The subcompact Honda HR-V SUV is being entertained with a raft of upgrades for the exterior and interior and the introduction of a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, a signal perhaps as manufacturers slowly begin to shift away from diesel engines.

The 2019 spec Honda HR-V will receive minor exterior styling upgrades a bit of gloss trim here, restyled front and rear headlights, revised front and rear bumper designs and new 17-inch alloy wheel designs. The redesigned LED DRLs with projector headlight lenses are now offered as standard. A palette of 8 new colors will also be offered. The interior receives upgraded higher quality materials for the redesigned seats with the option of going full-on leather. And the 2019 spec Honda HR-V will be quieter too through the use of more sound deadening material, Active Noise Cancellation technology is now available as an optional extra. Rather disappointingly the new 1.5-litre engine will be naturally aspirated, in UK spec that’s 128bhp and 155Nm of torque which is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Don’t opt for the CVT gearbox, the driving experience is literally is like treading water. Honda claims an average fuel consumption of 53mpg, from our experience we’ll be surprised if the HR-V can pull off that particular Houdini act. We suggest you wait until next spring before you order a Honda HR-V because then the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated will become turbocharged which means more power, but more importantly better driveability.