Honda’s very popular small SUV will have new e:HEV hybrid system and a 1.5-litre petrol, due in Singapore in second half of 2021. UPDATE: More details about the hybrid system, interior and space

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First published: February 18, 2021
Updated: May 27 2021 with details about the interior and drivetrain

Honda has revealed full photos of the new HR-V small SUV for the first time. The popular crossover will be launched in an all-new, third-generation model and the photos here show its full-production form.

International deliveries are expected start in ‘late 2021’, which means Singapore is very likely to see the car arrive some time in the second half of the year, likely the fourth quarter. No pricing information is available yet.

The car’s overall concept – and hence its proportions – as a small coupe-influenced crossover hasn’t changed, so the silhouette is similar to the current model with a sloped roofline at both the A and C-pillars.

However the front end sees a big departure from established Honda designs: An integrated grille that blends into the rest of the front end. Honda says the sides are also more vertical, to maximise interior space, and around the back is – to nobody’s suprise – a horizontal light bar that’s very much in-trend.

In terms of size, Honda says the car will have similar dimensions to the current model, which is 4,294mm long, 1,772mm wide, and 1,605mm high – par for the course for a small SUV.

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Honda has only revealed what we’ve reported here, but we do know the most important thing about it: The HR-V will be launched in Singapore with Honda’s new e:HEV hybrid system that has already debuted on the new Jazz compact hatchback.

In the Jazz, that system has a system total power output of 125hp from its 1.5-litre engine and electric motor, and does 3.8L/100km. We can expect the HR-V to have very similar performance, and slightly less efficiency since it’s larger and heavier than the Jazz. There will also be a 1.5-litre gasoline version, presumably with the same 1.5 offered in the petrol-only Jazz – the latter has 121hp and delivers 5.7L/100km.

UPDATE: As with the Jazz the e:HEV system has two electric motors and a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. Honda says the system power output 131hp, with torque topping out at a considerable 253Nm at 4,500rpm. There are three drive modes – Sport, Normal, and Econ – with an additional ‘B’ mode for stronger regeneration/braking from the electric motor which would be useful going down hills, for instance. The level of regeneration can also configured by the driver using a behind the wheel toggle.

Abroad, the HR-V will be kitted out with the full range of Honda’s new active safety systems – as we tested on the Odyssey MPV – including Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS, which detects pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Information, Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System, Cross Traffic monitor (rear).

Honda says the new driving position is 10mm higher, with windows designed for more visibility thanks in part to the side mirrors now being mounted lower.

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Ju-Len walks you through the new Jazz e:HEV hybrid

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The interior sees an identical steering wheel, gearshifter, and 9.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen as the Jazz (see the video for more details) but the HR-V has more elevation in its cockpit, with the aircon vents, screen, and climate control all appearing more raised than on the Jazz, while the A-pillars look thin and to overcome the usual coupe-styling bad visibility.

UPDATE: The 9.0-inch Display Audio system has Apple CarPlay via wired or wireless connection, and Android Auto only with a cable. The driver’s instrument display is a 7.0-inch TFT screen.

UPDATE: Honda says that a new air diffusion system will help to ‘create a curtain of fresh air above and beside passengers’ thanks to the L-shaped vents near each A-pillar. It shuts off the main vents, and the air will pass along the side of the front passengers, along the side windows and to the rear, also reducing incoming heat from the windows. There are also rear aircon vents.

The rear seats are still the Magic Seats that can be folded flat or flipped up to carry taller items, and Honda is claiming class-leading interior space for four adults.

UPDATE: Honda chose to position the hybrid battery in the floor of the boot, allowing the new-design rear seats to gain 30mm of space towards the rear, and two degrees of incline. Honda also says it was able to deliver class leading leg and shoulder room – comparable to SUVs one size up.

Looking for a not-so-expensive HR-V right now? Ucars.sg has a wide range of pre-owned HR-Vs and similar.

[relatedCarsAdv]

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