Honda has finally revealed the next-generation version of HR-V (also known as Vezel) in Japan ahead of its official launch in the coming days. The compact SUV has undergone notable design and feature upgrades along with the inclusion of a strong hybrid system. Here are the top five things that you would like to know about the new Honda HR-V: –
2021 Honda HR-V Design – The new HR-V flaunts a much cleaner and sleek design. The front profile of the SUV is quite upright and the longer bonnet gives it a sturdy appearance. It features a large integrated grille, flanked by new headlamps with LED DRLs. The bumper features a silver skid plate along with a central air-dam and LED fog-lamps.
On the side, it has a coupe-like stance thanks to the elongated rear sloping and raked C-pillar with door handle continues to be positioned on it. The rear, on the other hand, sports new tail-lamps with U-shaped brake lights and an LED light bar that runs along the width of the tailgate.
Interior – Inside, the new HR-V gets a minimalistic dashboard with a new & bigger floating touchscreen infotainment and a large air-con vent spanning the length of the dash. The climate controls are similar to the 5th-gen Honda City and are placed below the infotainment system. It also gets rotary switches near the side AC vents to control the airflow. The semi-digital instrument cluster is also similar to the City sedan.
Features – While Honda hasn’t shared the complete feature list, some of the notable features of the updated SUV includes a panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate, automatic climate control, heated seats, hill descent control, and Honda Connect connected car tech that comes with features such as digital key, remote operation, and Wi-Fi hotspot, etc. It also gets Honda's Magic Seats' for added comfort. Besides this, the new HR-V also packs Honda's latest Sensing safety kit, which comprises advanced safety aids like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and avoidance, collision mitigation braking, lane hold assist traffic sign recognition and a misstep collision mitigation system.
Powertrain – The most important update for the new HR-V is the option of Honda’s latest eHEV powertrain system that the brand also offers with the global-spec City and Jazz hybrid. It comprises a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with two electric motors. While the technical details are yet to be revealed, the petrol engine produces 98PS/127Nm and the primary electric motor generates 109PS/253Nm in the City hybrid. The secondary motor is basically a starter-generator. Like the Jazz & City Hybrid, the HR-V is expected to get three driving modes to switch between Hybrid, Pure EV, and Engine-only modes. In Pure EV mode, the SUV will be running on 100% electric power during low-speed cruising. In Hybrid mode, the engine & motor combine for optimum performance, whereas in Engine-only mode, the car will run solely on petrol power.
Besides the hybrid powertrain, the HR-V will also be offered with a conventional 1.5-liter petrol engine. Both powertrains will be offered in front and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Will Honda launch the HR-V Hybrid in India?
While the new Honda HR-V will be launched in Japan by April 2021, there is no confirmation about its India launch. However, Honda has already hinted at offering mass-market hybrid cars in India, and we believe the Japanese automaker could launch both the HR-V Hybrid & City Hybrid in the Indian market by the next year. The 2021 HR-V is likely to be underpinned on the 5th-gen Honda City's platform which has already been localized. Once launched, it will lock horns with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.
