2019 Honda HR-V Sport Is The Fastest Of The Range, Still Has A Manual

The 2019 Honda HR-V subcompact crossover goes on sale in Europe with a new turbo engine, a Sport trim level, and subtle updates inside and out.

The most important of all is the addition of a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that can be ordered this spring. When hooked to the standard six-speed manual transmission, the unit delivers 182 PS (180 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque between 1,900 rpm and 5,000 rpm. If the optional CVT is selected, peak torque drops to 220 Nm (162 lb-ft).

Only available in the newly-introduced Sport trim level, the 1.5-liter turbo-four enables a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (133 mph) in combination with the manual gearbox. With the CVT, the numbers are 8.6 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph), respectively.

Besides the 1.5-liter turbo engine, the 2019 HR-V continues to be available with a naturally aspirated 130 PS (128 hp) 1.5-liter gasoline unit and a 120 PS (118 hp) 1.6-liter turbo diesel. Both are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with the gasoline unit also offering a CVT as an option.

Following in the footsteps of the 2019 Honda HR-V that debuted in the United States last summer, the European-spec model gets a dark chrome panel on the grille, deeper air intakes in the bumper, and projector headlights with redesigned LED DRLs. Other updates include the circular fog lights, new 17-inch alloys, and exhaust pipes in a chrome look.

Inside, the 2019 HR-V offers redesigned front seats, a higher-quality material for the standard fabric upholstery and full leather on upper trim levels.

As for the Sport model, it adds a dynamic styling pack consisting of a slim front splitter, side skirts, wheel arch moldings, and a more aggressive rear bumper — all finished in black. It also comes with black mirror caps, dual exhaust pipes, unique 18-inch alloys, and full-LED lights.

The HR-V Sport also brings “Performance Damper” technology that keeps the car flatter through corners and reduces vibration over uneven roads, as well as bespoke steering set up for more agile cornering.