HONDA AUSTRALIA HAS CONFIRMED INITIAL details for the all-new HR-V, featuring advanced two-motor e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain technology for the first time on this model, along with coupe-inspired premium SUV styling, clever packaging to maximise interior space, seamless connectivity and the latest generation Honda SENSING driver-assist and active safety systems.
When reimagining the HR-V, Honda tell us it set out to create a car with a desirable blend of stand-out design, exceptional efficiency and ultimate usability. The new model achieves a rare balance of premium SUV styling and exceptional spaciousness, with compact dimensions and easy entry and exit for passengers, all important considerations for over-50s drivers.
“Building on HR-V’s existing strengths, the third-generation model represents the beginning of a new chapter for Honda’s small SUV, with sophisticated styling, premium quality, advanced safety and intuitive technology,” said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins.
“Repositioned as a sophisticated entry point to the Honda vehicle line-up in Australia, the all-new HR-V has been designed to appeal to a broader audience, elevating premium styling and quality alongside the HR-V’s enduring trademarks of spaciousness and versatility.”
The new-generation HR-V is the culmination of an extensive reassessment of modern consumer attitudes.
The result is a contemporary coupe-SUV body that appeals through the simplicity of its design, while its exceptionally spacious and versatile interior is more user-oriented and comfortable to sit in than ever.
The efficient packaging of powertrain components in an updated version of Honda’s global small platform, along with the brand’s clever centre tank layout, play key roles in enhancing cabin space and providing maximum passenger comfort. The interior space, advanced design and intuitive technology optimises airiness, comfort, ergonomics and versatility to serve the needs of the driver and passengers.
By repeatedly tuning and testing every element that directly impacts on the driving experience, Honda has significantly enhanced the overall handling capability and comfort of the HR-V. As well as being perfectly suited to the responsive nature of the electrified powertrain, this new dynamic character complements the contemporary design and superior levels of interior comfort and space, making the new HR-V stand out in the competitive small SUV segment.
The all-new HR-V will be offered in two specification levels with two different powertrains – starting with the Vi X grade powered by an efficient 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine and rising to the e:HEV L grade fitted with the advanced two-motor hybrid powertrain that delivers efficient and responsive performance.
Included amongst the high level of standard equipment and features for the all-new HR-V:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with Tyre Deflation Warning System
- LED headlights with High Beam Support System
- Honda SENSING suite of technologies including Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Nine-inch Advanced Display Audio with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay
- Smart keyless entry with push button start
Additional equipment fitted to the e:HEV L grade includes:
- Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close
- Heated steering wheel & heated front seats
- Acoustic windscreen
- LED Active Cornering Lights
e:HEV technology delivers optimal blend of efficiency and performance
The advanced e:HEV hybrid powertrain offers a unique full hybrid experience, combining strong performance with high levels of real-world efficiency and refinement. The system consists of two compact, powerful electric motors that work alongside an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission coupled to an intelligent power control unit.
The effect is an effortless and comfortable journey, whether travelling through urban areas or cruising at higher speeds on freeways. With no need to plug-in and charge, the HR-V is suitable for every driving situation, combining the responsive performance and efficiency of an electric vehicle with the usability and flexibility of traditional petrol- and diesel-powered cars.
What sets the e:HEV system apart is how its three drive modes seamlessly interchange to ensure optimum performance of each component in both urban and motorway driving. 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 drive mode at that specific driving situation.
For ultimate efficiency, the HR-V pulls off in electric mode, seamlessly changing to hybrid mode when the engine is under high-torque demand. When driving at a constant high-speed, such as on the highway, the system operates on engine drive as the most efficient mode for that scenario. If further acceleration is required, such as when overtaking, the car will switch to hybrid drive for that additional performance boost.
Engineered for the joy of driving
The new-generation HR-V has been engineered with a focus on maximising driver enjoyment and comfort. Compared to its predecessor, the all-new HR-V has a more rigid body structure and benefits from extensive suspension, steering and braking enhancements. This allows it to respond more precisely to driver inputs, and delivers a more assured, more rewarding and more comfortable driving experience.
As well as minimising the weight impact of electrification and improving safety performance, the additional rigidity combines with the low-friction suspension upgrades and the longer wheelbase to provide impressive base stability. This means large road bumps are more easily absorbed, creating a flatter ride, while vibrations from the road are suppressed and engine resonance is reduced.
Honda’s all-encompassing approach to NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) management extends to reducing sound pressure change when starting the engine from EV mode and suppressing engine noise at higher speeds. Engineers also worked to reduce low-frequency road noise caused by road surface changes, further improving the cabin ambience for a more relaxing drive.
Setting new benchmarks for interior comfort
By cleverly incorporating Honda’s latest structural technologies and an interior design ethos centred on the concepts of light and wind, the all-new model achieves superior levels of interior comfort and space in the competitive small SUV segment.
The feature that may have the greatest impact on the overall interior environment for passengers is also the most subtle. The unique Air Diffusion System introduces a new concept of air conditioning, with L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard, delivering the restorative effects of a natural breeze to all occupants.
To maintain the balance of premium SUV styling and exceptional interior space, Honda’s engineers packaged all hybrid drivetrain components within the chassis and engine bay, and positioned the fuel tank beneath the front seats. The origins of this approach are found in Honda’s ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ (M/M) development principle, which is based on the belief that the purpose of technology and design is to serve the needs of the driver and passengers.
This allowed the newly-developed rear seats to be positioned 30mm further to the rear, also giving an additional two degrees of recline compared to the previous generation HR-V. While head room is comparable to the class standard, the sedan-like seating position in the HR-V provides an additional 35mm legroom and shoulder space comparable to SUV’s a class above.
Advanced and intuitive connectivity
The all-new HR-V offers a highly compelling infotainment package, combining intuitive technology with an expanded range of connectivity services that enhance comfort, convenience and safety. The simple-to-use nine-inch Display Audio LCD touchscreen interface is designed to minimise driver distraction, with a fully customisable menu layer enabling easy access to convenience features and controls.
Operation time for the most regularly used controls is more than halved compared with the previous model, providing a safer and more ergonomic experience. The interface, which is navigated using familiar smartphone-style controls, also enables 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.
Comprehensive suite of Honda SENSING safety and driver-assist technologies
Both grades of the third generation HR-V feature the full suite of Honda SENSING safety and driver-assist technologies as standard equipment. Honda SENSING on the new HR-V includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), High Beam Support System (HBSS) and Traffic Sign Recognition System.
Additional driver-assist technologies fitted to the e:HEV L grade include blind spot information system, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent speed limiter and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which produces an audible alert for pedestrians when vehicle is propelled in Electric Drive mode at speeds up to 20km/h.
The all-new HR-V will begin arriving in Honda Centres around Australia over the coming weeks, with full specifications and pricing to be announced at the end of March.