The HR-V, slotted below the bigger CR-V, will be available for booking at all 77 dealers nationwide. It represents Honda's foray into the small car segment alongside the Jazz/Fit.
According to Honda, the HR-V (Hip & Smart Runabout Vehicle) is a new generation vehicle that fuses together the secure feelings of an SUV, the personal feel of a Coupe and the comfort of an MPV.
The compact SUV is a new segment Honda is entering that is already populated by the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Mazda CX-3 and Peugeot 2008, all aimed at capturing a more youthful set of customers and broadening their product line-up.
The HR-V is equipped with a 1.8L i-VTEC SOHC engine whose power is delivered to the wheels via an improved CVT that promises driving performance and fuel economy. The engine produces 138hp at 6,500rpm and 172Nm of torque at 4,300rpm.
The vehicle measures 4,294 mm in length, 1,772 mm in width and 1,605 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm.
It offers the driver and passengers a wide viewing angle, made possible through "optimisation of the width and angle of the front pillars in order to provide good visibility for the driver."
Driving comfort is further enhanced with a low centre of gravity. Keeping to its sporty and bold style, the car is fitted with 16” alloy wheels.
Super high tensile steel including hot-stamped materials installed at appropriate spots were used to increase body rigidity and stability.
In addition, the front and rear parts of the body were reinforced to realise the lightweight and highly rigid body that Honda says results in sportiness and linear driving performance.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been dampened by adopting high-performance sound absorbing and insulating materials installed in the rear area and front inner fenders, floor carpets and floor undercover.
The front face is designed to look bold and tough with unified stylish front grille that’s created under the “Solid Wing Face” concept.
The character lines on the sides fuse together the sleek cabin of a coupe and the dynamic lower body exudes toughness.
Honda imagined an elegant and sporty two-door coupe by combining the character lines and rear door handles that are integrated into the side windows.
The interior design of the High-deck Centre Console is made possible for the first time by adopting the Electric Parking Brake, replacing the hand/foot brake. The new design allows drivers to have their own personal space without infringing into the passenger space.
Along with the High-deck Centre Console, a new kind of Multi-utility Drink Holder is developed to not only hold drinks but also to store personal items.
In order to enhance the cabin space for driver and passengers, the length of the seat bottom was increased creating ample legroom, while the seatback angle was optimised for better seating posture.
The HR-V features high quality material as fabric and soft pad were used for most occupant touch points.
Rear seats can be arranged into 3 modes for even more cargo space. The tailgate opening is as wide as 1,180 mm while the ground height of the tailgate opening is 650 mm, one of the lowest within the class, providing convenience for easy loading and unloading.
Its smart interface features include a 7-inch Display Audio, One Touch Turn Signal and Touch Panel Air Conditioning.
The speedometer features an illumination ring, which changes colour based on the driving mode to indicate economical driving.
Safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Daytime Running Light (DRL), ISOFIX and 6 Airbags.
The vehicle comes with a new Automatic Brake Hold feature that can be activated with a push of the switch. Once it’s activated, whenever the driver stops the vehicle by braking, the system automatically holds the vehicle in position without the driver stepping on the brake. This provides convenience to the driver when in a temporary stationary mode.
Another new feature introduced in the All-New HR-V is the Electric Parking Brake. It is an advanced parking brake which can be operated by a switch lever. When the conditions (seatbelt and shift position) are fulfilled, the system automatically releases the parking brake with the step of the accelerator pedal.
In conjunction with the upcoming HR-V launch, Honda is organising roadshows at the following locations:
