Honda has revealed details of the new HR-V which will be available as a hybrid for the first time.
Third-generation HR-V has been repositioned as a sophisticated entry point to the Honda range, designed to appeal to a broader audience, with premium styling and quality.
Contemporary coupe styling hides a spacious and versatile interior that is more user-oriented and comfortable than ever.
All-new HR-V will be offered in two spec levels, with a choice of two different powertrains.
A 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine is believed to produce 89kW (16kW less than the current 1.8-litre model).
The petrol-electric hybrid consists of an Atkinson cycle 1.5-litre petrol engine together with two electric motors, with a fixed-gear transmission coupled to an intelligent power control unit — understood to deliver 134kW of power.
The hybrid operates in the same way as the Toyota’s Prius hybrid.
The intelligent electronic control unit automatically and constantly, cycles between Electric Drive, Hybrid Drive or Engine Drive, depending on which is the most fuel-efficient mode at the time.
It starts in electric mode, seamlessly changing to hybrid mode when more torque is required.
When driving at a constant high-speed, such as on the highway, the system switches to engine drive as the most efficient mode in that scenario.
If further acceleration is required, such as when overtaking, the car will switch to hybrid drive for an additional performance boost.
Of note the fuel tank is positioned beneath the front seats which has the rear seats to be positioned 30mm further back, providing an additional two degrees of recline.
A sedan-like seating position provides an additional 35mm legroom and shoulder space comparable to a larger SUV.
Both grades of the third generation HR-V feature the full suite of Honda SENSING safety and driver-assist technologies.
Standard kit for the Vi X includes 18-inch alloys with tyre monitoring, smart keyless entry with push button start, LED headlights with high beam support system and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
A simple-to-use 9.0-inch touchscreen interface is designed to minimise driver distraction, with a fully customisable menu layer that enables easy access to convenience features and controls, with smartphone mirroring via wireless Apple CarPlay (or cable) and Android Auto (cable).
Over-the-air software updates allows upgrades to the latest features and apps.
e:HEV L grade adds Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close, heated steering wheel and heated front seats, acoustic windscreen and LED active cornering lights.
All-new HR-V will begin arriving in Honda Centres around Australia over the coming weeks, with full specifications and pricing to be revealed at the end of March.
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