Honda HR-V: Updated SUV revealed in Japan

A minor facelift, if you could even call it that, of the Honda Vezel (known as the HR-V in Australia and most other markets) has debuted in Japan.

"We are unable to confirm at this stage whether the updated HR-V currently available in Japan will be introduced to the Australian market," said a Honda Australia spokesperson.

The only semi-significant changes to the exterior are the colour-coded wheel arch protectors, side sills, and lower front and rear bumper extensions. This greater use of body-colour trim only applies to higher grades, with cheaper variants still featuring black trim as in the current car.

Squint and you might notice the headlights now feature blackened lenses.

In Japan, rear seat passengers are better cared for, with lower-spec variants gaining air vents and two USB-C ports at the back. In Australia, only the e:HEV L and e:HEV RS trims include these.

For the Japanese market, the base model is equipped with an 87kW/142Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive.

In the rest of the range there's a hybrid system that pairs a 78kW/127Nm 1.5-litre engine with a 96kW/253Nm electric motor. It drives either the front or all four wheels via an e-CVT.

Given Australia-bound HR-Vs are made in Japan, we expect some or all of these changes will arrive Down Under in the not-too-distant future, though the current HR-V has always been offered here exclusively with front-wheel drive.

According to Creative 311, the Vezel range will gain a new Trail Sport variant in December, which will feature more rugged and outdoorsy styling.

The HR-V/Vezel is the latest in a series of light, almost imperceptible, mid-cycle facelifts given by Honda to its vehicles.

In May, the revised ZR-V gained more hybrid variants and the latest Android-based infotainment system.

Just this month, Honda tweaked the slow-selling Accord with a few minor visual adjustments, a higher price and two fewer years of complimentary access to the Honda Connect service.

MORE: Explore the Honda HR-V showroom