New Honda HR-V launched in Thailand with a 1.8L

Don't expect the Pana roof to make it's way to us here in North America, and I am not sure why....

Compact SUV comes with 1.8-litre engine with prices starting from 890,000 baht

Honda Automobiles Thailand has officially introduced the brand-new HR-V compact SUV with an annual sales target of 20,000 units.

Available in three trims ranging from 890,000 to 1.045 million baht, the HR-V comes with a 141hp 1.8-litre petrol engine capable of running on E85 gasohol. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a CVT automatic with seven-speed manual override.

A highlight of the HR-V is interior functionality, claimed by Honda to be just as versatile as in the Jazz hatchback.

The top-of-the-line EL model is being promoted with six airbags, sunroof, rear-view parking camera, electric parking brake and automatic brake hold function.

The decision by Honda to equip the HR-V with a 1.8-litre motor means that it isn’t a direct rival for the Ford Ecosport and Nissan Juke.

That explains why the HR-V’s prices are higher than those two aforementioned SUVs, although the price tags slot neatly below the CR-V, which comes with a bigger body and 2.0- and 2.4-litre engine options.

Such a strategy has fuelled speculation among market watchers that Honda is planning to slot an even smaller and cheaper SUV below the HR-V in the future.

Such an entry-level SUV could be based on the Brio and could prove popular among budget-conscious buyers in Asean, India and South America.

Source;
http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/news/443821/new-honda-hr-v-launched