All-new 2021 Honda HR-V previewed

The third-generation Honda HR-V has been teased ahead of its debut on February 18, when the light SUV will be introduced with the car-maker's all-new e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

Teasing a single image of the Honda HR-V's rear, the small SUV is claimed to be all-new from the ground up, created once again to battle light and small crossovers such as the Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona and Nissan QASHQAI.

It's hard to tell from the new image, but it's believed the new Honda HR-V will borrow design cues from the retro Honda e that's available in Japan and Europe, a hint that Honda will ramp up the style quota for the new model.

Recent spy shots, meanwhile, reveal it will pinch the slimline LED clusters from the incoming new-generation Honda Civic, while at the rear there will be far more rakish styling, mimicking an SUV-coupe.

With a longer wheelbase and more generous proportions all around, passenger and luggage space are both set to improve with the new model, but the big news is what's happened under the bonnet.

Instead of carrying over existing engines, in some markets Honda will introduce a full range of electrified powertrains.

The Japanese car-maker hasn't spilt the beans on what form the new e:HEV will take, but it's expected to be a downsized version of the Honda CR-V's hybrid set-up, so we expect a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine that's combined with a pair of electric motors and a new fixed-gear transmission.

It's believed the new Honda HR-V will be offered with the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on the more expensive variants.

Whatever you choose, Honda claims its new powertrains will blend "high efficiency with refined, fun-to-drive performance".

Inside, it looks like the Honda HR-V will miss out on the Honda e's full-width cinematic infotainment experience and get a more modest 9.0-inch touch-screen, matching the interior's minimalist feel.

After seven years on sale, the Honda HR-V has been a strong showroom performer for Honda in Australia as its second best-selling model behind the larger Honda CR-V.

Expected to arrive later this year, the new-gen Honda HR-V will spearhead a huge retail reorganisation in Honda Australia and that will see the Honda Jazz and City discontinued.

Stay tuned as Honda is expected to tease more of the HR-V in the coming days in the build-up to its February 18 debut.