The Honda Place (THP Ghana Ltd.) has launched two kinds of All-New HR-V ‘advanced and stylish’ vehicles, being LX and EX grades, unto the Ghanaian market at their head office located at Graphic Road in Accra last week.
The All-New HR-V vehicles offer exceptional space, comfort and utility as well as advanced safety and technology features – all within a bold and sleek coupe-inspired form. Having evaluated how today’s active, connected population identifies and selects high-value products, Honda developed the HR-V, which is not only an all-new compact SUV, but also a consumer product that appeals through desirability, functionality and usability.
The Japanese automakers took the two vehicles to the auto show business, coming out of several tests with bold new designs and tech upgrades.
Mahesh Mahtani, Country Director of THP Ghana Ltd., said: “We are the official distributors of Honda vehicles in Ghana since 2001. The brand Honda is the flagship brand of our automobile division of the Stallion Group in Ghana. The All-New Honda HR-V vehicles mark the presence of a new level of SUV-coupe-inspired form vehicle”.
“Honda vehicle ranges will be available across all our branches including Tema, Kumasi, Koforidua and Takoradi; and we are planning to open in Tamale also in 2023-2024,” he added.
In a speech by the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hisanobu Mochizuki, he said: “Honda HR-V vehicles have added up to the automotive industry, and has been a powerful vehicle to promote Japan’s image as a flagbearer in the field of quality manufacturing and engineering model.
“Japanese quality vehicles have been patronised by many Ghanaians as we see a lot of Honda and other Japanese vehicles on roads. In that respect, I am very pleased to see that Honda and The Honda Place, or THP Ghana, have had a long-standing presence in country by developing extensive retail and after-service network all over the country. THP has a very good brand image due to high quality cars and excellent after-sales service in many parts of the country.
“As the world emerges from a global pandemic, it has become important to support the private sector to drive industrial growth to pre-pandemic levels in countries worst hit by the COVID-19. We believe that strong industries, including automotive industry, can boost human resource development and drive the economic growth in Ghana.”
Manish Daryanani, Business Head for Sales & Marketing at THP, mentioned in his speech that HR-V aims to be a lifestyle icon that is confident, visually pleasing and a pleasure to drive, bringing excitement and enriching daily lives.
“The HR-V is larger than its predecessor, and has longer wheelbase which combines with magic seats, provides class leading space and utility for an adventurous weekend escape. This new model is primarily targetted toward Generation-C which are always connected, computerised, clicking and choosing things with consideration while sharing their choice and experience with friends, family and peers. The New HR-V will empower users to explore a new self,” he said.
The All-New Honda HR-V debuts a strong, sporty and expressive exterior design for 2022, featuring a bold new grille, longer hood and sleek roofline. The HR-V is larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and wider stance with an underlining character of a fun SUV.
Special features
Exterior design
LED Headlights and LED Front Fog Lights: The Honda HR-V has a full array of wide set LED headlights with Day Time Running Lights (DRL) in all grades, and LED Front Fog Lights feature in the EX-grade.
Pentagon Mesh Grille: The bold and sporting new look of the Honda HR-V is accentuated by a multi-faceted Pentagon Mesh Grille which gives it a sculpted look and makes it a head turner.
New LED Taillights (First in HR-V): It is the centre light on the tailgate which diffuses into the sidelights and carries the beltline to the front headlights which gives an instant visualisation of HR-V’s youthful design cues.
17 inch and 18 inch Alloy Wheels: The LX grade features stylish 17 inch alloy wheels whereas the EX features 18 inch alloy wheels, giving it a bold and an aggressive attitude.
Fastback-inspired roofline: The graceful swoop of roofline, with an elongated hood and clean body lines, giving the HR-V a coupe like silhouette.
Other noteworthy features include auto rain sensing wipers in the EX Grade, power folding mirrors, rear fog lights, Smart entry with touch sensor and Walk-Away Auto Lock® standard in all grades.
Interior design
The spacious interior of Honda HR-V has a solid, premium SUV feel, with contemporary fabric, leather, and soft-touch material combinations. A horizontal dashboard layout sets the scene for a ride focussed on the road ahead with an intuitive infotainment screen that defines contemporary design. The feeling of airiness and space is elevated by a new air diffusion system, which is one of the many new features in HR-V:
Spacious cabin: The spacious cabin seats five occupants with ease, and offers interior with fabric in LX grade and leather in EX grade for added style and comfort.
Automatic climate control: The Honda HR-V has an automatic single zone climate control feature, with knurled knobs which enables the driver and passenger to change the A/C temperature and adapt to the outside environment.
Air diffusion mode (first in Honda): Selecting this mode directs the airflow through L-shaped vents. These vents create a fresh breeze in the cabin without hitting the occupants directly, and gently guiding the airstream around them. An air curtain is formed around the front and rear passengers which protects outside heat from entering, and maintains cool temperature in the cabin.
Rear A/C ventilation: The rear passengers can enjoy additional comfort with rear A/C vents, which helps them to sit back and enjoy the ride in Honda HR-V. These are available on the EX Grade.
Magic seats and 60:40 combination seats: The HR-V’s most unique feature is the rear Magic Seats which, in a single motion, convert the modular interior into space for a surfboard or even a bike. The seats can be tipped for vertical space or folded flat into the floor in one easy motion or select 60:40 split for even more flexibility.
Cargo space: The centre tank layout and the clever packaging enable various modes of magic seats. 60:40 combination seats allow cargo storage for the HR-V to accommodate two folded bikes, a surfboard and 4-5 suitcases with ease.
Safety technologies
Continuing Honda’s’ longstanding tradition of advancing safety performance, the Honda HR-V introduces multiple new active and passive safety systems. Some of the additional safety systems include:
ACE™ body structure: The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the Honda HR-V has been enhanced for even better compatibility with larger vehicles, with improved occupant protection in angled frontal collisions, with a new upper A-pillar structure, side frame and lower firewall structure – all designed to route crash energy around the cabin.
Rear wide view camera: Engage reverse and the rear-view camera automatically comes to life on the 8″ display screen with 3 angle views.
Rear Seat Occupant Reminder (first in HR-V): The Rear Seat Occupant Reminder notifies the driver to check the rear seat when ignition is turned off to prevent any rear occupants being left behind before the car is locked. This is especially helpful for families with small children and pets.
Hill descent control (first in HR-V): Automatically controls the speed between 0-20 kmph when descending hills.
Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) with traction control: During an oversteer or understeer condition, VSA can brake individual wheels and/or reduce engine power to help restore your intended course.
6 Airbags: The HR-V is fitted with 6 Airbags to ensure maximum occupant protection and safety.
Additional features
Intuitive and seamless in-car connectivity features and apps introduce a new level of technology to Honda’s compact segment SUV. Some of the noteworthy technology enhancements include:
8’’ Display Audio: The Honda HR-V debuts the 8-inch colour display audio. The new touchscreen features large, easy-to-recognise icons, and a simplified navigation structure with embedded menus. The touchscreen systems also come standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.
4.2-inch TFT Driver Information Display (DII) with Multi Information Display (MID): The HR-V features 4.2 inches TFT high definition all colour Driver Information Display (DII) which displays a variety of information such as Rear Seat Reminder, Turn by Turn Navigation, fuel economy, etc., all customisable from the steering wheel and in-line of sight for driver.
USB ports: The HR-V features 1 front USB for charging and 1 for the smart phone interface that are standard in all grades. It also features rear USB ports (2 ports in the EX) for charging your smart phones on the go.
Fuel efficient powerful performance
The All-New Honda HR-V offers a 1.5L engine coupled with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) engine which is uniquely tuned for enhanced power delivery, engine sound, overall refinement, and fuel economy ratings.
Fuel efficiency*: 16.4 Km/L
Max power: 119 hp @ 6600 rpm
Max Torque: 145Nm @ 4300 rpm
Colour availability and grades
The All-New Honda HR-V comes in two grades (LX and EX) for the Ghana market.
Exterior colours: Opal White Silver Pearl, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Coffee Cherry Red Metallic.
Interior Colours: Black Fabric in LX and Black Leather in EX.
