- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
2021 Honda HR-V SUV. 3rd generation
The Honda HR-V is a small SUV from Japan manufactured since 1998. The front- and all-wheel drive versions with three- and five-door bodies are available. In April 2021, the third generation vehicle was presented in Europe. Let’s discover what new features it has acquired.
Exterior
Some features have been borrowed from the previous second generation, such as the hidden rear door handles. The size of the wheelbase is the same (2,610 mm), while the body dimensions have slightly changed. The vehicle is now 4,330 mm long, 1,790 mm wide and 1,590 mm high (20 mm lower). The ground clearance has increased by 10 mm and reached 195 mm. And in general, the SUV has acquired a completely different image due to different proportions.
The new Honda HR-V looks more muscular, road-hugging, with a long hood and flat roof. The mirror ‘legs’ have moved from the corners of the window frames to the doors. The front face is decorated with a bold design grille, whereas the sidewalls have become more vertical so as not to reduce the interior space. All lighting equipment is now diode.
Interior
The interior spaciousness has top priority. So, the layout of the units in the hybrid version was changed: the traction battery was now moved from under the backseat under the trunk floor, and the gas tank was moved to the center. To increase the distance between the rows, the thickness of the backs was reduced, gaining 35 mm. There is more shoulder room. As before, the proudly named Magic Seats can be folded down or folded forward for more efficient use of interior space. The trunk sill is now lower.
The rear passengers of the 2021 Honda HR-V also have additional ventilation deflectors in the central tunnel. The quality of finishing materials has increased, while the front panel comprises more soft elements. The devices are analog with a 7-inch display, and the media system boasts a 9-inch touch screen, a new menu and the ability to update over a wireless connection. The Honda Sensing package of electronic driver assistants has a front camera and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and other safety systems.
Powertrains
The European version of the 2021/2022 Honda HR-V SUV is an HEV hybrid e only with the same structure as that of other models of the company equipped with mixed-type powertrains. It includes a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine (106 hp, 127 Nm), which has a high compression ratio of 13.5:1 and operates on the Atkinson economy cycle. It is assisted by two electric motors: the first one is connected to a petrol engine and serves as a generator, and the second one powers the wheels. The unit produces 131 hp and 253 Nm. Most of the time, such a hybrid runs on electricity. At high speed, the clutch connects the petrol engine directly to the wheels. This unit does not need a gearbox.
The third-generation HR-V SUV will be produced with both front and all-wheel drive. Moreover, the latter version will feature a traditional transmission with a propeller shaft and a rear axle coupling. The front-wheel drive versions have a rear beam suspension, while the all-wheel drive versions have a De-Dion suspension with a stabilizer. For the first time, the HR-V is equipped with the hill descent control that works at speeds of 3 km/h.
