The much-awaited 2021 Honda HR-V (2021 Honda Vezel) debuted in February, and it’s scheduled to reach Europe and UK later this year as a hybrid-only SUV. The manufacturer has updated the regional websites with preliminary information on the SUV. Here’s a look at the newest hybrid crossover from Japan.
Video Source: YouTube/Honda Austria
2021 Honda HR-V Exterior
The new Honda HR-V 2021 has a noticeably more buff appearance on the outside. A longer, higher, and flatter bonnet, an upright nose that includes a significantly larger radiator grille, a less steeply raked A-pillar, and a flatter roofline give it a more traditional SUV stance. On the other hand, a coupe-style, steeply raked back glass adds to the sportiness.
The roofline doesn’t fall steeply like in the outgoing model, which could mean more headroom for the rear-seat passengers. Also worth noting are the stylish hidden rear door handles.
The slim LED headlights with LED sequential turn indicator and the full-width slim LED rear lights give the SUV bold styling. Customers can equip their 2021 Honda HR-V with a Casual Style accessory package or an Urban Style accessory package for an individualized exterior.
2021 Honda HR-V Interior
On the inside, we observe a slimmer dashboard, a new touchscreen infotainment system, physical knobs for climate control (instead of a touch panel), and a panoramic sunroof as the key changes. A new feature that makes the Honda HR-V more comfortable for rear-seat customers is rear AC vents. Another improvement for rear-seat passengers is thicker backrests for more comfort.
There’s no fancy all-digital instrument cluster, just a 7-inch TFT MID between an analogue speedometer and a tachometer. The infotainment system is a new 9-inch floating touchscreen unit, and it supports the Honda digital key that allows operating the locks of the vehicle from a smartphone. Wireless Apple CarPlay support is also included in the new infotainment system, but Android Auto support is available only with a wired connection.
Specifications
The Honda HR-V will be sold exclusively for the European market with a hybrid powertrain, using Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology. In the HR-V, the powertrain will be using a combination of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine running on an Atkinson cycle with two electric motors, the combined power and torque outputs of which are rated at 131 PS (96 kW) and 253 Nm, respectively.
This powertrain is quite efficient as well, for Honda claims a fuel economy of 5.4 L/100 km (WLTP) and a CO2 emission rating of 122 g/km. The crossover can cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds.
After its arrival, the Honda HR-V will be the third model from Honda in Europe after CR-V and Jazz to come with Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology. Honda has upped the capability of the powertrain by increasing the battery cells (from 48 to 60) and reducing the gear ratio between electric motors and wheels. The Honda HR-V will feature multiple drive modes, namely Sport, Normal, Econ and B, the last one of which enhances the vehicle’s regenerative braking system.
Safety
The 2021 HR-V gains Honda SENSING, the Japanese automaker’s safety suite comprising advanced safety technologies and driver aids. A new wider, higher-definition monocular front camera and high-speed image processing chips have been used in place of the old model’s camera and radar sensor combination.
The Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System and the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) offer improved nighttime operation. The latter’s enhancements include even the ability to detect oncoming vehicles crossing the car’s path. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor, and Hill Descent Control are also part of the Honda SENSING safety suite.
Price & Release Date
Honda has announced that the HR-V will be available in three grades with prices starting at £26,960. All variants will be available with the company’s advanced two-motor e:HEV powertrain as standard.
Honda’s entry-level HR-V, the Elegance trim starts at a price of £26,290. Despite being at the start of the price range, this trim comes equipped with heated seats, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloys as well as smartphone connectivity as standard.
The Advance variant is the next line sitting at a starting price of £29,210. On top of what we have on offer in the Elegance, the Advance trim adds a bit more class with a heating steering wheel, interior trim made with synthetic leather and fabric and a powered tailgate complete with handsfree access and a ‘walk away close function’.
At the top of the hierarchy is the Advance Style starting at a price of £31,660. The Advance Style gets everything the first two trim levels receive and adds premium audio for the interiors. To add a sporty touch to the HR-V, the Advance Style variant also receives a two-tone paint scheme as well as contrast orange detailing on the inside.
The HR-V will also be available with a finance plan starting at £269 per month through Honda Finance Europe PLC. Bookings for the new Honda HR-V opened on August 3 and customers can place their orders at their local dealerships.
UK should be among the first markets in the region where the 2021 Honda HR-V goes on sale at the end of the year.
Featured Image Source: Honda
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