New Honda HR-V takes a bow

The third-generation Honda HR-V has made its world debut equipped exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.

The all-new compact SUV replaces a model that is seven years old but remains Honda Australia’s second most popular after the CR-V.

European sales of the new HR-V will commence in late 2021. Australian release timing is yet to be locked in, but a local Honda official told carsales the new model will be launched here by early 2022.

“The current HR-V continues to be one of the most popular and successful models in the Honda range, so we're looking forward to the new model joining the line-up in Australia over the next 12 months,” he said.

“We will be able to share more details about the all-new HR-V for our market as we get closer to the local launch.”

Previously confirmed as a key model alongside the larger CR-V as part of Honda Australia’s radical new retail strategy from July 2021, the new Honda HR-V will come with a two-motor e:HEV petrol-electric powertrain as standard.

No technical details have been announced but Honda says the new HR-V’s e:HEV powertrain is powerful, responsive and exceptionally efficient.

In line with Honda’s commitment to electrify all of its mainstream models in Europe by 2022, the HR-V is the third Honda model to wear the e:HEV badge following the recently facelifted CR-V and new Jazz. The latter won’t be sold here at all and there’s no sign yet of a hybrid CR-V for Australia.

Rather than the CR-V e:HEV’s 135kW/315Nm 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain, expect the HR-V e:HEV to employ a variation of the Jazz e:HEV’s smaller 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC set-up offering 80kW/253Nm, matched to front- and all-wheel drive layouts.

Wrapped in a “bold and sleek coupe-inspired” exterior design, Honda claims the new HR-V retains its class-leading interior space and brings significantly improved comfort levels and advanced safety and technology features.

Punctuated by a bold new grille, the “seamless, clean, modern design” incorporates a long bonnet, more vertical body sides and a bonnet that has low and flat centre section rising to a shoulder line that flows to the base of the A-pillars.

Inside, the Japanese car-maker says clever packaging of its hybrid drivetrain components, including a centre tank layout, allows the HR-V to retain its versatile Magic Seats, which offer both fold-flat or flip-up functionality depending on cargo space required.

It says the cabin has a “solid, premium SUV feel”, contemporary fabrics and soft-touch materials, and enough space to seat four adults in maximum comfort.

“The modern minimalist aesthetic, which is initiated by the horizontal sweep of the instrument panel, is the result of an uncluttered interior and dashboard, with each element carefully positioned to contribute to the sense of space,” said Honda.

A new air diffusion system is said to create a curtain of fresh air beside and above passengers, via unique L-shaped vents in the top corners of the dashboard.

Honda HR-V sales were more than 30 per cent down last year when just over 8000 sales placed it behind more popular small SUVs including the Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota C-HR.

Stand by for more details.