It was soon one of the key points in the presentation of the new Honda HR-V and promises to continue to be talked about. I'm talking about the new Japanese SUV Air Diffuser System, which introduces a new concept of air conditioning.
The L-shaped vents positioned in the upper corners of the dashboard provide all passengers with a breath of natural air preventing a direct airflow to the occupants, making it a much more subtle solution than conventional ones. Honda guarantees that this is “the feature that will have the most impact on the interior” of the new HR-V.
The system will have three distinct modes: Normal, with the air flow being directed forward; Air Diffusion System, which creates a smooth airflow; Close, which closes the ventilation.
When Air Diffusion System mode is selected, it subtly directs air along the front windows, creating a sort of air curtain from the side and above the passengers.
This solution has a double function: in summer, the heat transmitted by the side windows is “annulled” by this air curtain; in winter, rear seat passengers also receive warm air projected from the front console.
Yoshitomo Ihashi, Honda's Large Project LeaderThis new vent configuration solves a problem in traditional vents where passengers are uncomfortable with the air flow being projected directly over them. The result is a feeling of air and a more comfortable interior environment for all passengers.
Honda HR-V: when will it arrive?
The new Honda HR-V Hybrid will be available in Europe at the end of 2021 and only with Honda's e:HEV hybrid technology, which integrates two electric motors — one traction and the other as a generator — associated with an i-VTEC gasoline engine from 1.5 liters of Atkinson cycle with 106 hp for a maximum power of 131 hp and 253 Nm of maximum torque sent to the front axle only.
During use, the internal combustion engine is almost always used as a generator to charge the battery, mounted under the floor of the trunk, which in turn powers the electric motor.
Only at higher speeds (such as on the highway), the gasoline engine is used to directly move the wheels, a more efficient solution according to Honda, which allows for the optimization of consumption.
The prices of the new hybrid SUV of the Japanese brand are not yet known.