Introduced several months ago, the new Honda HR-V is getting closer and closer to reaching the Portuguese market, something that should only happen in early 2022. Blame it on the semiconductor crisis that affects the automotive industry.
But we got to know him up close and even got our hands on him during a brief contact in the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany, where we were able to test the efficiency of the hybrid system, which is, now more than ever, one of his greatest assets .
And this is because in this third generation the HR-V is only available with Honda's hybrid e:HEV engine, which we already know from models like the Jazz. But was this a good bet? To find out the answer, I invite you to see our first video contact with this new Japanese SUV:
an almost electric hybrid
Honda has already made it known that in 2022 it will have a range fully electrified in Europe, with the exception of the Civic Type R. And that alone justifies the fact that the new HR-V will only feature a hybrid engine.
In total we have 131 hp of maximum power and 253 Nm of maximum torque that come from the traction electric motor, but the kinematic chain of the HR-V includes a second electric motor (generator), a lithium-ion battery with 60 cells ( on the Jazz it's just 45), a 1.5 liter i-VTEC combustion engine (Atkinson cycle) and a fixed gearbox, which sends torque exclusively to the front wheels.
For a large part of the time, it is possible to walk using only the electric motor, which is «powered» by the gasoline engine, which most of the time assumes the role of generator. Only at higher speeds, as on a highway for example, does the combustion engine take the place of the electric motor in sending torque to the wheels on the front axle.
And here, a less positive note for the noise, which is noticeable with great evidence and for the vibrations that also reach us behind the wheel.
But whenever more power is needed, for an overtaking for example, the system immediately switches to hybrid mode (where it has more power and strength). And here, in all fairness, I never felt a lack of “firepower” from this hybrid system, which always responded very well.
Interesting consumptions
It doesn't take many kilometers to realize that the focus of this electrical system is, above all, on efficiency. During the first part of this (somewhat short) dynamic contact I managed to average around 6.2 l/100 km, a number that even dropped slightly towards the end, where I managed to register below the 6 l/100 km mark.In normal use, I have no doubt that it's possible to achieve averages quite close to the 5.4 l/100 km announced by Honda, because during this brief test I wasn't exactly “working” for consumption.
Revised steering and suspension
For this new generation of the HR-V Honda increased the rigidity of the set and made several improvements in terms of suspension and steering. And that translates into a more comfortable and very pleasant proposal to drive.
However, when we pick up the pace we continue to notice some body roll in corners, even though the movement is predictable and quite progressive. The steering has the right weight and is even quite direct and precise.
But it is from the point of view of comfort that the HR-V scores the most points. And here I have to highlight the driving position, which in addition to being comfortable allows excellent visibility to the outside.
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more european image
But it is impossible to talk about the new HR-V without addressing the new image of this model, which seems to have been tailor-made for the European market.
Horizontal lines, simple lines and a very low roof — in contrast to the more heavily styled predecessor — elements that go very well with the 18” wheels and with the greater height to the ground (+10 mm).
Inside, a similar style language, with several elements reinforcing the feeling of width on board.
The interior is simple but elegant and has a pleasant construction, although it is relatively easy to find stiffer materials behind the steering wheel, at the top of the doors and in the center console.
Space and versatility
It turns out to be the most impressive space on board, especially in terms of the legs in the rear seats, but even so the coupé-inspired exterior line slightly detracted from the space in terms of height. Anyone who is more than 1.80 m tall will have their head very close to the roof.
The boot also lost load capacity compared to the previous generation HR-V: 335 liters for the new versus 470 liters for the old.
But what was lost in space continues to be compensated by solutions such as Magic Seats (magic seats) and the flat floor that forms with the rear seats folded down, allowing for more bulky objects, such as bicycles or surfboards, to be accommodated.
When arrives?
The new Honda HR-V will only reach the Portuguese market early next year, but orders are already open to the public. However, the final prices for our country — or the organization of the range — have not yet been released.