Honda Australia has confirmed the initial details for the all-new HR-V, featuring advanced
two-motor e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain technology for the first time on this
model and the latest generation Honda SENSING driver-assist and active safety systems.
New HR-V will be sold Downunder in two specification levels with two different
powertrains. The Vi X grade powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The e:HEV L grade fitted
with a two-motor hybrid powertrain.
Included amongst the high level of standard equipment and features for the all-new HR-V:
18-inch alloy wheels with Tyre Deflation Warning System
LED headlights with High Beam Support System
Honda SENSING with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
Nine-inch Advanced Display Audio with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay
Smart keyless entry with push-button start
Additional equipment fitted to the e:HEV L grade includes:
Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close
Heated steering wheel & heated front seats
Acoustic windscreen
LED Active Cornering Lights
The e:HEV hybrid powertrain consists of two compact, powerful electric motors that work
alongside an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a
fixed-gear transmission coupled to an intelligent power control unit.
The intelligent Electronic Control Unit constantly cycles between Electric Drive, Hybrid
Drive or Engine Drive depending on which is the most fuel-efficient drive mode at that
specific driving situation.
Honda HR-V starts off in electric mode, changing to hybrid mode when the engine is under
high-torque demand. When driving at a constant high-speed, such as on the highway, the
system operates on engine drive. If further acceleration is required, such as when
overtaking, the car will switch to hybrid drive for additional performance.
Compared to its predecessor, the all-new Honda HR-V has a more rigid body structure
and extensive suspension, steering and braking enhancements.
NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) management extends to reducing sound pressure
change when starting the engine from EV mode and suppressing engine noise at higher
speeds.
The infotainment has a nine-inch Display Audio LCD touchscreen interface which is
designed to minimise driver distraction. It has a customisable menu layer to provide easy
access to convenience features and controls.
The interface enables smartphone mirroring via wireless Apple CarPlay (or cable) and
Android Auto (cable). Over-the-air software updates allows upgrades to the latest features
and apps.
Honda ‘Sensing’ safety and driver-assist technologies are standard . They are collision
warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist
system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow,
high beam support system and traffic sign recognition system.
Additional driver-assist technologies fitted to the e:HEV L grade include blind spot
information system, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent speed limiter and an Acoustic Vehicle
Alerting System, which produces an audible alert for pedestrians when vehicle is drive in
Electric Drive mode at speeds up to 20 km/h.
Honda’s latest HR-V sounds like a fascinating machine that’s crammed full of the latest
technology. We will carry out a road test review and bring our findings and thoughts to you
shortly afterwards.
