Chinese Honda XR-V gets a new turbo-four engine

The Honda XR-V is a China-only FWD crossover based on the international model known as the Honda HR-V (or Vezel, depending on your region). The HR-V received a mid-generational refresh last year, and the XR-V follows in its footsteps now. Let us see what is new and interesting.

The 2019 facelift sports a restyled radiator grille, tweaked bumpers both front and rear, LED headlights (although only available in higher trim versions) and a wider body color palette.

The cabin stays stock, unless you count the larger 8-inch multimedia display. Standard and available equipment includes climate control, panoramic glass roof, keyless start-and-go, engine start/stop function, active cruise control, and lane control.

Just like the new HR-V, the Chinese XR-V no longer ships with the 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine rated at 136 hp (101 kW) and 169 Nm (125 pound-feet) of torque. A 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine comes to replace it, promising much more respectable 177 hp (132 kW) along with 220 Nm (162 lb×ft) of torque. This version ships with dual exhaust pipes. The entry-level 131-hp (98-kW) engine has sustained a minor update to comply with the new environmental standards. Transmission choices are six-speed manual and CVT.

Honda does not reveal the pricing for the facelifted XR-V yet. The pre-facelift models start from 127,800 Chinese Yuan. The official reveal event will take place in July, so let us just wait until then.

Photos: autohome.com.cn