New Honda HR-V first drive: an almost-electric hybrid SUV

The new Honda HR-V was unveiled several months ago and is now edging closer to its Portuguese market launch, which is not expected before early 2022. The semiconductor shortage affecting the automotive industry is to blame.

However, we have already had the chance to inspect it up close and drive it briefly around Frankfurt, Germany. That gave us an opportunity to assess the efficiency of its hybrid system, now more than ever one of its strongest selling points.

That is because this third-generation HR-V is offered exclusively with Honda’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain, already familiar from models such as the Jazz. But has Honda made the right choice? To find out, watch our video first drive of this new Japanese SUV:

An almost-electric hybrid

Honda has already announced that its European range will be fully electrified in 2022, with the exception of the Civic Type R. That alone explains why the new HR-V is available solely with a hybrid powertrain.

Combined output stands at 131 hp, while maximum torque is 253 Nm, both figures delivered by the traction electric motor. The HR-V’s powertrain also includes a second electric motor acting as a generator, a 60-cell lithium-ion battery - compared with just 45 cells in the Jazz - a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, and a fixed-ratio gearbox that sends torque exclusively to the front wheels.

For much of the time, the car can run using the electric motor alone. It is “fed” by the petrol engine, which spends most of its time working as a generator. Only at higher speeds, such as on a motorway, does the combustion engine take over from the electric motor in driving the front axle.

There is, however, a less favourable point to note here: engine noise is very noticeable, and vibrations can also be felt through the steering wheel.

Whenever more power is needed, such as when overtaking, the system immediately switches into hybrid mode, where it has greater output and pulling power. To give credit where it is due, I never felt this hybrid system lacked “firepower”; it always responded very effectively.

Promising fuel consumption

It takes very few miles behind the wheel to understand that efficiency is the principal focus of this electric system. During the opening part of this rather short driving experience, I recorded average consumption of around 6.2 l/100 km. That figure fell slightly towards the end, when I achieved a result below 6 l/100 km.

In normal everyday use, I have no doubt that averages very close to the 5.4 l/100 km claimed by Honda are achievable, particularly as I was not exactly “working” to minimise consumption during this brief test.

Revised steering and suspension

For this latest HR-V generation, Honda has increased overall rigidity and made several changes to the suspension and steering. The result is a more comfortable vehicle that is also very pleasant to drive.

Even so, when the pace rises, there is still some body roll through bends, although its movements remain predictable and highly progressive. The steering, meanwhile, has the right amount of weight and feels notably direct and accurate.

Comfort is where the HR-V earns most of its points, though. The driving position deserves particular praise: it is comfortable and provides excellent outward visibility.

A more European appearance

It is impossible to discuss the new Honda HR-V without mentioning its fresh design, which seems tailored specifically to European buyers.

Horizontal lines, clean surfaces and a very low roofline - in contrast with the more heavily styled predecessor - work particularly well with the 18-inch wheels and the increased ground clearance (+10 mm).

The interior follows a very similar design approach, with several details helping to emphasise the sense of width inside the cabin.

The cabin is understated yet elegant, and its build quality is pleasing. Nevertheless, it is fairly easy to find harder plastics behind the steering wheel, along the upper sections of the doors and on the centre console.

Space and versatility

Interior room is ultimately what impresses most, especially rear-seat legroom. However, the coupé-inspired exterior profile has slightly compromised headroom. Anyone taller than 1.80 m will find their head very close to the roof.

The boot has also lost carrying capacity compared with the previous-generation HR-V: the new model offers 335 litres, against 470 litres in the old one.

What has been lost in load space is still offset by features such as the Magic Seats (“magic seats”) and the flat floor created when the rear seats are folded down. These make it possible to carry bulkier items, including bicycles or surfboards.

When will it arrive?

The new Honda HR-V will not reach the Portuguese market until early next year, although ordering is already open to the public. Final prices for Portugal - as well as the range structure - have not yet been announced.