The Honda HR-V will only be available on the European market as a hybrid. He shares the system with that in the current Jazz.
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Honda believes in electrification when it wants to sell exclusively electrified models, ie hybrids and electric cars, in “mainstream” categories in Europe by the end of 2022. The new generation of the Honda HR-V, which will be available exclusively in Europe in Europe, is also part of this strategy. Currently, the new HR-V is presented in the European specification.
Nothing fundamental changes against the previously revealed Japanese version. Like its predecessor, the HR-V retains its SUV-style silhouette, but otherwise the design has changed dramatically. The carmaker also admits that since the arrival of the previous HR-V in 2013, the segment of city SUVs has changed a lot, competition has expanded, and so it has started to make more significant changes. Despite sales success, more than 3.6 million units of this car have been sold worldwide since 2013.
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The design should be clean, minimalist. The sides are actually enlivened only by a horizontal line connecting the front and tail lights. And the pillars are steeper than before, while the hidden rear door handles have remained of the predecessor to emphasize the silhouette of the coupe. The stern is decorated with interconnected taillights, while the dominant feature of the bow is the unusual design of the mask in the color of the body. The headlights can then be full-LED, while the wheels are 18-inch as standard.
The size of HR-V has not changed significantly. The car is as long and wide as its predecessor. At the same time, however, its clearance was increased by 10 mm to emphasize the robust style, while the overall height of the body decreased by 20 mm.
The interior is also minimalist, using today’s popular concept with a free-standing infotainment display. It is a nine-inch and includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features. However, the car retains separate ventilation control with classic, non-touch controls. By the way, the instrument panel is also digital, using a 7 “TFT display.
The specialty is the air distribution system with L-shaped vents in the upper corners of the dashboard. These distribute air along the front seats so that cool air does not blow directly onto the crew. There are four USB inputs, two of which are for rear passengers.
Much has been thought about to make the cabin a pleasant environment. Thus, even the compact ventilation module could increase the interior space. The plus is the rich glazing, which helps the airiness of the interior. The driver then sits 10 mm higher than before, which further helps the view.
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The car shares the Global Small platform with Jazz, which results in the use of some identical drivers inside. It uses a unique concept with a fuel tank under the front seats, thanks to which the so-called “magic rear seats” could be preserved. These are not only classically foldable, but their seat can also be raised, for transporting large objects also in the cabin. Honda admits that even two bicycles can fit inside.
It is with Jazz that the powertrain is also shared. The HR-V will also be offered exclusively as an e: HEV hybrid, in this case with a combined power of 96 kW and a torque of 253 Nm. This combines a 1.5 i-VTEC petrol engine operating in an Atkinson cycle with two electric motors. It is these that primarily drive the wheels directly, the internal combustion engine in most driving situations only functions as a generator of electricity, it directly drives the wheels only at high speeds. Incidentally, the batteries are located under the luggage compartment floor so as not to limit the space for the crew.
The hybrid system automatically switches between the individual engines, but the behavior can be adjusted in three driving modes – Sport, Normal and Eco.
Although the new Honda HR-V is already debuting in the European specification, European customers are still waiting for it. The official launch of sales on the old continent is not planned until the turn of this year and next year.
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