2021 Honda HR-V to go exclusively hybrid with e:HEV system
The new 2021 Honda HR-V e:HEV is coming soon.
Honda’s all-new HR-V will only be available with a two-motor hybrid system, marking a new era for compact SUVs.
To be unveiled next month, it’s one of the few details of the third generation SUV Honda has released ahead of the full model reveal that happens on February 18.
Whereas affordable cars have typically exclusively employed compact petrol engines for propulsion, the HR-V e:HEV is the first to break ranks in an effort to meet tougher emissions regulations. Others, including the rival Nissan Qashqai, are set to follow suit.
As well as some hazy and tightly-cropped teaser images – which we’ve darkened and sharpened to give a better idea of what’s going on – it’s the first details and glimpses of the crucial compact SUV.
The roof can be had in a contrasting black finish that showcases sharper creases and lines. The tailgate also seems more steeply raked for what is shaping up to be a sportier-looking HR-V.
Inside, it appears wireless Apple CarPlay will be part of a more detailed tech story.
The most interesting part is that there will be not ICE-only model, with Honda saying the two-motor e:HEV hybrid system will be standard.
No word on which engine will be doing the work, but best guesses are that it would be either the 1.5-litre four-cylinder from the Jazz or the 2.0-litre four-cylinder from the Civic and CR-V.
Two electric motors are expected to provide ample torque to shift the new HR-V under electricity alone, although the petrol engine can also chime in, driving through what Honda describes as an “innovative fixed-gear transmission”.
As with Toyota’s hybrid setup, one of the motors is expected to power the car while the other recharges a compact lithium-ion battery pack. Also like Toyota hybrids the Honda HR-V e:HEV will run purely on petrol, but use less of it.
Honda is only saying that the e:HEV system “combines high efficiency with refined, fun-to-drive performance”.
The switch to a hybrid-only setup for the new HR-V is in response to more stringent emissions standards in Europe. Most car makers are turning to some from of electricity to help avoid severe financial penalties for selling cars that don’t meet the new regulations.
While Honda Australia hasn’t confirmed if the HR-V e:HEV will go on sale in Australia, given the popularity of compact SUVs it’s an odds-on bet.
Best guesses are it will arrive in the second half of 2021.
Whenever the new HR-V e:HEV arrives it will mark the return of hybrid power for Honda in Australia.
Honda was the first car maker to sell a hybrid car in Australia 20 years ago.
The tiny Insight three-door coupe-ish went on sale in March 2001, about six months before the Toyota Prius started a long run of hybrid Toyotas that in 2020 culminated in record hybrid sales.
Honda sold a hybrid of some sort until late 2020 – including the CR-Z sporty hatchback and the Civic Hybrid – at which point it finally discontinued the slow-selling NSX supercar, leaving it hybrid-less since then; to be fair Honda didn’t sell a single NSX in Australia in 2020 and only nine have been sold here since the model went on sale in 2016.
Honda has plenty happening this year. Mid-year Honda is planning to switch to an agency model, which will replace traditional dealerships with agents.
Instead of being able to haggle on a deal and buy through a dealer, prices will be fixed and you’ll be purchasing the car off head office, with the dealer acting as an agent for delivery and after-sales support.
Mercedes-Benz is planning a similar model for Australia in 2022.
For a few more details (and lots of colourful pics and excited influencers…) check out Honda’s website dedicated to the new HR-V e:HEV.
