Verdict
At RM115,900 against RM130,900, the HR-V 1.5 S is the sensible entry point, but the 1.5 E makes a far stronger case if your budget reaches it. Its turbocharged 1.5-litre produces 179 hp and 240 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 12.1 to 8.7 seconds. The E also adds curtain airbags, rear USB-C ports, remote start, paddle shifters and front foglamps. For Malaysian drivers who regularly carry family or tackle overtakes, those are meaningful gains rather than trim garnish.
Pick the Honda HR-V 1.5 S if RM115,900 is your ceiling and 119 hp, Honda Sensing, adaptive cruise control and the same 335-litre boot cover your needs.
Pick the Honda HR-V 1.5 E if you want 179 hp, 240 Nm, curtain airbags and a much quicker 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: RM115,900 for the 1.5 S; RM130,900 for the 1.5 E.
- Power: 119 hp in the 1.5 S; 179 hp in the 1.5 E.
- Torque: 145 Nm in the 1.5 S; 240 Nm in the 1.5 E.
- 0-100 km/h: 12.1 seconds for the 1.5 S; 8.7 seconds for the 1.5 E.
- Airbags: four in the 1.5 S; six including curtain airbags in the 1.5 E.
- Rear USB-C ports: zero in the 1.5 S; two in the 1.5 E.
1.5 S
- RM15,000 less to buy.
- 107 kg lighter at 1,274 kg.
- Gets Honda Sensing and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
- 119 hp and 145 Nm leave it 60 hp and 95 Nm behind the 1.5 E.
- No curtain airbags.
- Misses front foglamps, remote start, paddle shifters and rear USB-C ports.
1.5 E
- 179 hp and 240 Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine.
- 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time, 3.4 seconds quicker than the 1.5 S.
- Adds curtain airbags, front foglamps and remote start.
- Costs RM15,000 more than the 1.5 S.
- 107 kg heavier at 1,381 kg.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM115,900✓ | RM130,900 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 119 hp | 179 hp✓ |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 73 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | CVT | CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | Honda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 12.1 seconds | 8.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 186 km/h | 200 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,347 mm | 4,387 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,591 mm | 1,591 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Weight | 1,274 kg | 1,381 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 335 litres | 335 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | Continental UltraContact UC6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtains |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A & USB-C Front | 1 Front, 1 USB-A & USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4 Speakers | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button with Remote Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes, with Multi-angle |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
1.5 S vs 1.5 E FAQ
Is the Honda HR-V 1.5 S or Honda HR-V 1.5 E better?
The Honda HR-V 1.5 E is better equipped and substantially quicker, with 179 hp, 240 Nm and curtain airbags. The 1.5 S remains the better choice only when keeping the purchase cost down matters more than turbo performance and the extra kit.
What is the price difference?
The Honda HR-V 1.5 E costs RM15,000 more than the Honda HR-V 1.5 S.
Does the Honda HR-V 1.5 E have better safety equipment?
Yes. Both have Honda Sensing, collision warning, lane-keeping steering correction and adaptive cruise control, but the 1.5 E adds curtain airbags. It has six airbags versus four in the 1.5 S.
