New 2021 Honda HR-V hybrid SUV revealed

A

Auto Express

Guest
This is the new Honda HR-V, the Japanese brand’s third generation of its compact SUV – and it’s making its debut with a hybrid powertrain. There’ll be no pure petrol or diesel options, as the new HR-V gets Honda’s two-motor e:HEV hybrid system as standard.

Alongside an improvement in efficiency as a result, the new HR-V also boasts more advanced safety features and updated technology, while the design has taken a step forward, too.


The HR-V has always offered a more coupe-inspired look compared with some small SUVs, and this third-generation car has advanced that even further, taking some light design inspiration from last year’s Honda e:Concept all-electric prototype.

At the front the car features a new integrated grille. The design incorporates a long bonnet but more vertical body sides, which means “there is no impact on interior space,” according to Honda.

Honda HR-V - rear

Honda HR-V - rear
Honda HR-V - side

Honda HR-V - side
Honda HR-V - front

Honda HR-V - front
Honda HR-V - rear seats

Honda HR-V - rear seats
Honda HR-V - full rear

Honda HR-V - full rear
Honda HR-V - full front

Honda HR-V - full front
Honda HR-V - interior

Honda HR-V - interior
Honda HR-V - dash

Honda HR-V - dash
Honda HR-V - front seats

Honda HR-V - front seats
Honda HR-V - front studio

Honda HR-V - front studio

The brand claims that the coupe-inspired styling hasn’t impacted practicality, with four adults able to sit comfortably thanks to the clever packaging of the e:HEV hybrid system’s technology.

There are no official details on the Honda’s powertrain, but with references to the two-motor hybrid system, we expect it to use the same e:HEV set-up (it’s the third car in the Honda line-up to bear this badge) as in the firm’s Jazz supermini.

This would mean a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with two electric motors. In the Jazz this delivers a total of 108bhp, but the larger HR-V could get a higher total power figure.

However, only one electric motor propels the car directly – the propulsion motor. The other is connected to the petrol engine (the 1.5 unit also drives the front wheels directly through a CVT automatic gearbox) and is used as a generator to charge the car’s lithium-ion battery.

Offering the new HR-V with this e:HEV powertrain only is part of Honda’s commitment to electrify all of its mainstream models in Europe by 2022.

Honda HR-V - rear

Honda HR-V - rear
Honda HR-V - side

Honda HR-V - side
Honda HR-V - front

Honda HR-V - front
Honda HR-V - rear seats

Honda HR-V - rear seats
Honda HR-V - full rear

Honda HR-V - full rear
Honda HR-V - full front

Honda HR-V - full front
Honda HR-V - interior

Honda HR-V - interior
Honda HR-V - dash

Honda HR-V - dash
Honda HR-V - front seats

Honda HR-V - front seats
Honda HR-V - front studio

Honda HR-V - front studio

Buyers often look towards compact SUVs for a little more practicality compared with a supermini or family hatchback, and the HR-V caters for this with Honda’s versatile Magic Seats.

This set-up allows you to fold the rear seat backs down as per usual, but you can also keep them in place and flip the seat bases up – like a cinema chair – for extra practicality.

Inside, there’s more tech as well. Honda has invested heavily in its infotainment over recent years and the HR-V looks to receive a similar system to the all-electric Honda e city car and the Jazz supermini, including the latest smartphone connectivity technology.

The main infotainment screen is well placed on the dash, which features a simplistic and uncluttered design. Honda says it’s “minimalist.”

The all-new Honda HR-V goes on sale later this year with prices expected to start from around £25,000 given the step up in technology and hybrid-only engine line-up.

What are the best hybrid cars on sale right now? Click here to read our top 10...

Continue reading...
 
Back
Top