New Models
New Models

2022 Honda HR-V officially unveiled, Australian launch confirmed

The all-new variant of Honda's entry-level SUV will come onto the market in Europe later this year, with the first Australian deliveries expected within 12 months.


The 2022 Honda HR-V has been officially unveiled, ahead of an expected Australian launch within the next 12 months.

The second (modern) generation of Honda's small SUV will go on sale in Europe later this year with a hybrid powertrain as standard, matched by a more refined exterior design and an overhauled cabin.

First revealed in leaked patent images earlier in February, the new HR-V marks an evolutionary step forward over its predecessor in the exterior design department, pairing its trademark styling cues – namely a 'hidden' rear door handle – with a coupe-like shape and smoother styling reminiscent of Honda's recent models, including the new Civic.

Up front, LED headlights flank a stripe-pattered grille, with the lighting units' daytime-running light strips connected across the front end by a strip of chrome trim.

At the rear, a pair of LED tail-lights are connected by a full-width light bar. 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres fill the arches on high-spec models, with entry-level grades featuring 16-inch wheels.

Inside, the new HR-V represents a significant step up over the model it replaces, with the new cabin dominated by a new 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation, an inbuilt Wi-Fi hotspot and 'Honda Connect' connected services.

Drivers grip a new steering wheel with a centre hub inspired by the E electric hatchback, and look into a semi-digital instrument display (likely measuring around 7.0 inches across) mounted alongside an analog speedometer.

The outgoing HR-V's versatile folding 'Magic Seats' feature as standard in the new model, with a 40:60 split for the folding rear seats and a hands-free power tailgate aiding practicality.

Other available comfort and convenience features include a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, LED interior lighting, a Honda-designed premium sound system and a 'Honda Digital Key' service allowing owners to unlock their car via their smartphone.

Under the bonnet, European models will fitted as standard with a hybrid powertrain, combining a small petrol engine with two electric motors. Engine size, power and torque outputs, and fuel economy figures have all yet to be announced, as of publishing.

A single-motor version of the same hybrid system develops 80kW in the related Jazz hatch offered in Europe.

Japanese customers will also be able to opt for a 1.5-litre petrol engine (of unknown outputs) paired to a CVT automatic transmission.

It's unclear whether one or both of the powertrains listed above will come to Australia, or whether Honda's local arm will opt for a different engine altogether Down Under. The current HR-V is powered by a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, sending 105kW and 172Nm to the front wheels through a CVT auto.

Hybrid models offer three drive modes – Normal, Sport and Econ – with a further four settings for the regenerative braking system available to select from.

A full suite of Honda Sensing-branded safety technologies are on offer, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree camera and auto high-beams.

The 2021 Honda HR-V will go on sale in Europe in late 2021.

A spokesperson for Honda Australia told CarAdvice: "We were thrilled to see the next-generation HR-V officially unveiled today as part of the world premiere online event."

"The current HR-V continues to be one of the most popular and successful models in the Honda range, so we're looking forward to the new model joining the line-up in Australia over the next 12 months. We will be able to share more details about the all-new HR-V for our market as we get closer to the local launch.”

If the brand's statement proves true, expect to see the new small SUV in Australian showrooms by February 2022.


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Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

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