Honda HR-V e:HEV: Design, rumored release window, interior and more

Honda HR-Five e:HEV: Design, rumored release window, interior and more than

(Image credit: Honda)

With the exception of iconic sports models like the NSX and S2000, Honda is more usually associated with producing undecayed saloons. The Honda Hr-5 e:HEV is very much in that vein, but every bit the name suggests it comes with added hybrid appeal.

During the launch, Honda executives underlined its delivery to making its European range fully electrified by the finish of next year. Despite claims during the unveil that Honda wanted to make something new, adding in actress entreatment to the booming urban crossover segment, the new model lacks the aforementioned sort of zing every bit the splendid Honda-e, which fifty-fifty scored German Motorcar of the Twelvemonth for 2021. Quite a feat for a Japanese automobile.

Even so, the Honda Hour-V east:HEV looks likely to be perfect for its target market, especially for buyers who dear the loftier-ride appeal of cars in the small SUV segment. Here's everything we know about information technology and then far.

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Honda Hour-5 due east:HEV: Rumored release window

The Honda HR-V e:HEV is expected to be released in Europe later on this year, although at the moment all you tin exercise is register your interest rather than place an order. Similarly, no pricing details accept been announced as still.

Honda HR-V e:HEV: Design

Honda HR-V e:HEV rear — (Paradigm credit: Honda)

Honda has done the sensible thing with Hour-5 due east:HEV's design and gone for a reasonably no-frills approach. The car uses the aforementioned 'Global Small Car' platform as the Fit (called the Jazz in the United kingdom and Europe), which features a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that works in tandem with two electrical motors. The result is 129 bhp, and 187 lb ft of torque. That'due south actually a step upward from the Fit, due to the Hour-Five's larger size. Shifting is washed apart or manually via three modes, Eco, Normal and Sport.

In terms of looks, Honda has retained the general feel of its predecessor, but the new body style is certainly more dynamic thank you to a steeper A-pillar and raised cutting line. The front end is distinctive thanks to its sculpted bumper and a torso-colored grille. The hood has too been tailored nicely to provide a more modernistic look. Meanwhile, Honda has increased overall ground clearance past 10mm with the new incarnation.

Other cosmetic styling touches are similarly simple only effective. At that place's a full-width light bar at the rear and the HR-5 e:HEV gains LED lights all round. Jumpsuit door handles with electrostatic locks and integrated handles for the rear doors round out the pattern landscape quite nicely.

Honda HR-V due east:HEV: Interior

Honda HR-V e:HEV – interior — (Paradigm credit: Honda)

The HR-Five e:HEV's new cabin is open and blusterous but also reasonably well-equipped with technology.

The dashboard features a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen mated with a 7-inch TFT brandish, and there's smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay (through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cable) and Android Motorcar (cable), plus four USB ports, two of which are in the rear.

Owners volition also benefit from the option of a Wi-Fi hotspot, My Honda+ and an array of driver aids through the Honda Sensing organization. This has been boosted by a new wider and higher-definition monocular camera mounted on the forepart of the auto, alongside AI-based processing tech.

Honda also flagged up its new air diffusion system, which has 50-shaped vents situated at each end of the dashboard. This allows for more than efficient apportionment of air, rather than bravado directly at passengers. Information technology's a footling thing, but one of those details that shows Honda's attending to detail. There'due south even a finger balance for if you're using the touchscreen, while a reduction in menu hierarchy means passenger interaction times using information technology take been reduced by 50%.

Honda HR-Five east:HEV: Range and charging

The Honda Hour-Five e:HEV uses the same petrol-electric powertrain as that found in the Fit, Honda'due south strong selling supermini, although because of its bulkier size the Hr-Five eastward:HEV is likely to have less impressive range and charging characteristics.

Although in that location aren't any official figures every bit yet, the FIT delivers petrol economy over 50 mpg, so wait something along the aforementioned lines. We'll need to await and run across how the hybrid figures stack up for this European version when the official stats are released in the side by side few months.

Honda HR-V e:HEV: Standout features

Honda HR-V e:HEV – interior rear — (Epitome credit: Honda)

Space on the inside is likely to concenter a lot of involvement to the new HR-V due east:HEV. Honda is well known for its first-class magic seats, which tin can be hands transformed in order to suit just nearly any kind of rider or cargo load. Thanks to the way the Hour-V e:HEV has been designed, the battery pack is mounted under the trunk flooring, which has allowed rear legroom to be raised by 35mm.

At the same time, trunk space has been beefed upwardly, with the Honda execs underlining the car's ability to deport ii 26-inch mount bikes or a pair of surfboards with ease. A manus's-complimentary tailgate and machine close adds to the convenience factor. However, even with the gain in interior space, the length and width of the HR-V e:HEV are the same every bit its predecessor.

Honda Hr-5 eastward:HEV: Outlook

Honda HR-V e:HEV — side — (Image credit: Honda)

Honda's latest addition to the pocket-size SUV segment doesn't dazzle with gimmicks, but it does await to exist a brilliantly practical addition to the range.

It's unlikely to score a 'Car of the Year' award from the Germans, as the vivid Honda-east did, only that'south a very difficult act to follow. It'll be interesting to see what Honda reveals as its HR-Five update for the US market; whatever it is will likely feature a different blueprint and specification.