A refreshed version of the Honda HR-V compact SUV will go on sale later this year with an updated 1.5-litre petrol engine.

In early 2019, Honda will add a 1.6-litre diesel and a turbocharge petrol variant to the line-up.

The new model features enhanced exterior styling, updates to the interior and a range of advanced technologies.

From launch, the 2019 Honda HR-V will be available with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which offers 130 PS. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 10.2 seconds.

The petrol engine offers average fuel economy from 53.2 mpg and official average CO2 emissions of 121 g/km for the CVT model.

Redesigned seats for the driver and front passenger incorporate changes to the seat cushion and back rest, providing enhanced overall support – especially for the shoulder area. The standard fabric upholstery now uses a higher-quality material, while top grade models feature a full leather interior as standard. 

The HR-V retains Honda’s Magic Seat system.

Honda says it has improved the interior quietness and refinement of the HR-V by adding greater levels of insulating material around the car, including around the front bulkhead and wheel arches, the boot structure, and both front and rear door panels.

Higher-grade models will also be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for the first time. ANC is designed to reduce low-frequency noise in the interior by monitoring for such noises using two in-cabin microphones, and then cancelling them out with precisely-timed ‘reverse phase’ audio signals through the speakers.

Production of 2019 HR-V variants has started with the deliveries commencing from October