The Honda HR-V is getting a modern makeover on the outside, but the biggest news comes under the skin.
In Europe, the new HR-V will be hybrid-only like the Jazz. Local details haven’t been confirmed, with Honda telling CarExpert “further details will be available closer to the world premiere reveal on February 18 and as we get closer to the local launch of next generation HR-V for the Australian market”.
We can see from this teaser the new Honda HR-V will have a thin set of tail-lights stretching into the tailgate. Spy photos have revealed the third-generation crossover will keep the rear door hidden within a black plastic section that mimics a tertiary side window.
If other recent Hondas are anything to go by, the HR-V should feature a large infotainment touchscreen and a simplified interior presentation with an emphasis on higher quality materials.
In Europe the new HR-V — as with all new Hondas launched there — will be sold solely with electrified drivetrains, in this case a hybrid.
Honda has yet to reveal which hybrid drivetrain it will use in the HR-V, but the most likely candidates are the 80kW/253Nm 1.5-litre system from the new Jazz, or the 158kW/315Nm 2.0-litre setup from the CR-V and Accord.
In Europe Honda has been aggressively rolling out hybrid vehicles, as well as the all-electric E hatch, in order to meet the EU’s fleet-wide 95g/km CO2 target.
The company plans to have a completely electrified range on the Continent by 2022. Currently the only electrified model on sale in Australia is the Accord Hybrid.
It’s unclear if the new HR-V will be sold in Australia with petrol and petrol-electric drivetrains. Whichever the case, the new HR-V will be the smallest vehicle in the company’s local range, with the fourth-generation Jazz ruled out for our shores.
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