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

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

We have already had the chance to inspect it closely and drive it briefly around Frankfurt, Germany, where we tested the efficiency of its hybrid system - now more than ever one of its strongest assets.

That is because, in this third generation, the 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, with the exception of the Civic Type R, its European range will be fully electrified in 2022. That alone explains why the new HR-V is available solely with a hybrid engine.

The system delivers a maximum 131 hp and 253 Nm of peak torque, both provided by the traction electric motor. However, the HR-V’s powertrain also includes a second electric motor acting as a generator, a 60-cell lithium-ion battery - the Jazz has only 45 cells - a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, and a fixed-ratio transmission that sends torque exclusively to the front wheels.

For much of the time, the HR-V can be driven using only the electric motor, which is “fed” by the petrol engine as it mostly works as a generator. Only at higher speeds, such as on a motorway, does the combustion engine take over from the electric motor in delivering torque to the front axle.

There is, however, a less positive point here: the noise becomes very noticeable, while vibrations also make their way through to the steering wheel.

Whenever additional power is required, such as when overtaking, the system immediately switches into hybrid mode, where it has greater power and pulling force. To give it credit, I never found myself wanting for more “firepower” from this hybrid system, which always responded very well.

Promising fuel consumption

It does not take many miles to realise that efficiency is the main priority of this electrified system. During the first part of this rather short driving experience, I achieved average consumption of around 6.2 l/100 km. That figure dropped slightly towards the end, when I recorded less than 6 l/100 km.

In normal driving, I have no doubt that it is possible to achieve averages very close to Honda’s claimed 5.4 l/100 km, particularly as I was not exactly “working” to minimise fuel consumption during this brief test.

Revised steering and suspension

For this new HR-V generation, Honda has increased overall rigidity and introduced several suspension and steering improvements. The result is a more comfortable proposition that is very pleasant to drive.

Nevertheless, when the pace increases, some body roll is still apparent through corners, although its movements are predictable and very progressive. The steering, meanwhile, has the right amount of weight and feels quite direct and accurate.

Comfort is where the HR-V earns most of its points. The driving position deserves particular mention, as it is not only comfortable but also provides excellent outward visibility.

A more European look

It is impossible to discuss the new HR-V without mentioning its fresh styling, which appears tailored to the European market.

Horizontal lines, simple shapes and a very low roofline - in contrast to the more heavily styled previous model - work particularly well with the 18-inch wheels and the increased ground clearance (+10 mm).

Inside, the design language is much the same, with several features reinforcing the sense of width in the cabin.

The interior is straightforward yet elegant, and its build quality is pleasing, although it is relatively easy to find harder materials behind the steering wheel, along the upper door sections and on the centre console.

Space and versatility

Cabin space is ultimately the most impressive feature, especially rear 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.

Yet the space that has been lost is still offset by features such as the Magic Seats and the flat floor created when the rear seats are folded down, allowing larger objects such as bicycles or surfboards to be carried.

When will it arrive?

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