Honda has pulled the wraps off the new HR-V in Europe and Japan, where it is known as the Vezel. The subcompact crossover boasts a more modern look that Honda describes as a “coupe-inspired design” and the latest technology gear inside. It will launch in Europe in late 2021 exclusively with a single hybrid powertrain ditching the outgoing model’s plain diesel and gasoline engines.
It’s still unknown when we will get a new
HR-V in North America, where Honda has already confirmed that it will be a
different model “designed to meet the distinct needs of U.S. customers, and
will differ from the Honda Vezel/HR-V that will be introduced in other
regions”. However, it might arrive for the 2022 model year.
The global-spec model features a much
cleaner face than today’s HR-V, with a big grille with horizontal slats that
blends in nicely with the bumper and slender headlights on each side, though
truth to be told, it could easily be mistaken for something that came out of
Mazda’s lineup or even MGs. Nevertheless, the profile looks sportier with a
roofline that is slightly arched towards the rear, ending with a roof-mounted
spoiler. The rear door handles are still partially hidden next to the C
pillars.
At the back, we can see that the taillights
have also become slimmer and are now joined by a light strip at the upper part,
separated by the Honda logo. The license plate holder has moved further down
and the reflectors were repositioned in the diffuser that sports a simpler
design. Rounding out the looks are the new wheels and plastic cladding on the
lower parts of the body. The JDM Vezel will also get the option of two-tone
exterior paint jobs.
Inside, the dashboard design and layout is
all-new and incorporates a tablet-style infotainment system in the middle,
right above the HVAC controls with three rotating knobs. The air vents are more
discreet and the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is much slimmer. The
pictured car also sports part-leather upholstery with white stitching, chrome and
glossy black trim, and a panoramic roof that’s not visible in the images.
Honda’s suite of driver assistance
features includes the collision mitigation braking, lane keeping support,
adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot information,
multi-view camera system and hill-descent control.
Japan’s 2022 Vezel is offered with a
1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine mated to a CVT, while the self-charging
hybrid that features “real-time AWD” complements the range for now. In Europe,
Honda tells us that the new HR-V will pack a two-motor hybrid powertrain as
standard and will add the e:HEV suffix. Full details about the powertrain
lineup, dimensions, equipment levels and pricing for the European model will be
disclosed at a later date.
