Honda has fully unveiled the HR-V in the European market. The 2021 Honda HR-V comes with an innovative e: HEV hybrid powertrain. The Honda HR-V e: HEV follows the brand’s commitment to electrify European mainstream models by 2022.
The 2021 HR-V follows Honda’s ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ (M/M) principle. Through this concept, Honda has created a contemporarily designed SUV with ultimate usability and efficiency. The purpose of Honda’s M/M principle is to serve the need of the driver and passengers through technology and design.
On the exterior, the Honda HR-V features a compact coupe-inspired shape with forward-oriented character lines. The design reflects modernity and minimalism. Honda has achieved the sleek silhouette of the SUV by reducing 20mm from the height and increasing 10mm on the ground clearance, compared to the predecessor. The brand also employs 18-inch wheels as standard and the new SUV features shorter front and rear overhangs.
The SUV comes with thin horizontal lines on the front air intakes and a wide air dam. The headlamp cluster is sleek and features a mesh grille that integrates with the nose. The HR-V features rounded wheel arches with plastic cladding and a horizontal shoulder line on the side. The rear features a sharply raked window and wraparound taillamps. The SUV also features aerodynamic features such as an air curtain slit at the front bumper, rear side sill lip and sleek rear light shape to reduce air turbulence.
The HR-V e: HEV features Honda’s advanced two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. Powering the SUV is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine combined with a 131 PS peak power. The propulsion motor provides a maximum twisting force of 253 Nm. This enables the HR-V e: HEV to use electric-only propulsion at the start, while seamless switching to ICE power when high torque demand is necessary. The HRV e: HEV also comes with multiple performance modes – Sport, Normal and Econ.
The Honda HR-V e: HEV features a 7-inch TFT driver’s display, a 9-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto using a cable. The SUV also gets a new 10mm higher driving position compared to the predecessor and a unique ‘Air Diffusion System’ for climate control. The HR-V gets body stabilising front seats, Magic Seat set-up on the rear with fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility, a lower tailgate edge, hands-free ‘Power Tailgate Walk Away Close’ function, USB charging sockets in the front and rear cabin and a lot more.
Also Read: Honda reveals e: prototype SUV concept