Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a nameplate that Honda used on two generations of mini SUV. The first generation HR-V was based on Honda Logo and sold in Japan and selective Asian-Pacific markets between 1999 and 2006. The second generation HR-V was based on third-generation Honda Fit and went on sale in North America, Australia, Brazil, and selective Asian markets in 2015. The second generation HR-V was largely identical to Japan-market Honda Vezel which went on sale in late 2013.

The abbreviation HR-V, according to Honda's HR-V history website, officially stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle. The HR-V was introduced to cater for the demand for vehicles with the benefits of SUVs (in particular its bigger brother the Honda CR-V), such as increased cargo room and higher visibility, along with the manoeuvrability, performance and fuel economy of a smaller car.

First generation (1999–2006)

The HR-V was built on the supermini platform used by the Honda Logo, while the larger CR-V was built on the Civic platform. Known as one of the earliest low emissions vehicles (in terms of nitrogen oxides) and unique character.

Designed as the "Wild and Joyfull J-WJ" concept vehicle and exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997, the HR-V emerged as a futuristic and lightweight cross-country vehicle in 1998, exclusive to Honda dealership network called Honda Verno in Japan. The Honda HR-V was soon put into production due to its popularity and marketed toward a younger demographic as the "Joy Machine" in 1999. The HR-V was shipped to Europe with either a Honda D16W1 type 1.6L SOHC or a four-wheel drive SOHC VTEC Honda D16W5 type engine. An automatic continuously variable transmission gearbox was also an engine option, however, the main criticism of the HR-V was the lack of a diesel engine option. The three door versions were discontinued in 2003 and five door versions in 2006.

The Real Time 4WD system comes from the CR-V and uses utilizes a dual hydraulic pump rear differential, where the 4WD system is hydraulically activated when the front wheels lose traction. The HR-V also uses enhanced drive shafts and suspension. Variations were produced for Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Pacific Rim and for its home market of Japan. The HR-V was revised in 2002 with some exterior styling changes and a new interior. Ahead of its time in terms of design for pedestrian safety, the HR-V seats four people and includes modern safety features such as ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) airbags, as well as other features such as electric mirrors, electric windows, folding rear seats, power steering, heat absorbing windows, air conditioning, front fog lights and a rear spoiler housing an LED brake light array.

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque
1.6	D16W1 D16W2	1,590 cc	77 kW (105 PS) @6,200 rpm	138 N⋅m (102 lb⋅ft) @3,400 rpm
1.6 VTEC	D16W5	1,590 cc	92 kW (125 PS) @6,700 rpm	142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) @4,900 rpm

Pre-facelift Honda HR-V Pre-facelift Honda HR-V  Facelifted Honda HR-V Facelifted Honda HR-V

Second generation (2014–present)

Main article: Honda Vezel

File:Honda HR-V 2015 in Punta del Este.JPG

Honda HR-V

The second-generation Honda HR-V debuted at the 2014 New York Auto Show as a concept car, with the production model unveiled later at the 2014 LA Auto Show. It shares the same platform as the third-generation Fit and is largely identical to the Vezel, which went on sale in Japan in December 2013. HR-V will be smaller than both CR-V and Pilot, again (after the demise of Element) giving Honda a range with three CUVs.

The US-market HR-V is manufactured at Honda's Celaya, Mexico assembly plant alongside Fit and went on sale in May 2015 as a 2016 model. It is powered by a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC I4 engine mated either to a CVT transmission similar to the Civic or a 6-speed manual transmission (FWD only). Fuel economy for front-wheel drive (FWD) automatic models is rated at 28/35/31 mpg (city/highway/combined) or 27/32/29 mpg for all-wheel drive (AWD) models.

The HR-V's body utilizes 27% ultra-high-strength steel grades, of either of 780, 980 or 1,500 MPa yield strength.

In Asia, the Thailand-market HR-V went on sale in November 2014. It is powered by the 1.8L engine with three grades namely EL, E and S. Sales of the HR-V is expected to be expanded to other Asian markets from 2015.

The Brazil-market HR-V, also assembled by Honda's Celaya, Mexico plant, went on sale in first-quarter 2015 as a 2016 model.

External links

• HR-V Official
• Honda HR-V in Japan (Japanese)
• HR-V Japan (Japanese)
• Honda HR-V Thailand
• Honda HR-V Indonesia