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Honda will unveil the new and third generation of its Honda HR-V (2021) next February. Therefore the Japanese compact SUV will make the first-ever electrified version car.
Even the HR-V goes hybrid. And only to the hybrid! For this third-generation which had been announced by a few teasers in recent weeks, Honda has changed a lot of things, and in particular the new hybrid engine. But the other revolution is its look. While some manufacturers have accustomed us to staying in their comfort zone, Honda has tried to mark the occasion. Thus, the HR-V seems to have become wiser, with flowing lines. Here too it is surprising since the majority of new products usually take the path of sportiness. Even the restyled Citroën C3 Aircross has become more aggressive.
Honda has not yet indicated what the new dimensions of this HR-V are, but it seems that it has grown slightly with notably taller and wider shoulders. In the end, it almost looks like a Coupe SUV with its receding roofline and steeply sloping rear window. Beyond that, even if its look is less aggressive and its lines less tortured, the third generation HR-V has largely modernized its design. Its front face benefits for example from thinner lights and a new grille in the era of time. At the rear, there is a light strip that connects the two optical units. A classic now!
Honda HR-V (2021) Interior and Engine
The interior seems to benefit from the same treatment as the exterior. Namely, modernity and simplicity. We note for example the appearance of a digital dashboard with a touch screen installed in the tablet position. The whole is refined and much more modern than before. But Honda has kept the strengths of the HR-V such as the rear seats that can be folded horizontally or vertically as needed. This is moreover Honda’s promise: “to improve comfort while keeping its interior space and record habitability”.
The great revolution is happening under the hood. From now on, the only offer will be electrified, while the Honda HR-V was previously only offered in gasoline version with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC unit of 130 horsepower. The new e: HEV hybrid motor will be the only one in the catalog, it consists of a heat engine and two electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery. Regarding power, nothing has been announced yet, but we imagine that it will be higher than the 109 horsepower of the Honda Jazz.
Launched in Europe in 2015 and then restyled in 2018, the current Honda HR-V is about to take over. The renewing of the Japanese SUV will take place in the course of 2021 through a new and third generation.
If this future model is still quite mysterious, Honda reveals today that it will be … electrified.
A first for the HR-V!
“The popular compact SUV will come standard with dual-engine hybrid technology,” the automaker said in a statement. A great first for the HR-V which is only available in France today in a petrol version, with a 1.5L i-VTEC engine of 130 hp.
“Honda’s innovative hybrid configuration combines high efficiency with rewarding and refined driving performance,” promises the brand.
The SUV badged e: HEV!
Electrified, Honda HR-V (2021) will sport the “e: HEV” badge, like the CR-V and the new Jazz, launched in Europe last year. This mechanism combines a thermal block and two electric motors powered by an auxiliary lithium-ion battery.
“Honda HR-V (2021) e: HEV is Honda’s latest advance in its commitment to electrify all of its consumer models in Europe by 2022,” announces the Tokyo firm.
See you on February 18
The world premiere of the Honda HR-V e: HEV is scheduled for February 18.
