It was back in February when Honda unveiled the third-generation HR-V and we had to wait until today to discover its full technical specifications for the European market. Offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain (much like the CR-V and Jazz), the small crossover uses a naturally aspirated four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine running on the Atkinson cycle teamed up with two electric motors.
The e-motors and the ICE work together to deliver a combined output of 129 horsepower (96 kilowatts) and a peak torque of 253 Newton-meters (187 pound-feet). That makes it a tad stronger than the Jazz supermini, but that’s to be expected considering the HR-V is a larger and heavier vehicle that could use the extra grunt.
To make the interior cabin as roomy as possible, Honda’s engineers have positioned the two electric motors alongside the internal combustion engine. The hybrid arrangement makes the 2022 HR-V impressively efficient, promising to sip just 5.4 liters / 100 km (52.3 mpg UK or 43.5 mpg US) in the WLTP cycle, equating to 122 g/km of CO2 emissions.
It does 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.6 seconds, and while that’s certainly not quick, the new electrified crossover delivers adequate performance for someone in the market for a vehicle easy on the wallet and nature. Turn on Hybrid Drive and the power coming from the gasoline engine can be channeled to recharge the battery, which is located underneath the cargo floor.
There is also a Sport mode that sharpens up the acceleration response to unlock extra performance from the hybrid powertrain. Honda has engineered the new HR-V with an Econ mode as well, in which case it dials down the air conditioning and the throttle response to maximize efficiency. The Normal mode offers a balanced blend of Sport and Econ.
The electrified-only HR-V and the 2024 Prologue zero-emissions SUV are stepping stones to Honda’s ambitious goal to sell only EVs by 2040.
Source: Honda
