you won’t be disappointed with this car, but you have to be ready for some quirks.

Related: 2019 Honda HR-V Review

I’ve had a general assessment of the facelifted HR-V in our review. Now it’s time to have a closer look at its technology and safety features that go with its price tag.

As mentioned in the general review, the HR-V is an achiever in its class when it comes to technological features. First off, it has LED lights all over – headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Aside from providing an emphatic appeal, especially at night, these lights are quite useful as they illuminate the road well. Although, if it’s not too much to ask, the HR-V could use automatic headlights for convenience. While Honda’s at it, they could add rain-sensing wipers, too.

Aside from those, you’re pretty much covered as a driver – telescopic steering wheel, auto up/down driver’s window, a functioning automatic climate control, power-folding side mirrors, speed-sensing door locks, cruise control, and my personal favorite, the Brake Hold function. The latter specifically makes driving in stop and go situations much, much bearable as you could lift your foot off the brake pedal every time you stop. This is heaven-sent, particularly within Metro Manila.

As mentioned, there are a few quirks when it comes to the HR-V’s tech features. I’m pertaining to its Kenwood infotainment system. See, it’s a third-party unit, and as opposed to the OEM head units that are specifically designed for the car, third-party units are added after. It’s like buying an infotainment unit as an upgrade, though, with Honda, it’s part of the price tag.

While the seven-inch Kenwood touchscreen looks suave and classy in every way, and the fact that it has volume buttons, its status spells three problems: the microphone for hands-free calls aren’t integrated into the car, which means it is physically sticking out like a sore thumb near the rear-view mirror. Next, the USB ports aren’t integrated into the dashboard as well – two USB ports are hidden inside the glovebox instead. Lastly, there are no buttons on the steering wheel for hands-free calls. All of these are frankly odd but somehow livable and not hard to turn a blind eye on.

As its saving grace, the Kenwood system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means smartphone connection is seamless and easy-to-use. For someone who’s dependent with Spotify for on-board entertainment while driving, I also appreciate its speakers that produce crisp sound with a generous amount of bass. It made listening to music much more pleasurable.

The infotainment system has navigation for the RS trim, too, which is very useful in areas where internet connection is scarce for your Waze to work properly. The screen doubles as the display for the rear camera, gifted with a super clear display even when raining and at night. Kudos to Honda for that.

As the range-topper, the 2019 Honda HR-V RS comes with full safety package option. The driver and front passenger both get airbags, as well as airbags on both sides up to the back for T-Bone collisions. Seatbelt reminders for both front occupants are standard, too, as are vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and ABS with EBD. The rear-view camera comes with sensors for the RS trim, which is pretty useful when parking in tight spaces.

Going for the lower non-RS trim isn’t a bad deal at all as you’ll only have to sacrifice the seatbelt reminder for the front passenger, side airbags, and reverse sensors.

Specifications

Engine

1.8 L

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Performance

140 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Transmission

CVT

Summary

Name Honda HR-V 1.8 RS Navi CVT
Body Type Crossover
Price ₱1,515,000
Transmission Category CVT

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

Honda HR-V Lunar Silver Metallic Philippines Lunar Silver Metallic
Honda HR-V Modern Steel Metallic Philippines Modern Steel Metallic
Honda HR-V Passion Red Pearl Philippines Passion Red Pearl
Honda HR-V Phoenix Orange Pearl Philippines Phoenix Orange Pearl
Honda HR-V Taffeta White Philippines Taffeta White

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