Honda reveals new HR-V SUV

Friday, 19 February 2021

Honda's small SUV has been electrified.

Honda has taken the wraps off its new generation of HR-V small SUV, complete with a new, standard hybrid powertrain.

Styling of the new crossover is evolutionary, with narrow headlights flanking a striped grille. The daytime running lights are connected across the nose by a strip of chrome.

Around the back are LED taillights with a full-width LED light bar while the profile shows a similar coupe-like roofline to the outgoing model. The new HR-V also continues the ‘hidden’ rear door handles, mounted near the C-pillars, and slightly flared arches offer a muscly look. Depending on the trim level, wheel size varies from 16 to 18 inches.

This is Honda’s new-look small SUV. Not bad.

Blue accents on the Honda logo and the ‘EVH’ badge on the boot indicates there’s a hybrid powertrain underneath the skin, a first for the model.

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The new HR-V will get hybrid power for the first time, comprising a naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors.

* Honda teases electrifed HR-V

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There’s a new cabin too, with a revamped infotainment system.

* Road test review: Subaru XV

The electrified engine comes standard on European models, comprising a petrol engine with two electric motors. At the time of writing, engine size, total outputs and fuel consumption figures aren’t available. It’s basically a two-motor version of the 80kW single-motor hybrid system found in the new Jazz.

Other engine options overseas include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a CVT transmission. All-wheel and two-wheel drive versions will also be available.

The cabin has been overhauled as well, getting a new 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, an inbuilt WiFi hotspot and ‘Honda Connect’ connected services. It looks like the operating system has been spruced up too, which is fantastic news.

There are physical controls too, with HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and volume knobs all visible.

Behind the new-look steering wheel is a semi-digital instrument cluster, with a digital screen co-existing with analogue dials.

There is a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, LED interior lighting, a Honda-designed premium sound system and a 'Honda Digital Key' service allowing owners to unlock their car via their smartphone.

Honda is promising “class-leading interior space”, likely attained by the use of its tried-and-true Magic Seats that allow you to flip the rear seats up for lots of cargo room.

We haven’t heard anything just yet regarding a New Zealand release but the current HR-V has sold well. It’s a good bet we’ll see the new model in the next year or so.