Like the little Jazz, the new HR-V will only be available in Europe in a hybrid version, with the in-house e: HEV system. But this mid-urban, half-compact SUV, which will be marketed in early 2022 in France, will display more muscular characteristics than its urban sister.
[Mis à jour le 01/09/2021] After having made a first tour of the owner, the new HR-V opened its order book at the beginning of September. Marketed in January 2022, it will be available in three finishes from € 31,520 only in hybrid.
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A 100% electrified range by the end of 2022 in Europe: this promise, Honda should have no problem keeping it. Like the little Jazz, its new HR-V will in fact only be offered with us in the e: HEV hybrid version. But, as is customary with the mark, it will require the patience of a samurai. Already available in Japan under the name Vezel, it will in fact not be marketed on the Old Continent until the end of the year. In the meantime, the manufacturer is unveiling new details on its urban SUV. But it must be said that we had not really knocked out information so far …
Stable dimensions, except in height
By discovering the first prototypes of this new HR-V, we were tempted to think that its length would be revised upwards. A choice that would not have been surprising, because its 4.33 m placed it a little straddling segments B and C. Honda ultimately gives us wrong. Neither the length nor the width are changed. Only the height of the roof decreases by 2 cm, a fact all the more noticeable as the ground clearance is increased by 1 cm.
The Japanese are thus trying to strengthen the dynamism of their profile ” inspired by compact coupes », According to the brand. To do this, the vehicle also fits 18-inch rims as standard, while the rear door handles remain hidden in the pillars like on a Nissan Juke. At the same time, the look also appears wiser than before with a much less manga-style grille, headlights and taillights.
A 131 hp hybrid engine
The other big unknown concerned the characteristics of the hybrid version. For its consumption, its CO emissions2 or the number of kilometers traveled in electric mode, radio silence remains. Honda gives us an appointment ” later in the year “. However, we now know the power and torque: 131 hp and 253 Nm. If the second value is the same as what the Jazz e: HEV already offers, the first is up to 22 hp.
The thermal unit remains a four-cylinder 1.5 naturally aspirated gasoline, equipped with an Atkinson cycle to consume less. But it has been reworked. Remember that it is most often used as a generator, only driving the wheels at already high speeds. The gain was also made on the electrical part, which still has two motors, while the lithium-ion traction battery gains 60 cells while becoming more compact. As for the transmission, it is still fixed ratio, but its reduction has been shortened to deal with increased weight.
More responsive multimedia and new aids
Already discovered in Japan, the dashboard seeks, like the exterior, to become more refined than before. The number of buttons has thus been reduced, even if Honda had the good idea to keep three large knobs for the air conditioning.
With a little originality as a bonus: the air vents have L-shaped vents to direct the flow of air along the side windows and windshield towards the roof rather than sending it directly to the passengers. Now perched tablet-style, the touch screen can climb up to 9 inches and announces operations up to 50% faster than on the HR-V 2. It is supported by a 7-inch slab as digital instrumentation . Finally, thanks to the adoption of a new front camera and high-speed image processing chips, active cruise control and automatic emergency braking are intended to be more efficient. Blind spot monitoring and hill descent control are also available for the first time.
A slight increase in habitability
Despite familiar dimensions, Honda announces progress in terms of roominess. In particular, rear legroom would be increased by 3.5 cm, and the inclination of the bench seat was changed by 2 degrees. On the other hand, no allusion to the volume of the trunk. But, as the traction battery is housed under its floor, we can fear a slight regression. In return, its access threshold has been lowered, and this SUV remains capable of loading two standing adult ATVs, once their front wheels have been removed. Not so common in the segment. The “magic” modularity dear to the brand also remains in the game: thanks to the tank housed in the front central position, the seats of the bench can always be arranged vertically to load tall objects.
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HR-V 2021 price and competition
With its intermediate format, this new HR-V will have to face an incalculable number of competitors. Honda, however, seems to want to position it in the B segment, where it will remain one of the most imposing. With compatriot Toyota, it is closer to the C-HR than to the new Yaris Cross by its size. The Renault Captur and Hyundai Kona, two other models that offer a classic hybrid drive, are also much smaller. Same story for the Nissan Juke, which will benefit from an electrified variant at the end of the year. Now remains to know the prices… Hybridization obliges, they should be higher than those of the current generation, which starts at 25,100 € with a 1.5 gasoline devoid of any electric assistance. A price also much higher than the average for urban SUVs, even if it comes with a fairly rich equipment.
