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Honda has uncovered its new-generation HR-V, which will be a hybrid-only small SUV for the European market when it launches in late 2021.
The new HR-V will land in Australia within "the next 12 months", according to a Honda Australia spokesperson, but they stopped short of confirming exact timing.
“We were thrilled to see the next-generation HR-V officially unveiled today as part of the world premiere online event,” they said. “The current HR-V continues to be one of the most popular and successful models in the Honda range, so we're looking forward to the new model joining the line-up in Australia over the next 12 months. We will be able to share more details about the all-new HR-V for our market as we get closer to the local launch.”
Honda Australia is also yet to officially verify that the e:HEV hybrid engine will make it to local showrooms, but given the brand is committed to offering an electrified powertrain in all new-generation model updates, this powertrain is all but confirmed.
However, Honda is actually yet to detail this engine at all, keeping size, power/torque figures and fuel economy a mystery for now.
Instead, the Japanese brand claims the new HR-V “delivers exception hybrid efficiency”.
In overseas markets, the e:HEV engine is also available in the CR-V mid-size SUV and Jazz light hatch, the latter of which has been discontinued in Australia due to slowing sales and rising costs of the segment.
Under the bonnet of the CR-V pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the Jazz scores a smaller 1.5-litre engine – both paired with an electric motor for hybrid drive.
Aside from the hybrid engine, the HR-V will also be available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which could also come to Australia in price-leading variants.
Outputs of that engine are again, still shrouded in mystery, but the current HR-V makes use of a 1.8-litre petrol engine that punches out 105kW/172Nm.
Aside from engines, the next-gen HR-V will also score revised looks, adorned by Honda’s new integrated front grille.
Overall, the HR-V sports a cleaner and more modern look thanks to flatter sides and a higher shoulder line, but its thick C-pillar and sharply-raked rear window gives it an almost coupe-like appearance.
Dimensions are still to be fully detailed, but Honda is promising the same interior space as the outgoing HR-V, as well as the flexible ‘Magic Seats’ in the second row that can be folded flat or flipped up to create extra room.
Equipment on the inside includes a large floating touchscreen multimedia system with Bluetooth and satellite navigation, but like the engines, Honda is yet to divulge details like sizing.
The steering wheel is also new, borrowing much of its design from the not-for-Australia Honda e electric hatchback, while the rest of the cabin looks to be decked out in soft-touch materials.
Full details are expected closer to the HR-V’s local market introduction.
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