Honda HR-V to land in February 2015

HONDA has announced its new-generation HR-V crossover will be powered a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and will arrive in Australia in February next year ready to take on rivals such as Mazda’s upcoming CX-3.

The 105kW/172Nm unit will be the only powerplant offered in the Australian version of the small SUV, with Honda saying in a release that fuel consumption will range between 6.6 litres per 100km and 6.9L/100km.

Built on the same platform as the Jazz, the HR-V also shares the light car’s versatile ‘Magic Seats’ which offer up to 18 different configurations including a flat-folding second row for extra cargo space.

This will be the first Honda to be equipped with City-Brake Active – a safety system that uses a sensor to detect obstacles and brake to avoid a collision.

The SUV will also get the advanced voice activated Display Audio connectivity system found in the Odyssey, City and Jazz which allows Bluetooth streaming from Apple and Android phones.

A booming small SUV market has seen an influx of new entries into the segment and the HR-V will go up against the likes of Holden’s Trax, Ford’s EcoSport Nissan's Juke and the Mazda2-based CX-3 due in 2015.

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said the new car will offer buyer more choice in the SUV line-up.

“The all-new HR-V is a very important model,” he said.

“The HR-V will be positioned below the CR-V and complement our SUV line-up by offering versatility and practicality along with new safety technology, loads of features and of course a sporty, dynamic drive.

“We know consumers want more choice and we will offer that choice in the all-new HR-V, right into one of Australia’s fastest growing segments”Images are yet to be released of the Australian-spec HR-V, but it is expected to closely resemble the European car which made its debut at the Paris motor show in October.

On sale in Japan as the Vezel since late 2013, the arrival of the HR-V in Australia will see the return of a nameplate that has been absent for 14 years.

Honda Australia said pricing will be announced closer to its launch, however, buyers can expect it to fall between the top-of-the-range Jazz at $22,490, plus on-road costs and the entry CR-V at $27,490.