Honda Vezel/HR-V Gains Sporty Mugen Upgrade Kit in Japan

Mugen has introduced a new upgrade kit for the Honda Vezel/HR-V in Japan, featuring two distinct bodykits.

It’s been almost two years since Honda unveiled the facelifted version of the third-gen Vezel (also known as the Honda HR-V in overseas markets), and this B-segment crossover is finally getting a Mugen treatment in Japan. This bespoke upgrade package features two distinct bodykits, a slew of optional accessories, and a minor mechanical upgrade.

The first Mugen bodykit for the Vezel facelift is catered to the top-spec RS variant, featuring a more prominent front splitter, aggressive side skirts, a redesigned rear bumper with an integrated rear diffuser, Mugen decals, and a few optional aero parts, namely the roof-mounted spoiler, a tailgate ducktail spoiler, and aerodynamic side mirror caps.

Owners of a standard Vezel can get the second version of the Mugen bodykit featuring the same parts seen on the RS version, albeit in a slightly more subtle form. You can also get the same optional aero parts for your non-RS Vezel. Not to forget, the Mugen kit also includes the stainless steel sports exhaust silencer with dual titanium tailpipes, plus two 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

The Mugen treatment continues on the inside of the facelifted Vezel, where owners can deck out the interior with a choice of Mugen floor mats, Mugen-badged scuff plates, and window visors.

Besides the cosmetic bits mentioned above, the Mugen upgrade package for this B-SUV also includes some minor mechanical and performance upgrades, with the most prominent one being the performance dampers it co-designed with Yamaha. Braking performance also gets a minor upgrade thanks to the optional Type S brake pads, while the only powertrain-related upgrades available are the high-flow air filter and a switch to Mugen’s own engine oil.

That said, the e:HEV hybrid powertrain setup on the Vezel facelift remains largely unchanged from this upgrade package, as the 1.5-litre setup continues to deliver a combined output of 129 hp and 253 Nm with front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the configuration.

As for their prices, the Mugen bodykits alone will cost Japanese buyers a handsome JPY 684,200 (RM17,553), and that is before the optional 18-inch wheels, which retail either at JPY 198,000 (RM5,079) or JPY 242,000 (RM6,208), depending on which design is chosen. Jazzing up the interior will add another JPY 111,100 (RM2,850) to your total bill.

Moving on to the performance-related parts, you need to fork out JPY 143,000 (RM3,668) for the performance dampers, JPY 55,000 (RM1,411) for the Type S brake pads, JPY 20,900 (RM536) for the air filter, and JPY 187,000 (RM4,797) for the dual-piped exhaust silencer.

All in all, the whole Mugen upgrade for the Vezel will cost you around JPY 1.444 million (RM37,047), which is quite significant given that this B-SUV starts at JPY 3.748 million (RM96,159) in Japan.