The new-generation Honda HR-V packs more equipment for its higher base price, but it’s down a seat and produces less power and torque than before in petrol guise.
In better news during these times of high fuel prices, Honda has also launched a new hybrid option that uses just 4.3 litres per 100km, giving the Toyota C-HR and Yaris Cross, and the Kia Niro, some competition.
UPDATE, 04/08/2022 – Honda Australia has increased the price of the e:HEV L by $2000.
“A number of models/grades in the Honda line-up received pricing adjustments as of August 1, which are reflective of the current market conditions, with demand continuing to exceed forecast production levels and the global supply chain continuing to be impacted by parts shortages, rising raw material and energy prices, and other logistics challenges,” said a spokesperson for Honda Australia.
The company says all customers who signed a contract prior to August 1 will be price protected, regardless of when they take delivery.
The new small SUV range officially launches in Honda centres (showrooms) on April 19, but the company says it will have vehicles on display sooner. Order books open March 31.
The HR-V range opens at $36,700 drive-away in petrol Vi X spec guise. This base price is up by $5400 over the outgoing VTi, although there’s more standard equipment including LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and keyless entry and start.
Next, the hybrid e:HEV L is priced at $47,000 drive-away. The option of a hybrid powertrain is rare for a small SUV in Australia, with the C-HR hybrid the most obvious rival. It’s priced from $37,665 before on-roads, equating to $41,618 drive-away based on a Sydney post code.
The outgoing HR-V range used a 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which has been replaced with two new powertrain options.
The Vi X uses a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 89kW of power and 145Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre hybrid four-cylinder powertrain of the e:HEV L produces 96kW and 253Nm.
The HR-V’s lack of a fifth seating option is even more unusual for this segment. CarExpert understands the four-seat interior is down to Australian Design Rules (ADR), which stipulate any rear seat with a seatbelt must also feature a top-tether point for a child seat.
Fortunately, the HR-V retains its clever Magic Seats. There’s also new equipment for the HR-V line, including available rear cross-traffic alert, plus wireless Apple CarPlay for the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen.
Pricing
- 2022 Honda HR-V Vi X: $36,700
- 2022 Honda HR-V e:HEV L: $47,000
All prices are drive-away.
Engines
The 2022 Honda HR-V Vi X is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 89kW of power at 6600rpm and 145Nm at 4300rpm. It’s mated with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).
The e:HEV L uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. Total outputs are 96kW (4000-8000rpm) and 253Nm (0-3500rpm). It’s mated to an e-CVT.
Fuel Economy
The 2022 Honda HR-V uses 5.8L/100km in Vi X guise and 4.3L/100km in the hybrid e:HEV L.
Both models have a 40L fuel tank and run on 91RON regular unleaded fuel.
Dimensions
The 2022 Honda HR-V measures 4335mm long, 1790mm wide, 1590mm tall and rides a 2610mm wheelbase.
Boot space measures 304L with the rear seats up, expanding to 956L with the rear seats folded measured to the window or 1274L measured to the roof. Under the boot floor is a tyre repair kit.
This boot size is, on paper, a lot smaller than before. The old model’s claim with five seats in use was 437L.
The HR-V has 195mm of ground clearance and weighs 1267kg in petrol guise and 1382kg in the hybrid.
Servicing and Warranty
The HR-V is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with an eight-year IMA battery module warranty for the hybrid.
The first five services are capped at $125 each. Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
Safety
The redesigned HR-V has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Update: The Honda HR-V small SUV has fallen short of the top rating in ANCAP’s latest round of crash test results, achieving a four-star score.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- Traffic sign recognition
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Front, front-side and curtain airbags
The e:HEV L also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the Vi X includes:
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Automatic headlights
- Keyless entry and start
- Privacy glass
- Single-zone climate control
- Four-speaker sound system
- Power windows with auto up/down for driver’s door
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Tilt and telescopic adjustment for steering wheel
The e:HEV L additionally includes:
- Acoustic windscreen
- LED active cornering lights
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Six-speaker sound system
- Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Intelligent speed limiter
- Rear air vents and USB ports
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Paddle shifters
- Power windows with auto up/down for all doors
Colours
The HR-V is available in the following colours:
- Premium Opal pearlescent
- Platinum White pearlescent
- Crystal Black pearlescent
- Meteoroid Grey metallic
- Premium Crystal Red metallic
MORE: Everything Honda HR-V