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Test Drive: Invite the Honda HR-V RS Turbo to Dance at the Mandalika Circuit

 For the first time the Honda HR-V is available in the RS variant. This type not only looks more sporty, but is also equipped with a more capable performance package.

Honda HR-V RS is equipped with a 1.5 turbo engine. The engine is the same as that used by the Honda CR-V, Civic and Accord, only the output produced is not the same. Even so, the power of 177 PS @ 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 240 Nm @ 6,600 rpm is not a performance record that can be underestimated.

All New Honda HR-V Mandalika

So when the opportunity came to try out the maximum performance of this car at the Mandalika circuit yesterday (23/5), I didn't waste it. All aspects of performance are seriously tested on the race track.

First I tried the acceleration ability. Interestingly, Honda has prepared the previous generation HR-V for comparison. The old version uses a naturally aspirated 1.8 liter engine. Its power is only 139 PS 6,500 rpm with a peak torque of 169 Nm.

Just from looking at the very significant difference in specifications, you can already imagine the difference on the track. Sure enough, the 240 Nm of torque from the latest HR-V turbo engine promises a much more optimal acceleration.

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The Honda Civic RS guided me to dance on the Mandalika circuit. Alvin Bahar racer who became the instructor. The first round was an introduction to the 4.31 km circuit which has 17 corners.

The second round, already memorized the racing line and braking points. The third round just tortured its performance to the maximum.

If you have or even frequent track days at the Sentul circuit, it is guaranteed that the Mandalika circuit will provide even more fun. Because it not only presents beautiful natural scenery, but the layout is quite challenging.

Lucky Honda HR-V with the best performance package that became my dancing partner. But apart from the powerful turbo engine, I was honestly surprised by the quality of the suspension dings. The latest generation of Honda HR-V has a driving stability quality that is much more sporty than before. Why?

So, when you turn right at corner 2 and immediately bend left at corner 3, the symptoms of body roll are minimal. The car feels so gripped on the asphalt that the movement of the car body is not difficult to control.

Even when I went too fast and missed the braking point at corners 10 and 13, the car did understeer, but just adjust the speed and the steering wheel is easily corrected back on track.

Steering movement feels linear and accurate. Braking also works perfectly. Measured steering movement and promising braking give you the confidence to drive the new HR-V crazier than ever.

In essence, this car is not so difficult to tame. So it doesn't take long to have fun on the Mandalika circuit. Improved performance from a more powerful turbo engine and a sporty driving character successfully make the latest generation Honda HR-V RS more fun to drive.

So how does it feel to drive when used on the highway? My group and I who took part in the Media Test Drive of the Honda HR-V went to Bali (24/5). We were loaned a unit of Honda HR-V SE with a 1.5 liter non-turbo petrol engine and released it to explore the features of this car around the island of Bali. So wait for the review in the next article!

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