Honda will sell its new HR-V small crossover in Europe only with a full-hybrid drivetrain as the automaker continues to drop diesels and expand its electrified offerings.
The new-generation HR-V will go on sale in Europe later this year as the automaker’s third full-hybrid after the launch of hybrid versions of the CR-V compact crossover in 2019 and the Jazz small hatchback in 2020.
In a statement, Honda said the HR-V expands its electrified line up as the brand moves further toward its goal of electrifying all of its European mainstream models by 2022.
Honda has said it wants two thirds of its vehicles sold in Europe to be electrified by 2025.
The automaker also said an HR-V successor is under development for the U.S.
“This new HR-V will be designed to meet the distinct needs of U.S. customers, and will differ from the Honda Vezel/HR-V that will be introduced in other regions,” Honda said in a separate statement. “Honda will have more information to share regarding the next-generation Honda HR-V designed for the U.S. market closer to launch.”
The automaker did not release details about the HR-V’s European hybrid powertrain, but it has the same “e-HEV” name given to the Jazz and CR-V hybrid variants.
The HR-V is expected to use the 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to twin electric motors that is offered in the Jazz.
The design of the third-generation HR-V includes a distinctive integrated front grille and angular head lights. A sloping rear hatch gives the car a “coupe-inspired” shape, Honda said.
The overall look is described as “premium” by Honda. The new car keeps the hidden rear door handles of the current HR-V.
The interior of the HR-V retains “class-leading space,” the company said.
The length of the outgoing HR-V at 4335 mm (14.2 feet) was at the upper end of the small crossover segment in terms of size, which suggests the new model will also sit between the small and compact crossover segments.
Honda promised “advanced safety and technology features” for the new HR-V without going into detail.
The HR-V’s dashboard has a raised touchscreen that emerges from an otherwise uncluttered surface with minimal buttons. Honda however has kept the controls for heating and cooling separate from the touchscreen.
Honda’s European sales fell 34 percent to 80,408 last year according to JATO Dynamics market researchers.
The Jazz was Honda’s top-selling model with a volume of 25,081, down 19 percent year-on-year. No. 2 was the CR-V with 20, 012 units sold, down 37 percent, followed by the Civic with a volume of 17,008, down 54 percent. HR-V sales dropped 34 percent to 14,236.
The brand sold 3,989 units of the Honda-e, its new full-electric city car.