Honda Australia releases preliminary spec details of its upcoming third-generation compact SUV
Honda Australia has started drip-feeding details around the line-up for its upcoming 2022 Honda HR-V, for which two variants and two powertrains have now been locked in before first examples arrive in local showrooms next month.
While full pricing and specification details won’t be revealed for another week or two, Honda has revealed its new HR-V range will at least consist of the entry-level ‘Vi X’ variant and higher-grade ‘e:HEV L’, which will serve as the local introduction for the brand’s new e:HEV hybrid powertrain.
Just like the latest Honda Civic range, it seems the new HR-V line-up will be aimed towards the upper reaches of its segment, given the Vi X will ship as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a tyre deflation warning system, LED headlights with automatic high-beam and the Honda Sensing suite of active driver aids like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, plus a 9.0-inch infotainment interface with sat-nav and smartphone mirroring, keyless entry and push-button start.
Honda’s familiar 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine (87kW/142Nm) will be responsible for propelling the base model, and is also paired to a duo of electric motors under the bonnet of the e:HEV L, which does wonders for the torque figure (96kW/253Nm).
Save for the electrified drivetrain, the e:HEV L will also up the equipment stakes over the Vi X, adding a hands-free power tailgate, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, an acoustic windscreen and active LED cornering, among other features.
Standard safety equipment across the range will comprise forward collision warning, a collision mitigation braking system (AEB), lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation and traffic sign recognition, with the hybrid stepping things up again with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and intelligent speed-limiter.
Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said the third-generation HR-V builds on the outgoing model’s strengths and “represents the beginning of a new chapter” for the brand’s compact SUV offering.
“Repositioned as a sophisticated entry point to the Honda vehicle line-up in Australia, the all-new HR-V has been designed to appeal to a broader audience, elevating premium styling and quality alongside the HR-V’s enduring trademarks of spaciousness and versatility,” he said.
Keep an eye out for our full pricing and specification coverage of the new 2022 Honda HR-V within the next fortnight.
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Keyword: First details: New Honda HR-V coming in two flavours