Honda to introduce next-gen HR-V in March 2021: Report

Updated Dec 09, 2020 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

It could no longer be the smallest SUV in Honda’s lineup.

The current Honda HR-V has been around since 2013, which makes it pretty ripe for a replacement. In Japan, the model is classified as a luxury vehicle and is taxed accordingly, having exceeded the dimension regulations laid down by the government.

2021 HR-V render

This is what the 2021 Honda HR-V could look like

>>> Related: Honda SUV Philippines: List of all models, price & brief review

Well, a new and bigger HR-V is just around the corner. Indiacarnews.com reports that Honda will unveil the third-generation HR-V in March 2021, with the production of the current domestic version in Japan ending a month before the launch

Increased dimensions will likely be a trademark of the new model, with a length of 4,400mm and a width of 1,790mm. However, it could sit closer to the ground with a lower height of 1,590mm, compared to 1,605mm on the outgoing version. An increase in wheelbase (2,660mm from the current 2,610mm) could result in a more spacious interior. 

Current HR-V

Much like the current HR-V (pictured), the new model shares a platform with the Jazz

The 2021 HR-V will continue to share underpinnings with the Honda Fit (marketed on our shores as the Honda Jazz). Both models are expected to come with an improved version of their existing platform, which has been updated for lighter weight and higher rigidity.

Three powertrain options on hand for the new HR-V, all falling below 2.0L in displacement to keep the model within Japan’s affordable tax category. A 1.8L and 1.5L VTEC engine, both gasoline, will be offered. There will also be a hybrid version, utilizing a 1.5L gasoline engine linked to two onboard electric motors. A diesel variant is likely not in the cards for the new HR-V.

>>> Related: Fancy a brown-leather interior for the Honda HR-V RS? It's possible

2021 HR-V test mule

The new HR-V has been spied in Japan undergoing testing

In preparation for its 2021 launch, the 2021 Honda HR-V has been spotted undergoing testing in Japan, with the camouflaged silhouette hinting at a coupe-like body style. Honda has named the Jeep Compass and the Toyota Corolla Cross as potential rivals to the 2021 HR-V.

Reports also indicate that the next HR-V might not be Honda’s smallest SUV any longer, with a new compact crossover to slot below it. The carmaker will be pitting the yet-unnamed vehicle against the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos.

Don’t miss out on what’s new with your favorite models at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Honda HR-V 2024

Honda HR-V

The 2024 Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover. In the Philippine market, it has two variants. The top-spec RS Turbo CVT is priced at Php 1,759,000. The mid-spec trim meanwhile, is the HR-V V Turbo CVT and it is priced at Php 1,649,000. The entry-level HR-V S CVT meanwhile is priced at Php 1,389,000.

For engines, the HR-V V Turbo and the RS Turbo use a 1.5-liter engine capable of making 174 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. The HR-V S also uses a 1.5-liter mill, but it is naturally aspirated. In turn, its output is rated at 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. All three trims use a continuously variable transmission sending power to its front wheels. 

Size-wise, the HR-V V and RS are 4,385mm long, while the HR-V S is 4,330mm long. All three come with a width of 1,790mm, and a height of 1,590mm. Both also have a wheelbase length of 2,610mm. The top-spec V gets a ground clearance of 181mm, whereas the HR-V S has more at 196mm. 

Locally, the HR-V competes against the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, Subaru XV, Toyota Corolla Cross, Ford Territory, among others.  

 

Honda HR-V Launch

Back in June 2015, the Honda HR-V was launched in the Philippines. To complement Honda's compact crossover - the CR-V, they introduced the Honda HR-V, their company's subcompact crossover to the country's market. On August 23, 2018, the facelifted crossover was launched that includes an updated lighting system up front and rear part, a new RS trim level that brings a blacked-out grille together with new 2-tone wheels.

In 2022, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. brought in the third generation model for the local market. It is offered in two different variants. There's the top-spec HR-V V Turbo, and the entry-level HR-V S. Later at the 2022 PIMS in September, the RS Turbo was unveiled.

Honda HR-V Exterior

On the outside, the top-spec HR-V RS, HR-V V, and the entry-level HR-V S are all equipped with LED headlamps, LED taillights, and LED fog lamps. The HR-V V and RS variant then gets auto-folding side mirrors, a sportier bumper set, and a sportier-looking spoiler. The RS is the only variant that comes with sequential turn signal indicators.

Both the V and the S ride on a set of 17-inch wheels, while the RS gets a larger 18-inch set.

Honda HR-V exterior

Honda HR-V side end

Honda HR-V rear end

Honda HR-V headlight

Honda HR-V wheel

Honda HR-V taillight

Honda HR-V Interior

The 2024 HR-V can seat up to five. Its occupants are then kept comfortable with an automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents. The top-spec trim in particular ups the premium feel of the model with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. 

Rearwards, both trims get a 60:40 split-type ULT seat. It shares this feature with the City Hatchback, so it also gets long-mode and tall-mode seat configurations. 

Honda HR-V dashboard

Honda HR-V interior

Technology & Safety Features

All HR-V trims for the Philippines come standard with the Honda Sensing Safety suite. This means that all are kitted out with adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, road departure assist, auto high beams, and lead car departure notification. 

The HR-V RS, HR-V V, and HR-V S also get anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, hill-descent, and hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, stability control, speed sensing door locks, a reverse camera, among other features. 

Entertainment is then handled by an eight-inch touchscreen, which for both trims gets a six-piece speaker system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and audio streaming. The top-spec HR-V RS and the V do get a wireless smartphone charger which isn’t present on the HR-V S. 

Platform & Chassis

The all-new 2024 Honda HR-V uses the Honda Global Small Car platform. Like its predecessor though, the Philippine-spec version retains a front-engine/front-wheel-drive layout. 

For suspensions, it uses a MacPherson strut for the front and an axle-type suspension for the rear. Braking for this model is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, and it also uses an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. 

Engine & Drivetrain

Powering the top-spec HR-V RS and the mid-spec V is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can output 174 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the entry-level HR-V S uses a naturally aspirated inline-4 that is good for 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. 

Regardless of configuration, the HR-V comes standard with a continuously variable transmission with a paddle shifter manual mode. 

Only the top-spec RS and the V get a sports driving mode, though all HR-V trims have access to a normal mode and economy mode. 

For the Philippines, the all-new 2024 Honda HR-V can come in six different colors. These are Red Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Ignite Red, Premium Opal White Silver Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Grey. 

In terms of on-board features and safety features, the new 2024 HR-V is now on-par with most of its competitors. The turbocharged variant in particular also ranks as among the most powerful models within its segment and price range. 

Honda HR-V Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Lively engine

  • Plenty of features

  • Practical

  •  Rear seat headroom is not the best

 

Honda HR-V Q&A

1. Which one is cheaper: the Honda HR-V or the Honda CR-V?

Honda HR-V is. The highest price of HR-V is Php1,759,000 meanwhile CR-V price is Php 2,100,000 - 2,610,000.

2. Is the Honda HR-V a reliable car?

Yes, it is. The Reliability Rating of this car is 5/5 and the HR-V also ranks 1st out of 7 for subcompact SUVs.

3. What does the HR-V stand for on Honda?

HR-V means High-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle.

4. How many variants of the Honda HR-V are sold in the Philippines?

The HR-V Philippines has 3 variants: The HR-V RS (Php 1,759,000), HR-V V Turbo CVT (Php 1,649,000), and HR-V S CVT (Php 1,389,000).

 

₱ 1,389,000 - ₱ 1,739,000

Explore
Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

View more