Looks like road testing for the
third-generation Honda HR-V has begun. This fully camouflaged test mule was
spotted undergoing tests at the Metropolitan Expressway in Daikoku, Japan, and
despite Honda’s best attempts at concealing the vehicle, it’s clear that the
new HR-V will look nothing like the outgoing model. Based on these spy photos, the third-generation model will
look distinctly different from the outgoing model. Up front, it gets a slimmer
pair of headlights, with uptick-style LED DRLs positioned along the entire
upper section of the enclosure.
The six-pointed grille, on the other hand,
features multiple thin horizontal bars, a design motif unseen on any recent
Honda models. This may well be a pre-production sample, so take that with a
pinch of salt. Interestingly, the intake cutout on the lower front bumper
(shape-wise) looks nearly identical to the outgoing HR-V, and the trailing
edges on the bonnet that lead toward the A-pillars are retained. What is
different this time around is the fact that the side mirrors are now mounted on
the door. At the back, the LED tail lights appear to be slimmer, and the slight
protrusion between them points toward the use of a thicker chrome trim. Other
notable features include a shark fin antenna, plus a more rounded hatch
opening.
Reports also suggest that the all-new
Honda HR-V will grow in dimensions. Going by Honda’s most recent track record,
one can expect this B-segment crossover to get a lengthier wheelbase, offering
a roomier cabin with improved legroom and headroom – the latter afforded by the
flatter roofline. Here, the roofline no longer tapers as aggressively towards
the back as the outgoing HR-V. As a result, the upper section of the rear
windows are similarly flatter as well. However, the window apertures appear to
be narrower, though, and the rear glass is more steeply raked.
Not much else is known
about the new HR-V, nor the architecture with which it will be based upon.
Expect some form of electrified powertrain to be offered alongside the regular
internal combustion engine range, perhaps in the guise of the i-MMD hybrid
system.
