2025 marks a significant milestone for the Honda HR-V. Not only does this year bring the facelifted third-generation model, but it also marks the 10th anniversary of the B-segment SUV that changed the game.
Before the Honda HR-V arrived in Malaysia, several carmakers tried — and failed — to capture the segment, including the Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008.
With the third-generation HR-V, Honda has completely overhauled the model while retaining what makes the HR-V, well, an HR-V. (Fun fact: the first-generation HR-V was never officially sold here, so most Malaysians only got to know the nameplate starting with the second generation model.)
Honda Malaysia recently organised a media drive featuring their current SUV line-up, including the HR-V 1.5 V Turbo and HR-V Hybrid, as well as the recently-launched e:N1.
Watch: Honda Malaysia SUV EV Hybrid Turbo NA
2025 Honda HR-V 1.5V – The near-perfect daily driver
The second-generation Honda HR-V, codenamed RV, marks the first time a turbo powertrain is offered in the Malaysian-spec HR-V.
At the heart of the HR-V turbo variants (1.5E and 1.5V) lies a turbocharged 1.5-litre L15C four-cylinder petrol engine that does 181 PS and 240 Nm, hooked up to a CVT automatic transmission.
Behind the wheel of the turbo variant was definitely the most engaging – a gentle tap on the throttle is sufficient to propel the HR-V to highway speed limits with ease. And within legal highway limits, we managed roughly 13 km/L to 14 km/L. We reckon, with some even more gentle driving, we can push it to (or even surpass) the rated 15 km/L figure.
Then there’s the HR-V’s interior packaging and user interface, stuff that car buyers should typically be considering when buying a new car. Every switch and button are at an easy-to-reach location, and the climate control knobs feel upmarket – each turn is tactile, which is how we like knobs to feel.
Continuing on the interior aspect of the HR-V, it still features Honda’s trick Multi Utility Seats, capable of Tall mode, Long Mode, and Utility Mode. It’s different from the Honda Jazz and City Hatchback’s Ultra Seats, as the HR-V lacks Refresh Mode. Still, the HR-V is the only compact SUV in its segment to offer this feature.
Unlike the previous generation HR-V, the new generation model rides and handles much better – we like how Honda has managed to fine-tune the suspension to offer a more refined ride than the previous model (remember how bumpy the rear was?) though the e:N1 offers a slight edge in pliancy.
Versus its core rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Honda HR-V edges ahead as the sportier option – the Corolla Cross feels considerably more laid-back. The Corolla Cross’ cabin, though modern by today’s standards, lacks the overall usability and practicality of the HR-V.
2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS – Honda’s hybrid at its best
We’re no stranger to Honda’s e:HEV system, given that we just experienced their hybrid solution a couple of weeks ago.
Read Also: Review: Honda e:HEV hybrid – the hybrid solution for everyday Malaysians
And similar to the Civic e:HEV and CR-V e:HEV, the HR-V e:HEV also gets a similar two-motor petrol-electric hybrid system. The 1.5-litre petrol engine outputs 107 PS and 131 Nm, which primarily works as a generation for the electric motor. The engine can assist the electric motor to drive the wheels at higher speeds, as the engine is typically more efficient than electric motors at higher speeds.
Then there’s the electric motor that does 131 PS and 253 Nm, which does most of the heavy lifting. In town driving or at lower speeds, the electric motor is the main source of propulsion, which gives the HR-V RS e:HEV an EV-like silent driving experience.
We were also lucky in the sense that we had the HR-V RS e:HEV for some really twisty roads, allowing us to explore the capabilities of this B-segment SUV.
Right off the bat is how torquey the powertrain feels. 253 Nm of torque on tap may not be as plentiful as the Turbo variant, but unlike the Turbo, the e:HEV doesn’t need to spool the turbo – it’s instantaneous.
While the e:N1, we reckon, has the overall edge in terms of ride and handling, but through the twisty back roads that we subjected the HR-V RS e:HEV to, it held its own really well, with minimal body roll. Couple that with its well-weighted steering and the HR-V RS e:HEV makes for a surprisingly darty little SUV to throw around.
What could’ve been better, in the case of the HR-V RS e:HEV, is its NVH. Wind and tyre noise can be apparent at triple digit speeds (above highway speed limits), and engine noise, when driven hard, is noticeable. Granted, those opting for the hybrid probably won’t be driving the car nearly as hard as us – for the vast majority of buyers, the HR-V e:HEV is a powerful yet fuel efficient compact SUV that ticks all the right boxes.
2025 Honda e:N1 – Honda’s first EV in Malaysia
The arrival of the Honda e:N1 in Malaysia is significant, as its arrival marks the fourth powertrain option for the HR-V family – naturally-aspirated, turbo, hybrid, and now full EV.
Like its petrol-powered HR-V brethren, the e:N1 is also front-wheel drive. There’s a three-in-one unit that integrates the motor, power drive unit, and transmission, capable of delivering 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm.
Read Also: 2025 Honda e:N1 launched in Malaysia: 150 kW, 310 Nm, 412 km EV SUV priced from RM 150k
Power for the motor comes from a 68.8-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack, with enables a WLTP-rated range of 412 km. To recharge the e:N1, Honda has cleverly integrated the charge port behind the redesigned front grille, capable of up to 78 kW of DC fast charging. Charging from 10% to 80% state-of-charge (SoC), according to Honda, takes about 45 minutes.
While the exterior of the Honda e:N1 is reminiscent of the HR-V, Honda says that the e:N1 is developed on the e:N Architecture F FWD platform – a bespoke platform for FWD EVs within the Honda portfolio.
Also bespoke is the Honda e:N1’s cabin, with the biggest change being the new 15.1-inch Advanced Touch Display Audio infotainment system. Yes, at 15.1-inch, it comfortably dwarves all other Honda models currently on sale in Malaysia.
Said display is split into three sections: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on the top, vehicle functions in the middle, and climate control at the very bottom. Unlike some EVs, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto doesn’t take up the entire display; there’s no fumbling around just to control the climate control with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto running.
We also have to mention the front seats of the e:N1 – yes, they share the same design as the regular HR-V, but we noticed that the seats feel considerably more cushy than the HR-V. That said, unlike the HR-V’s Multi Utility rear seats, the ones on the e:N1 cannot fold up. There’s still 60:40 split folding rear seats for those who need it.
With the Honda e:N1 tipping the scales at 1,662 kg, it weighs 200-odd kg more than the HR-V RS e:HEV, due to the 68.8-kWh battery pack. On paper, it may seem like the e:N1 is at a disadvantage against its petrol-powered brethren, but it’s actually quite the opposite.
Behind the wheel of the e:N1 and what stood out the most to us isn’t just the instant torque, but rather the ride and handling. The Honda e:N1, through the roads we drove, exhibited ride and handling that we won’t typically associate with its brethren – composed and matured, without the harshness. It’s so good that we wished that the regular HR-V models offered this level of ride and handling.
The Honda e:N1 also swaps out the LaneWatch camera in favour of traditional blind spot monitor, which Honda calls Blind Spot Information (BSI). We reckon that BSI works better than LaneWatch, as BSI doesn’t force you to look at the infotainment display when making a turn, and it works on both sides – LaneWatch is only available on the passenger side (left side for us with right-hand drive cars and flipped for left-hand drive cars).
Granted, the Honda e:N1 isn’t for everyone, and at its asking price, cheaper Chinese options do exist. As such, the Honda e:N1 caters to those who still wants a Honda, but a battery-powered one instead, wrapped in Honda’s excellent engineering, ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ packaging, and intuitive cabin.
Conclusion – With every powertrain option, you can’t go wrong with a HR-V
With more than 170,000 units of the Honda HR-V sold since 2015, it’s no surprise why Malaysians just love it – its compact dimensions are just nice for everyday commute, coupled with its ingenious cabin space utilization, and end-to-end powertrain options are sufficient to convince buyers that the HR-V is the right choice.
Mix that up with Honda’s intuitive user interface and you get a very well-rounded long-term companion. A trusted companion, the Honda HR-V truly is.
2025 Honda e:N1 Photo Gallery
2025 Honda HR-V 1.5 V Turbo Photo Gallery
2025 Honda HR-V RS e:HEV Photo Gallery
2025 Honda SUV Media Drive Official Photos
