New Car Share: Honda HR-V Hybrid e-HEV L 2022

The Honda HR-V 2022 has arrived in Australia with a hybrid powertrain, following in the footsteps of the second-generation model (2015-22). It’s quite different with Honda Hr V Used Cars. The all-new third-generation HR-V (or Vezel in Japan) offers a more refined cabin and a crisper driving experience, but at a significantly higher price.

The entry price to Honda's HR-V range is $5400 higher in 2022 than it was previously, though the $36,700 driveaway 1.5-litre petrol Vi-X significantly improves standard equipment levels over the outgoing ($31,300 driveaway) VTi base model, with adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist, and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

We'll examine the new HR-V petrol variant shortly, but for now, we've tested the premium HR-V e-HEV L Hybrid ($45,000 driveaway) to discover where this new compact SUV's high watermark lies. In Australia, there are just two categories available, and Honda has made no indication that more are on the way.

How will the new HR-V reach volume? The new HR-V range has dropped from four to two types, and the price has increased dramatically. Honda, like the new Civic, has no illusions that the new HR-V will surpass the previous model's sales record of 12,403 units in 2016. Instead, Honda's thinking is upon high-end models and a yearly sales objective of roughly 5000 units, or 4% of the compact SUV market.

That's because Honda wants the HR-V to be premium, just like it was when it was known as the Japanese BMW in the late 1980s. This is becoming more common in the small SUV segment, with competitors like the Mazda CX-30 X20 Astina ($47,490 before on-road costs), Toyota C-HR Koba Hybrid ($37,665 before on-road costs), and the upcoming Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power (price TBA) all pushing

Outside, the third-generation HR-V features a design philosophy that is distinct from the current Civic hatchback or the upcoming new-generation CR-V. The HR-sparingly V's crafted metalwork and body-color grille indicate it was created in a parallel universe where chrome bumpers were never popular in the 1960s.

The resulting tiny SUV is neat and will appeal to some tastes (including mine), however I believe the HR-fastback V's design might benefit from a contrasting black roof. There are five colors to choose from, including Red Crystal and Opal White, and there is no extra charge for any of them.

What is the driving style of the HR-V Hybrid?

This e-HEV technology has appeared in Japanese market cars such as the new-generation Civic Hybrid and is also employed in the current-generation Accord sedan, and is based on the new-generation Jazz platform — the all-new model not offered in Australia.

The HR-V Hybrid produces 96kW and 253Nm, which may seem low coming from a 110kW turbocharged Volkswagen T-Roc, but the HR-V is 6kW stronger than Toyota's bigger 1.8-litre powerplant in the C-HR, so it's exactly in the hybrid ballpark.

The final decision

The HR-V Hybrid is a big step forward in terms of appearance, efficiency, performance, and interior quality over the aging car it replaces, without abandoning its well-known practicality, but it isn't for everyone.

Honda's HR-V has an odd mix of characteristics – frugality, low running costs, a thoughtful boot, and a rewarding driving experience, but also the oddity of only four seats, no optional sunroof or contrast roof, and no leather upholstery, all of which make its $45,000 driveaway price seem a little steep when compared to main rivals.

Honda's sales targets have been lowered as well. The new HR-V will not be as popular as it previously was, with only 5000 units expected to be sold in the first year.

But if you like it, go purchase it since the new-generation HR-excellent V's handling and styling will appeal to a wide range of consumers. The HR-polish V's and composure make it a solid purchase, though we think the Hybrid version would be an even better value if it were closer to $40,000 driveaway, with the same low maintenance and fuel economy.