Honda to add turbo HR-V in Europe, but not for Oz – UPDATE

Honda Europe has released initial details and images of the updated 2019 HR-V, ahead of an October launch for that market.

While the exterior revisions are largely in line with the updated model revealed for places like Japan and Australia, the EU-spec HR-V will offer a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine – likely the same unit offered in the Civic – from "spring 2019", or some point= between the beginning of March and the end of May.

Outputs for the new motor are yet to be detailed, though the 1.5-litre turbo in the Civic makes 134kW of power and 220Nm of torque – the latter available from 1700 to 5500rpm.

Currently, the only petrol option for the HR-V in Europe is the 1.5-litre 'Earth Dreams' four-cylinder petrol engine shared with the Euro-market Jazz, making a modest 96kW of power and 155Nm of torque.

Locally, the sole powertrain available is a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, putting out 105kW and 172Nm, mated as standard to a CVT automatic driving the front wheels.

Other changes in the Euro-spec HR-V include increased sound deadening, namely around the front bulkhead an wheel arches, while Active Noise Cancellation will be fitted to certain models to further enhance refinement.

There's also "higher-quality" materials used for the fabric upholstery, double stitching for higher-spec models with fabric/leather combination trim, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design (pictured), available LED head- and tail-lights, and a new Midnight Blue Beam metallic paint (pictured).

European versions of the 2019 HR-V fitted with the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine will commence deliveries in October, with the turbocharged petrol and turbo-diesel models scheduled for launch in the European spring of 2019.

Speaking with CarAdvice, Naomi Rebeschini, PR assistant manager for Honda's local division, said: "No plans for that engine for us locally".

"Engine in the refreshed HR-V remains as the 1.8-litre," she added.

The Thai-sourced MY19 range went on sale locally at the beginning of the month, and saw the addition of a sporty-looking new RS variant, which is priced from $31,990 before on-road costs.

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