Orders open tomorrow for the all-new, hybrid-only Honda HR-V crossover ahead of its market launch in late 2021.
Prices start from £26,960 for the entry-level Elegance car, which comes with LED headlights, heated front seats, 18in wheels and smartphone connectivity. Advance trim brings an electronic boot lid, a heated steering wheel and synthetic leather upholstery for £29,210, while Advance Style adds an uprated sound system, a two-tone paint finish and orange interior trim details for £31,660.
The Nissan Juke rival will use a variation of the petrol-electric powertrain from the smaller Honda Jazz supermini, with which it also shares its 'Global Small Car' platform. A 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a pair of electric motors for a combined 129bhp and 187lb ft - slightly more than the Jazz, likely because of the HR-V's increased size.
The electric motors, housed alongside the petrol engine under the bonnet to maximise interior space, are responsible for the bulk of the propulsion, with the engine serving as a generator. At "higher, more constant speeds", the petrol engine takes over automatically, but the powertrain can be operated in three different drive modes - Eco, Normal and Sport - for varying levels of electric-combustion input.
The set-up elicits a combined 52.3mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting 122g/km of CO2. The HR-V will get from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds.
The third-gen HR-V's design is a dramatic departure from that of its predecessor. Despite closely matching the dimensions of its predecessor, overhauled proportions and an emphasis on space efficiency (the HVAC system is as compact as possible, and the EV battery pack is mounted under the boot floor, for example) have raised rear legroom by 35mm and boosted boot space. Ride height is also up by 10mm, while the roofline has been lowered by 20mm.
Four adults can be accommodated in "maximum comfort", according to Honda.
Honda says it "embodies the brand's seamless, clean, modern design philosophy seen in other recent new Honda models." Slim, distinctive LED headlight designs and a revamped grille dominate the new-look front end, with a long bonnet, rakish roof line and straight-edged shoulder line heavily distancing the new model from its predecessor.
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It's true that Honda's hybrid system works well in normal use, delivering sprightly performance with impressive efficiency, but it's important to understand the limitations when the going gets tough!
Without the price it's hard to make a judgement but I have a horrible feeling this is going to big bucks for a car with below average acceration times