Last year, we talked about the all-new Honda Vezel that was launched in Japan, and eventually in Thailand. In other markets like the Philippines, the said model is also known as the HR-V. Looks-wise, this next-gen HR-V received a sleek new exterior with a subtle-looking grille. It also received more on-board tech, as well as a better-arranged interior layout.
A teaser sketch of the upcoming US-spec Honda HR-V
However, it seems that the U.S. is receiving an entirely different version of the HR-V. It is, after all, designed to meet the needs of customers in that market, according to American Honda Motor Company. The upcoming U.S.-spec HR-V will also come in a different size from its ASEAN and Japanese counterparts.
With regards to how it looks, Honda USA released several sketches of the aforementioned model, which leans more on the macho side than the Asian HR-V. It also somewhat gives off the same design vibes as the Honda Passport and Honda Ridgeline – two models sold in the North American market.
This is what the HR-V's rear end might look like for North America
This is due to the fact that the upcoming Honda HR-V will indeed follow the same design language as other high-riding models in the US. Car buyers over there are seemingly partial to macho designs, after all.
Other design details we’ve noticed on this version of the HR-V include a set of larger inlets, a sportier and more open grille, a more expansive black cladding piece for the rear. It also gets a pair of angrier-looking LED headlamps.
As for on-board tech and mechanicals, nothing was provided by the teaser. But then again, we won’t be surprised if it gets the same 1.5-liter inline-4 engine options as its ASEAN counterpart. We’ll know more about this model on its expected release sometime this year.
The Thai-spec Honda HR-V Hybrid
As a side note, Honda Philippines has yet to bring in the new Honda HR-V that’s already being made in Thailand. Its local release is highly likely to happen this year, and all we need to do now is wait.
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Know more about Honda HR-V 2024
The 2023 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 1,739,000. 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 uses 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.
₱ 1,389,000 - ₱ 1,739,000
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