Honda has planned to launch the last generation HR-V in India as well, but due to some issues, it decided against it at the eleventh hour. We have been looking forward to the HR-V ever since. Now, the good news is that the Honda HR-V has been unveiled in Japan and this time around, Honda may very well bring it to our shores. Especially, considering that Honda recently discontinued its flagship sedan and SUV in India, namely the Civic and CR-V. There is clearly a market and opportunity in the mid-size SUV segment in India, where all the major players are entering to enjoy a piece of the pie. If the HR-V comes to India, it will be the flagship SUV for the brand in our country. Whether or not that will happen, remains to be seen. Until then, however, let us take a look at what this generation of HR-V comes equipped with.
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Honda HR-V – Exterior and Interior
We had already reported the patented sketches of the HR-V earlier and were aware of the design language. But looking at the car in flesh reminds us of how different could it be from the sketches. The overall silhouette of the SUV looks very coupe-like and modern. The sloping roofline gives it a very long and sophisticated appearance which might be an advantage over the rivals. The front hosts a large grille with sleek LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The overall bling in the front makes it look wider. The sides tell you the dimensions of the car with large alloys with chunky wheel arches and new-age dorr handles on the C-pillars. As far as the rear goes, the integrated roof spoiler and the LED tail lamps connected together by an illuminated glass bar look decent and do not make it look too flashy. The rear end is not very busy which extends a sophisticated look to the HR-V.
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As is the case with most modern cars, the interiors of the HR-V feature a quality-rich cabin. There are features that one comes to expect from a car of this segment like the large Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging for the smartphone, Digital Instrument Cluster, Dashboard with premium materials, Panoramic Sunroof as well as company’s own connected car tech with a ton of in-car features including Geo and Time Fencing, location-based services, remote boot opening, find my car and many more.
Also read: Honda’s future in India – City exports and Creta-rival!
Honda HR-V – Engines and Rivals
The powertrain options follow a very diverse path when it comes to Honda products. The powertrain on offer includes a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with two electric motors. The ICE churns out 98PS and 127Nm while the electric motors produce 109PS and 253Nm. There will be a hybrid setup to maximize fuel efficiency and be environmentally beneficial. All the powertrains might come with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission. We can expect that City to launch in India very soon as well. Once launched in India, it will go up against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the upcoming VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.
