New Honda HR-V Hybrid SUV To Be Unveiled On February 18. Could Rival Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos In India

Published On Jan 18, 2021 06:40 PM By Sonny for Honda HR-V

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The latest-gen HR-V compact SUV will get the same hybrid tech as the latest City and Jazz hybrid models

Honda confirms the third-gen HR-V will offer the e:HEV electrified powertrain as standard in Europe.
The e:HEV uses a petrol engine with two electric motors for increased efficiency.
This hybrid powertrain can switch between hybrid, pure EV, and engine-only modes as required.
Honda is expected to introduce the new-gen HR-V in India as a compact SUV competitor.

The Honda HR-V is a popular compact SUV offering in the countries where it is available and the latest generation is now set to be unveiled on February 18. Along with a teaser image of the SUV’s rear profile, the carmaker has confirmed it will feature an electrified powertrain as standard in Europe.

The new HR-V is not an electric SUV but a strong hybrid that will use Honda’s e:HEV powertrain, similar to the one seen in the latest-gen Honda City Hybrid (also not offered in India). This hybrid system uses a petrol engine and two electric motors to switch between hybrid, pure EV, and engine-only modes. In the City Hybrid, the 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 98PS/127Nm and the main electric motor develops 109PS/253Nm while the secondary motor acts solely as a starter-generator. The City Hybrid claims a mileage figure of over 27kmpl. The details of the HR-V hybrid will likely be confirmed once it is unveiled.

This Concept Previews Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos Rival From Honda?

The third-gen HR-V was spied testing under wraps a few months back. In September 2020, Honda debuted the SUV e concept which looked a lot like the HR-V test mule and we suspect the final model will bear similarities with the concept.

The previous-gen HR-V was equipped with features such as idle-engine start-stop, six airbags, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The new model is expected to be similarly equipped.

Honda could offer the new HR-V in India as a competitor in the compact SUV segment. Its outgoing version was said to have been considered for India but the plan was not carried forward. The new one is likely to share its platform with the new-gen City, so the platform is already localised.

The Japanese carmaker also hinted at introducing mass-market strong hybrids in India so the HR-V could get the electrified powertrain here as well. It will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos as well as the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. The hybrid variants of the Honda HR-V could be slightly more premium offering than its current rivals.