The Honda HR-V is well-regarded in Britain’s compact SUV market, and is the brand’s best-selling car here. However, the Mugen version remains a dream for UK buyers. Offered in select Asian markets, it adds a special appearance to the familiar hybrid crossover.
We recently got a chance to examine this right-hand-drive model in Southeast Asia to see what British customers are missing. Based on the local HR-V RS e:HEV, it combines Mugen accessories with the standard hybrid powertrain.
Design
The HR-V Mugen lends Honda’s compact SUV a race-inspired makeover. While the basic design is unchanged, unique styling elements include a front under spoiler that extends the bumper downwards, while gloss-black detailing contrasts with the white bodywork. The dark grille retains its red RS badge, sitting between slim LED headlights.
On to the sides, the unique skirts visually lower the body, with small Mugen graphics adding detail near the rear doors. Carbon-pattern mirror covers and branded door visors are the other points of distinction. The car we explored retained Honda-branded alloy wheels.
The rear witnesses the biggest changes. A large black spoiler sits above the back window, while a deeper lower bumper treatment frames the Mugen RS Sport silencer’s twin round outlets.
Interior
Inside, the changes are more subtle. Mugen floor mats and branded scuff plates for the front and rear door openings distinguish the cabin from that of the standard RS variant. Red edging around the mats, a red driver’s heel pad and matching accents on the sill protectors are immediately noticeable.
Black leather-trimmed seats feature red stitching, complemented by a thin red accent across the door panels. Standard features include an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic glass roof and a 7-inch TFT instrument display.
An 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, eight speakers and wireless phone charging are all practical features.
Experience in the HR-V Mugen
At 5 ft 7 in tall, I had no difficulty getting into or out of the Honda HR-V Mugen. Visibility to the front and sides was good. The steeply raked rear window did not restrict the view behind as much as I had expected, either.
The electrically adjustable driver’s seat provided good back support and under-thigh support, while its bolsters held me securely in place. Shoulder support was adequate, and I had around 5.5 inches of headroom.
The cabin felt well put together, although hard plastics were used extensively. Metal-look plastic trim around the controls added some visual contrast and felt reasonably good. Unlike the driver’s seat, the front passenger seat did not offer electric adjustment.
The fixed backrest had a comfortable recline angle and provided good support, while under-thigh support was decent. Legroom was generous, and I had more than 12 inches of clearance between my knees and the front seat. Headroom was limited, though, at approximately two inches or slightly less.
Rear-seat amenities included two USB Type-C ports, two air-conditioning vents and a small open storage compartment behind the centre console that was suitable for a phone.
The doors had small bottle holders that could accommodate a 500 ml bottle or a small coffee cup. A fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders was also provided.
Specifications
The Mugen package retains the RS e:HEV’s hybrid system. Its naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine operates on the Atkinson cycle, producing 106 PS and 127 Nm. The traction motor develops 131 PS and 253 Nm.
Sport, Normal and ECON driving modes are available, alongside paddles that adjust deceleration. Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assistance.
Pricing
The HR-V Mugen costs IDR 579 million (£24,295) in Indonesia, about 18% more than the RS e:HEV on which it is based.
For context, the standard HR-V starts at £32,725 in Britain. Honda’s UK range does not include this Indonesian Mugen edition, leaving its combination of hybrid efficiency and more expressive styling a forbidden fruit.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
