Honda teases electrifed HR-V

Wednesday, 20 January 2021

This is the new, safer Honda Civic. Both literally and figuratively.

Honda has confirmed it will release an electrified version of the HR-V SUV for the first time. Well, in Europe at least.

The new HR-V will get Honda’s petrol/electric ‘e:HEV’ powertrain as standard, meaning the SUV won’t have a petrol-only option. Other Honda models in Europe that have the e:HEV powertrain are the CR-V medium SUV and Jazz hatchback.

There aren’t any specifics just yet but the e-Jazz uses the twin-motor electrical system to generate power along with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an “innovative fixed-gear transmission” that drives a generator which is, in turn, connected to the motors.

Honda’s next-gen HR-V is going hybrid for the first time. In Europe, at least.

Meanwhile, the hybrid CR-V ups the engine capacity to 2.0 litres. Honda UK doesn’t say how much power the system generates in total but the engine makes 107kW and the motors offer 135kW. Respective torque figures are 175Nm and 315Nm.

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New styling will also come with the update, though that rear end looks remarkably Mazda-like...

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Honda New Zealand has been tight-lipped on the hybrid Jazz coming here, despite decent sales for the previous generation model. It has been similarly quiet regarding the electrified CR-V but there’s a chance for this new HR-V, given it is one of Honda’s best sellers.

Aside from the new powertrain, the HR-V is set to get a bunch of new upgrades and fresh styling both inside and out. With any luck, a new infotainment system will be part of the updates.

We’ll know more in February when the model is launched internationally. Also due this year is the eleventh-generation Civic.