At Honda, across the Atlantic, the name HR-V no longer designates an urban SUV of the B segment: it now applies to a more imposing model, with a calmer look. A novelty that will also come to Europe in 2023, but adopting a hybrid engine and another name.
Despite globalization, manufacturers still sometimes offer very different models depending on the target markets. Across the Atlantic, “our” HR-V was deemed too small to satisfy local customers. Honda has therefore decided to offer, under the same name, a more imposing model, which has just been revealed in the United States. If the technical characteristics have not yet been revealed, the length should increase from 4.34 to 4.50 m approximately. In Europe, this would mean moving from the B segment (urban) to the C segment, that of compact SUVs. A very promising category also with us… which prompted the Japanese brand to announce that it would also offer this model on the Old Continent from 2023.
A different look from the European HR-V
This newcomer will be placed above the HR-V, while remaining less imposing and less expensive than the future CR-V, expected the same year. To avoid any confusion, however, it will have to adopt another name, which is still kept secret for the moment. The look of this American HR-V also differs significantly from that of its European namesake. If the tailgate remains quite inclined and overhung by a spoiler, the rear lights are for example no longer connected by a headband. The lengthening of the wheelbase makes the profile less dynamic, especially as the glazed surfaces grow. As for the facies, it adopts less tapered headlights and a grille placed lower, Ford Kuga style, with a hexagonal mesh grille rather than thin slats. Impossible, therefore, to confuse these two HR-Vs.
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A platform shared with the Civic
But there are also major changes under this dress. Rather than the platform of the Jazz, it is indeed that of the Civic which is used here. From there to imagine finding in Europe, in this SUV with a still mysterious name, the same 2.0 hybrid of 184 hp as in this compact sedan, there is only one step… which we will gladly cross. Honda has indeed decided to electrify its entire consumer range with us, and the small 131 hp 1.5 hybrid that equips “our” HR-V seems a bit tight to face the Toyota Corolla Cross, Renault Austral E-Tech hybrid, Ford Kuga FHEV, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and other Nissan Qashqai E-Power. Electrified competitors who all offer between 160 and 230 hp.
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