Honda electrifies next-gen HR-V

THE next generation of Honda’s smallest SUV, the HR-V, has been revealed to be joining the brand’s growing electrified family with the new model, also known as the Vezel overseas, set to debut on February 18.

Known officially as the HR-V e:HEV, the next-gen HR-V will come with Honda’s two-motor e:HEV powertrain as standard, however no model or variant specifics have been released yet.

For the uninitiated, the e:HEV system is based around the electric motors rather than an internal combustion engine with the fuel-burning powerplant there purely to help generate electricity for the battery and motors.

This, according to Honda, results in the “smooth ride and crisp acceleration of an electric vehicle” without any of the range anxiety associated with a dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV).

Forming part of the brand’s ‘Electric Vision’ strategy, the HR-V will join the bigger CR-V and pint-sized Jazz city car as the latest model to undergo an electrified makeover at a global level – neither the CR-V e:HEV or Jazz e:HEV are offered locally.

The ‘Electric Vision’ strategy in short will result in the electrification of Honda’s mainstream European portfolio by 2022, however things in Australia are progressing a little slower with the local arm’s current plan being to “introduce a hybrid model for every new full model change”.

Despite the official reveal still being a month away, the brand has set about teasing some of the design cues and standard features of the new model including its signature angled tailgate, rear e:HEV badging, chunky two-tone panoramic roof, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and some circular speakers.

The current model has been a solid performer Down Under, netting 8181 sales last year and accounting for 8.4 per cent of the increasingly crowded and popular sub-$40,000 compact SUV segment.