2017 Honda HR-V Hybrid RS Is JDM Goodness Not Headed To US Shores

Photo Credit: Honda of Japan
Photo Credit: Honda of Japan /
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Honda introduced a sportier looking 2017 Honda HR-V Hybrid RS

The Honda HR-V as we know it has been selling in Japan since late 2013 under the model name Honda Vezel. Earlier Tuesday, Honda of Japan announced a Honda HR-V Hybrid RS that takes their already best-selling Hybrid variant of the Vezel and adds on quite an attractive aero package.

In the United States, the Honda HR-V is offered with Honda’s bigger 1.8L engine found in the previous generation Honda Civic. In Japan, fuel efficiency reigns king over anything else and power takes a backseat to fuel-sipping capabilities. As such, the Vezel Hybrid comes with a 1.5L engine with 130 HP and 115 lb-ft found in the Jazz (Honda Fit) with a 30 HP and 118 lb-ft electric motor. With a combined horsepower rating of 150 HP, it has more power on tap than the USDM model HR-V and offers the added benefit of better fuel efficiency when you’re puttering around town.

Photo Credit: Honda of Japan
Photo Credit: Honda of Japan /
Photo Credit: Honda of Japan
Photo Credit: Honda of Japan /

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With this new Hybrid RS trim level, Honda kicked it up a notch by offering Vezel owners a bit of sport with their hybrid variant. All Hybrid RS’s come with front and rear black lip spoilers, special sporty side skirts, faux-wheel overfenders and protected door mirrors.  Additionally, the front end sports LED Fog lights with 18-inch alloys around each corner. Inside, the interior is handsomely laid out with special black interior trim pieces to compliment the aero add-ons.

While this trim level is plenty more attractive and sportier than the HR-V we have here in the United States, it’s a shame that Honda of North America doesn’t offer it as an option.

Next: Breaking: 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Teased Before Geneva

We do wonder if we can import the pieces of the aero kit directly from Japan to add on to our U.S. Spec HR-V at our discretion.

H/T- Paul Tan