North America has welcomed the 2023 Honda HR-V, but this is not the global version. The U.S. gets a different take on the subcompact crossover, this one being based on the 11th-generation Civic while bringing a bigger 2.0-liter power unit.
The all-new 023 Honda HR-V has arrived
“The new Honda HR-V is just the right size for young, active buyers looking for a sporty driving experience, and plenty of space and utility for an adventurous weekend escape,” said Michael Kistemaker, assistant vice president of national sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. He adds that the new model is expected to draw a new generation of Honda customers, to be positioned as a segment leader targeted towards a young demographic as well as first-time car buyers.
Exterior
The new HR-V stands 4,568mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,621mm high with a 2,655mm wheelbase. An intricate grille in front is bordered by wide-set LED headlamps at the top corners and air curtain inlets at the bottom, the latter enhancing aerodynamics by diverting air around the front wheels. The fascia is topped off by a sculpted hood, where the windshield wipers are designed to hide under when not in use.
The fascia has a sportier vibe than the global version
A low beltline commences from the hood’s trailing edge all the way to the D-pillar, where wraparound LED tail lamps flank the sculpted rear hatch. The lack of roof moldings through laser-brazing technology gives the HR-V a smoother silhouette, terminating at the integrated tailgate spoiler.
Sleeker tail lamps surround the rear hatch
Depending on the trim level (LX, Sport, EX-L), the HR-V come available with either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, complemented by a choice of seven exterior body colors.
Interior
The cabin is one of the new HR-V’s strong points, with premium materials used throughout the cabin. All-new Body Stabilizing Seats provide comfort and support, especially on long drives, and the rear bench has been widened to better accommodate three occupants abreast.
The eleventh-generation Civic's influence extends to the interior
Visibility has been improved as well, with the new HR-V’s low cowl and generous greenhouse. The metal honeycomb mesh pattern lifted from the Civic extends along the dashboard, camouflaging the air vents. For utility, the cargo area is now 691 liters, larger than on the outgoing model, expandable to 1,560 liters with the 60/40 split-fold rear bench tucked in. A low lift-over height of 686mm makes loading cargo easy.
Tech & Safety
A 7-inch digital instrument panel debuts on the HR-V, accompanied by a physical speedometer gauge and features user-selectable functions such as vehicle information and Honda Sensing settings. At the center console, a 7-inch touchscreen head unit is standard, while a 9-inch display is available on the range-topping EX-L, both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Rear cargo storage has been improved
An array of advanced active and passive safety features is part of the new HR-V’s selling points, with the latest dual front airbag technology joined by front passenger knee and side impact inflators for the rear passenger. The Honda Sensing system uses a single camera with a 100-degree field of view, enabling it to better detect obstacles and hazards.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist are now accompanied by Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Blind Spot Information. The Driver Attention Monitor is new as well, flashing a warning on the dashboard when the system senses that the driver is inattentive.
Enginge & Drivetrain
The new HR-V is powered by the same 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-4 gasoline engine used by the U.S.-spec Civic, delivering 158 horsepower and 187 Nm of torque, exceeding the figures of the crossover’s second-generation iteration. This is mated to a reengineered continuously variable transmission that incorporates Honda’s Step-Shift programming, simulating gear changes at full throttle.
The new HR-V uses the same 2.0-liter power unit as the current Civic
The Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control has been retuned to direct more torque to the rear wheels in low-traction conditions. For the first time in any Honda SUV, Hill Descent Control makes an appearance, with two pre-set speeds selectable by the driver using the brake and gas pedals.
Price
The 2023 Honda HR-V is priced starting at $23,650 (Php 1.25 million) for the base EX FWD, going up to $28,950 (Php 1.53 million) for the range-topping EX-L AWD.
The HR-V is also marketed as the ZR-V in China and Europe, with a smaller turbocharged engine
While this is unlikely to reach our shores since the global version was only recently launched in our market, the new HR-V could come under the ZR-V moniker, which is the name it uses for the Chinese and European markets.
Read about more new releases both here and overseas at Philkotse.com.