Honda shows off new-generation HR-V

PRECISELY one month after its initial tease, Honda’s all-new HR-V compact SUV has been revealed in all its glory with the high-riding little family hauler due to arrive in Australia within the next 12 months.

Compared with the current model, the new HR-V – also known as the Vezel overseas – is almost unrecognisable save for its sloping rear tailgate and roofline, taking on a far squarer look than its somewhat rounded predecessor.

At the front we find a slim set of headlights capped by a frowning set of daytime running lights, linked by a singular piece of chrome trim.

Beneath the trim is a new integrated radiator grille loosely resembling the shape of the outgoing Hyundai Tucson’s grille.

At the bottom of the front fascia is a trapezoid lower intake underlined by a contrasting black and silver lip.

Looking from the side, all of the typical SUV styling cues are present including black plastic cladding around the wheelarches and side skirts, generously sized alloy wheels and more ground clearance than a regular passenger vehicle.

A few signature features include the aforementioned sloping tailgate, a subtle character line linking the bonnet line with the tail-lights and the familiar hidden rear door handle – still integrated into the black window surrounds.

At the rear that character line is continued between the tail-lights by a red brake strip with the tail-lights themselves being a similar shape to the headlights.

The rear bumper matches the front in being subtly trapezoidal in shape, black in colour and featuring a silver would-be skid plate.

That trapezoid theme is continued on the tailgate twice, with both the numberplate cut out and tail-light being wider at the bottom than at the top.

Local pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed by Honda Australia, however within the cabin we find a prominently mounted infotainment touchscreen, sleek integrated air vents, black cloth and leather-appointed upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power windows, a multifunction steering wheel and the ‘magic’ second row (fold down and flip up).

Honda says the new model will continue on in its predecessor’s footsteps of offering “class-leading interior space”.

As previously reported by GoAuto, the new HR-V is the latest model to join Honda’s expending line-up of electrified vehicles, all fitted with differing versions of the brand’s e:HEV system.

For those unfamiliar with the system, it 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.

“The current HR-V continues to be one of the most popular and successful models in the Honda range, so we're looking forward to the new model joining the line-up in Australia over the next 12 months,” a Honda Australia spokesperson said.

“We will be able to share more details about the all-new HR-V for our market as we get closer to the local launch.”

The current model has been a solid performer for Honda Australia in years gone by and it was a similar story last month, chalking up 662 sales and accounting for 6.7 per cent of the increasingly crowded sub-$40,000 compact SUV segment.