The all-new Honda HR-V e:HEV will arrive in dealerships later this year, available exclusively with a 1.5-liter gas-electric hybrid.
Honda has lifted the wraps off its previously announced 2022 HR-V, and we now have the deets we were waiting for. The next-gen HR-V will be a hybrid-only crossover exclusive to the European market. However, Honda promised a different model for North America, which might also be a hybrid-only affair.
A part of the Japanese marque’s hybrid electric vehicle (e:HEV) lineup, this all-new HR-V e:HEV will cement Honda’s goal of electrifying mainstream models in Europe by the end of next year.
Honda’s Latest e:HEV Hybrid is On Board
The hybrid SUV has a combined power output of 129 HP and 253 Nm (186 lb-ft) torque at 4500 rpm. The powertrain packs a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gas engine plus two powerful electric motors. The unit is similar to the one in the e:HEV Honda Jazz, but only with improved specs (both share the same architecture, by the way).
It is noteworthy that the new H-RV’s hybrid drivetrain has three different performance modes – Normal, Sport, and Econ. An additional B drive mode offers a more EV-inclined experience with stronger regenerative braking (can be selected through the gear shifter). The vehicle runs on electric mode at cruising speed, seamlessly shifting to the hybrid mode when the driver demands more torque. Such interchangeable drive modes account for the maximum efficiency in the new H-RV e:HEV.
HR-V e:HEV Features Quite a Minimalistic Design
Talking of appearance, it has a simple and clean yet quite attractive couple-style design that resembles the sleek silhouette of its Japanese counterpart. There’s a 20 mm (0.8-inches) reduction in the roofline, an increase in ground clearance by 10 mm (0.4-inches), and an extension in wheel size to 18 inches, the latter being a standard across all trims of the new HR-V. Furthermore, there’s the bespoke grille in body color, the lower mesh grille, shortened front overhangs, slender LED lights, and a long hood that add to the robust aesthetics of the SUV.
Even with a coupe-inspired roofline, the HR-V e:HEV features a roomy and practical interior. Running on the brand’s M/M principle (Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum), we now have 35 mm (1.3 inches) of extra legroom in the rear passenger space. At the same time, the exterior dimensions remain similar to its predecessor.
Practical and Spacious Interior
And then there’s the Magic Seat layout in the rear capable of fold-flat as well as flip-up functions. Drop them down, and you might even be able to throw in a couple of mountain bikes – that’s how big the configurable boot space is! Well, it is enough good reasoning to believe in Honda’s claims of bringing unparalleled comfort and practicality in sub-compact SUVs with this new HR-V, right?
In the front, the minimalist dashboard houses a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 9-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and cable-only Android Auto connectivity. The interface is fully customizable and more responsive compared to earlier ones.
So, where does it stand on safety grounds? The new H-RV e:HEV comes with Honda’s Sensing suite, and this time, it also features a new wider monocular front camera and high-speed image processors. Blind-spot monitoring, hill descent assist, and cross-traffic monitoring are some of the standards present in the driver assistant system. The adaptive cruise control technology also has a low-speed follow function plus brake control.
We still do not have any word about the model’s price in the European market. However, Honda should announce the pricing details as the HR-V e:HEV nears market release.
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