ALL-NEW HONDA HR-V COMBINES DYNAMIC DESIGN WITH CLASS-LEADING SPACE (Europe)

Pana roof, not expected for North America.

• Characterful coupé looks with the tough stance of an SUV
• Class-leading and versatile interior space with refined sophistication
• Honda Connect infotainment system available as standard on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive)
• Advanced Driver Assist Systems  available  on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive)

An all-new Honda HR-V arrives in Europe in summer 2015, delivering a unique proposition to the crossover  segment: dynamic styling, the versatility of an MPV, sophisticated-yet-fun driving dynamics and fuel-efficient performance. It is part of the updated range of Honda vehicles that demonstrates the brand’s pioneering approach to technological innovation.

The HR-V portrays a characterful poise, with the distinctive, boldly sculpted lines of a coupé merged with the tough, solid stance of a robust SUV.

Inside, the HR-V offers occupants class-leading space and – thanks to Honda’s innovative Magic Seat ^® system – high levels of versatility. High quality soft-touch materials and sophisticated design define the HR-V’s interior, where Honda’s designers married expansive spaciousness with the feel of a sporty, enveloping cockpit.

The new Honda Connect app-based in-car infotainment system is operated through a seven-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the dash, and offers access to internet browsing, real-time news, traffic and weather and music streaming services.

The new HR-V is available at launch with a choice of highly responsive and efficient 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel or 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engines, both part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series.

The Advanced Driver Assist System package, which employs a camera and mid-range radar, incorporates a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, some of which are new to the crossover segment.

The all-new Honda HR-V will go on sale across Europe in the summer of 2015.


Characterful, bold lines of a coupé with the tough, solid stance of an SUV

The all-new HR-V blends the dynamic personality of a coupé with the tough, solid stance of an SUV, creating a characterful look with emotional appeal.

Its body shape and a rear window line that tapers at the rear result in a dynamic and sporty side profile, complemented by ‘hidden’ rear door handles. A distinctive, sharply cut swage line along the bodyside helps to give the HR-V a purposeful, forward-leaning stance and a sense of movement and agility, even at standstill.

HR-V also evokes a reassuringly robust presence. Deeply sculpted lower body panels convey the toughness, solidity and sure-footedness of larger SUVs, a theme reinforced by the strong horizontal orientation of the front and rear bumpers.

While ensuring the HR-V boasts a distinctive and self-assured identity on the road, its designers also ensured that it bears a clear family lineage. For example, it shares with the new 2015 CR-V the bold ‘flowing wing design’ of the unified front grille and headlamps and the pointed taper of the rear side window line.

At the rear, the HR-V continues with the crisp styling theme. Sharp rear combination lights stretch inboard onto the wide tailgate, into which is cut a single boldly sculpted ‘flowing wing’.

 Class-leading interior space with the versatility of an MPV

The all-new HR-V boasts class-leading interior space that is not only voluminous but also incredibly versatile, bringing the virtues of an MPV into the crossover segment for the first time.

The foundation of the HR-V’s spacious and versatile interior is Honda’s global B-segment platform which incorporates innovative packaging solutions. For example, a lower-profile fuel tank mounted under the front seats frees up the underfloor space beneath the rear seats, enabling the platform to accommodate Honda’s innovative Magic Seats ^® system.

Each of the 60:40 split Magic Seats ^® in the rear can adopt numerous configurations to maximise the versatility of the spacious interior. In ‘Utility’ mode, the rear seat back folds forward as the seat base lowers to create a long, flat floor. In ‘Tall’ mode, the rear seat base is locked in a vertical position to leave space from floor to ceiling. ‘Long’ mode sees front and rear passenger seat backs fold forward to a horizontal position.

Once seated, all occupants benefit from class-leading space with leg-, shoulder- and headroom in the front and rear that would more commonly be found in larger vehicle segments.

The boot, too, offers impressive space, with 453 litres* available with the rear seats in use, and 1026 litres* to the window line with the rear seats folded away. A wide tailgate opening and low loading height means the boot space is easily accessible as well as capacious.


Refined and sophisticated interior design with quality materials,  panoramic sunroof and advanced new infotainment system

For occupants, Honda’s designers sought to marry the conflicting themes of spaciousness, reassuring solidity, and the cockpit of a tight, sporty coupé.

The use of high quality soft-touch surfaces, subtly accented with brushed chrome highlights provide a premium ambience, while the dash design combines a solid feel with premium detailing, including a piano-black feature panel that emphasises the sense of sophistication.

Facing the driver is a three-dial instrument binnacle, the surround of each featuring ‘floating’ illumination rings to further the sense of quality. Honda’s ECO Assist function changes the backlight colour of the speedometer from white to green during efficient driving.

The Executive grade also offers owners a one-touch opening tilt and slide panoramic sunroof. A sliding sunshade that opens automatically with the roof and can be closed manually to block sunlight.

At the centre of the dash is a seven-inch Honda Connect touchscreen that is fitted as standard on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive) providing advanced connectivity and infotainment.  A five-inch screen is available on the Comfort grade.

Running Android 4.0.4 operating system, the screen employs the familiar intuitive ‘pinch, swipe and tap‘ functionality of a smartphone. Honda Connect gives fast and easy access to internet-based services including web browsing, real-time traffic, news and weather, social media, and internet music stations. Further apps can be installed from the purpose-designed Honda App Centre enabling owners to personalise their connected infotainment experience, and integrated Garmin Navigation is available.

The Honda Connect touchscreen also displays vehicle information – such as trip meter, fuel economy and journey time

In addition, the Honda Connect system syncs with smartphones and other multimedia devices through MirrorLink, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB.

 Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features

As with all new Honda vehicles sold in Europe, the HR-V is fitted with a number of premium active and passive safety technologies.

Comprehensive active safety systems combine data from radar sensors and forward and rear facing cameras. Other than the entry-level model, all grades will be fitted with Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System as standard. This suite of safety technologies includes Intelligent Speed Assist, City Brake Active Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, and High-beam Support System.

Honda’s City-Brake Active system will be fitted as standard on the HR-V.

In addition to a full suite of front and curtain airbags, Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology provides the foundation for excellent passive safety performance. A network of connected structural elements distributes crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment, enhancing occupant crash protection in frontal collisions. ACE also helps minimise the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.

 An engaging drive coupled with efficient performance

Available in Europe with front-wheel drive only, HR-V will be offered with choice of highly responsive and efficient 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol and 120 PS 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engines. Each is available with a refined and smooth six-speed manual transmission, and the 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol can also be married with a smooth CVT automatic.

Both engines are part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, which are engineered to deliver responsiveness and high efficiency, and both are Euro 6 compliant.

An all-new 1.5 i-VTEC petrol engine generating 130PS and a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine generating 120PS will be available in the HR-V. Both engines will be available with a manual transmission, and the new 1.5 litre petrol engine will also be available with a semi-automatic CVT transmission (with paddle-shift on some grades).

The HR-V has been deliberately engineered to deliver a saloon-like driving experience, achieved thanks to its low centre of gravity and its lightweight and highly-rigid body. This rigidity – in great part a result of 27% of the body structure being in high-strength steel – helps deliver reassuring solidity, which in turn leads to a high feeling of security when driving, as well as a lack of body roll. This also delivers exceptional linear driving behaviour, making the HR-V one of the most confidence-inspiring cars in the crossover segment to drive enthusiastically.

The HR-V brings class-leading aerodynamic performance to the crossover segment, benefitting not only fuel efficiency but also interior refinement through low wind noise intrusion. To minimise the intrusion of harsh road noise, HR-V employs a highly efficient acoustic insulation package. Sound absorption to the front and rear inner wheel arches, floor carpet and underfloor cover all contribute a refined and relaxing atmosphere in the cabin.

Notes to editors:
* According to VDA standard

Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/carnewsdetail/?id=4609

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

Autonews: 'Un-Honda-like' problems plague new plant in Mexico

Interesting....

Honda has delayed the launch of its new HR-V.

 

Neal E. Boudette
Automotive News
October 27, 2014 - 12:01 am ET.

 

Honda Motor Co.'s journey into Mexico has left it with a bout of indigestion.

The automaker's new $800 million plant in Celaya, about 160 miles northwest of Mexico City, has been struggling to meet demand amid problems caused by a green labor force, language barriers and a rail system prone to delays and occasional thefts, according to dealers who have discussed the matter with Honda officials.

Those challenges caused the plant's first product, the redesigned 2015 Fit subcompact -- which Honda was counting on to drive sales growth in the U.S. this year -- to stumble out of the gate two months late, with quality glitches and supply shortages showing up down the line.

Now, dealers say, the hitches have prompted Honda to push back the launch of Celaya's second product, the new HR-V, Honda's latest entry in the booming small-crossover segment. Dealers who had expected the car to arrive by the end of this year said they've been told that they will have to wait until the spring for shipments.

The troubles with the Fit and the plant are "such a departure from what we normally see when Honda starts a new plant in the U.S. or Canada," said Ron Harbour, a partner at consulting firm Oliver Wyman and an expert on auto plant efficiency. "What's happened is really un-Honda-like," he said.

The Fit launch has been uncharacteristically troublesome for Honda, which said it's re-examining its quality protocols worldwide. Last week, after the fifth recall in 12 months involving the redesigned model -- mostly affecting Japan-built Fits not sold in the U.S. -- Honda named a quality czar to oversee quality issues from r&d to market launch. Honda also said top executives would take pay cuts for three months to take responsibility for the car's troubles. The company said the added quality reviews could delay product launches, including the HR-V in Mexico.

Honda's bumpy road with its Mexico plant raises a warning flag for other automakers that are rushing to ramp up production in that country to take advantage of low labor costs, free-trade agreements with key export markets and insulation from fluctuations in the yen.

In addition to Honda, Nissan Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. have opened plants in the last 12 months. BMW AG, Volkswagen AG's Audi unit and Kia Motors Corp. also are building plants there.

Harbour, the auto production expert, said Mexico presents manufacturers with many challenges as well as advantages. With so many new plants springing up, finding enough skilled workers isn't easy, he said. And rail transportation can be a problem.

"Railcars do get hijacked," Harbour said. "You need to hire guards for the trains."

For the rest of the article, follow the link;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20141027/RETAIL03/310279956/un-honda-like-problems-plague-new-plant-in-mexico

Honda HR-V Crossover to Make North American Debut at 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

10/20/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• All-new stylish entry crossover to offer surprising levels of sophistication and versatility inside and out
• HR-V will serve as the entry point to Honda light truck lineup

The all-new Honda HR-V entry crossover (automobiles.honda.com/hr-v) will make its North American debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 19. Previously seen only in pictures, the HR-V will serve as the entry point to the Honda light truck lineup, positioned below the CR-V in both price and size and competing in an all-new segment for the brand.

With sleek styling and expressive character lines, the HR-V is anticipated to launch this winter. Built on the same global compact platform that underpins the critically-acclaimed Fit, the HR-V will feature a versatile and spacious interior thanks to an innovative center fuel tank layout. The HR-V will be equipped with the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat®, which allows for multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second row seat completely flat for added cargo space.

Further details about the Honda HR-V will be revealed on Nov. 19 at 12:35 p.m. PST at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For the latest HR-V editorial photography, please visit hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-hr-v.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-hr-v-crossover-to-make-north-american-debut-at-2014-los-angeles-auto-show

Honda HR-V Compact SUV's First Images Revealed

Just ahead of its unveiling at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Honda has revealed the first images of the HR-V compact SUV - the European version of the Vezel. Just so you know, the new compact SUV is based upon the new-generation Jazz.

The HR-V's centrally located fuel tank helped Honda create one of the most spacious and adaptable small SUV cabins, claims the company. Moreover, Honda's Magic Seats enable a wide range of seating configurations, with the ability to fold the second-row seats for additional cargo space.

"The unique exterior design of the new HR-V prototype echoes that of a coupé, with sharp, dynamic lines that link the sleek upper body with the stable and planted lower body. This coupe-esque elegance is achieved without compromising the interior practicality of the car.", says Honda in a statement.

More information on the new HR-V will be revealed during Honda's press conference at the Paris Motor Show.

Source;
http://auto.ndtv.com/news/honda-hr-v-compact-suv-s-first-images-revealed-662354

Honda puts final touches to new compact SUV (HR-V)

Already on sale in Japan as the Vezel and revealed in North America as the HR-V, the European version of the new compact SUV has yet to be given a name, although Honda sources confirmed to Autocar at the Vezel’s Tokyo motor show reveal last year that Vezel would not be used here.

The HR-V name was also used on a compact SUV that launched in the UK in 1999.

Whatever name Honda decides on for it, the model will line up against the likes of the Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Mokka and Ford EcoSport in a segment rapidly growing in popularity in the UK and further afield.

The new SUV is based on the underpinnings on the next-generation Jazz (FIT here), another model that’s already been revealed and is on sale in other global markets without having made it to Europe yet. As with the next-gen Jazz, the compact SUV will not be built at Honda’s Swindon plant.

The core engine is set to be a version of Honda’s 1.6-litre turbodiesel found in the Civic and CR-V. Options elsewhere include a direct injection, four cylinder 1.5-litre hybrid and Honda’s new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo motor, although no detail has been given by Honda Europe on an engine line-up for either the new SUV or the upcoming Jazz replacement. (We in North America will only be getting the 1.5L 130hp).

The car is expected to be offered with both manual transmission and a seven-speed double clutch gearbox.

As these spy pictures of the model testing in the Alps reveal, the styling will not radically depart from the versions of the SUV on sale in other global markets. The chassis will be tweaked to suit European tastes, while the interior trim and specification is likely to be upgraded for the same reasons.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/scoop/honda-puts-final-touches-new-compact-suv

Honda HR-V Compact SUV to Join All-New 2015 Fit as Honda Expands Small Car Lineup

04/17/2014 - NEW YORK

• All-new HR-V will launch this winter with sleek and expressive styling
• 2015 Fit resets segment benchmark with class-leading interior space, top fuel economy ratings and standard features
• Next-generation ASIMO also makes appearance at New York Auto Show

Honda will continue to expand its lineup of small cars aimed at the next generation of buyers with the launch of the 2015 Fit subcompact car (http://automobiles.honda.com/fit) and the all-new compact SUV, the Honda HR-V (http://automobiles.honda.com/hr-v) that will come to market this winter. Together the Fit and HR-V will represent a significant growth opportunity for Honda in the U.S., with both models produced at the automaker's newest North American manufacturing facility located in Celaya, Mexico, which allows for production flexibility to meet market demand.

"Both Fit and HR-V demonstrate how great things can come in small packages, and no one does this better than Honda," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda automobile division for American Honda. "Together these models also represent Honda's step-by-step expansion of our production in the region, which has been key to our success in America for more than 30 years."

All-New HR-V Compact SUV
Honda released the first official photos of the U.S.-bound HR-V today at the New York International Auto Show. With sleek styling and expressive character lines, the HR-V is anticipated to launch this winter. Built on the same global compact platform that underpins the Fit, the HR-V will feature a versatile and spacious interior thanks to a unique center tank layout. The HR-V will be equipped with the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat®, which allows for multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second row seat completely flat for added cargo space. The HR-V will serve as the entry point to the Honda light truck lineup, positioned below the CR-V in both price and size. Additional details about the HR-V will be announced later this year.

2015 Fit Sets Subcompact Benchmark
On-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide this month, the all-new 2015 Fit establishes a new benchmark in the subcompact segment. The Fit delivers a class-leading combination of interior space, feature content, fuel efficiency and value. With a long list of new standard and available features including a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth® connectivity, Expanded View Drivers Mirror, 7-inch Display Audio with HondaLink™ connectivity and LaneWatch™ display, the Fit is an unparalleled  value with an MSRP starting at $15,525¹, representing an increase of only $100 over the model it replaces.

The new Fit is equipped with a more efficient and powerful Earth Dreams Technology™ 1.5-liter direct injected 4-cylinder engine. Available with either a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual, the 2015 Fit earns class-leading² EPA fuel economy ratings of 33/41/36 (city/hwy/combined)³ when equipped with the CVT in LX trim.

Retaining a similar exterior footprint to the outgoing model, the new Fit is slightly shorter (-1.6 in.) and wider (+0.3 in.) with a longer wheelbase (+1.2 in.), resulting in improved handling and stability. Inside, the Fit delivers class-leading passenger space measuring 95.7 cubic feet, an increase of 4.9 cubic feet compared to the previous model. Passengers sitting in the backseat will appreciate the Fit's abundant rear legroom, which increases by 4.8 inches to a best-in-class 39.3 inches. With the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat® offering multiple seating configurations, the Fit provides an unrivaled 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the second row seats are folded flat.

Next-Generation ASIMO Makes Appearance 
Showcasing Honda's commitment to advancing mobility of all forms, the new version of ASIMO (www.asimo.honda.com) made a special demonstration at the New York Auto Show, as a part of a week of activity in New York City.

ASIMO — which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility — features enhanced hand dexterity, including the ability to sign in both Japanese and American sign language, as well as the ability to run faster than previously, climb stairs more smoothly, hop, jump, balance on one foot, and transition seamlessly between walking and running, among other new and unique capabilities.

¹ Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² Among subcompact class vehicles equipped with standard engine and automatic transmission
³ Fuel economy rating for 2015 Fit LX equipped with CVT. Ratings determined by EPA. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPG will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-hr-v-compact-suv-to-join-all-new-2015-fit-as-honda-expands-small-car-lineup

Honda Vezel to receive HR-V nameplate in United States - report

So, what does HR-V stand for you ask?  Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle....

Will be built in new Mexico production facility

A new report indicates Honda will use the "HR-V" moniker in United States for its Fit-based crossover.

Honda's Urban SUV concept eventually became the Vezel crossover for Japan and now it seems the model is heading to the United States but with the HR-V name. The vehicle was reportedly shown to North American dealers at a recent meeting and Honda also filed an application for the "HR-V" name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark offices.

Production of the Honda HR-V will take place at the company's Celaya assembly plant in Mexico where they also produce the 2015 Fit upon which the HR-V is based on. The model will go on sale in the second half of the year while in 2015 it will be introduced in Europe possibly with the same HR-V designation. The JDM-spec Vezel has been on sale since November last year.

The previous Honda HR-V (Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle) was produced between 1999 and 2006 and was available as a three- and five-door model with a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline engine delivering 105 PS (77 kW) and 125 PS (92 kW) in the VTEC version.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/114040572902/honda-vezel-to-receive-hr-v-nameplate-in-united-states

2015 Honda HR-V: Name For New Subcompact Crossover Based On Fit?

by Antony Ingram of www.greencarreports.com

With the 2015 Honda Fit now in production at a new factory in Mexico, the all-new version of that hatchback will be the first in a series of subcompacts launched by Honda over the next few years.

Another is a small crossover utility vehicle, unveiled at last fall's Tokyo Motor Show and dubbed the Vezel.
Now, we may know the model name under which it will be sold in North America: HR-V.

AutoGuide reported last week that Honda has filed for a U.S. trademark on the HR-V model name--which is very similar to CR-V, the name under which Honda sells its popular compact crossover utility vehicle.

It also makes sense given Honda sold a subcompact Crossover with the HR-V tag in Europe and Japan from 1999 to 2006. At the time, HR-V was said to stand for "Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle", though the crossover also carried the optimistic "Joy Machine" tag.

That car was based on the same platform as Honda's Logo minicar of the time, and featured a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with CVT and all-wheel drive options.

The Vezel, launched in Japan last fall, uses the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder "Earth Dreams" direct-injected engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the new 2015 Fit

Front-wheel drive will be standard like its Nissan Juke competitor, but it isn't yet know whether all-wheel drive will be an option. CVT and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are both available in Japanese market variants.

As is a hybrid, using Honda's new i-DCD hybrid system. Unfortunately, this version is unlikely to be sold in the U.S.

Inside, the Vezel features plenty of inspiration from the Fit, but features a sportier layout than its upright subcompact sibling. A little more luxury too, which could lead Acura to launch its own version of the Vezel in the U.S. market.

The new Fit goes on sale in the Spring, but no timeframe for the new HR-V's launch has been announced.

Source;
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090802_2015-honda-hr-v-name-for-new-subcompact-crossover-based-on-fit