[Auto] The Honda HR-V Hybrid has already been unveiled and will arrive at the end of the year

[#Steeven.™]

Honda has just unveiled the new Honda HR-V, the compact SUV, which for the first time will be available with a hybrid powertrain. As we reported last month, this Honda crossover will have the e: HEV powertrain. It consists of an electric generator and impeller, in addition to the heat engine.

This new Honda HR-V will be available from the last quarter of 2021, adding to the hybrid range made up of the CR-V Hybrid and the Jazz and Crosstar utility vehicles. Thus, the Japanese brand is introducing this type of propulsion in different segments, now covering the medium SUV. But let's see what this Honda HR-V e: HEV really brings.

The exterior design presents a big change from the predecessor model. Now it offers straighter lines, somewhat more square shapes and also minimalism. In addition, the front is characteristic because the main grille is not very open, the lower one being the largest air mouth. This achieves a more electric-style aesthetic.

For its part, the side offers the typical SUV or crossover aesthetics with more pronounced wheel arches and protected underbody, but it is also true that it provides certain coupe airs due to the drop of the roof at the rear. It strikes me that the front pillars seem to be quite thin for what we are used to. Finally, the rear doors have the opening handle integrated into the C-pillar.

To finish off the exterior, the rear area has a totally new style of lighting, using stylized lamps and communicated with each other by a red stripe that crosses the brand's logo. As in other hybrids, the Honda logo has a blue detail. Note that the Japanese firm is not afraid to show an escape route.

Meanwhile, in the cabin we find a minimalist and simple design. The central area of the dashboard reminds us of the Honda Jazz, with a well-placed upper touch screen, as well as independent and intuitive controls for the climate control in a lower part. This design contributes to creating a more spacious cabin, at least at the level of perception.

What the brand has not yet wanted to communicate about this new Honda HR-V Hybrid is its mechanics. In principle, it will use a 1.5-liter four-cylinder heat engine, but we do not know what power, torque and performance it will be able to develop once coupled to the electrical system, the details of which are also unknown.