The The United States is about to launch the second generation Honda HR-V This year. But it’s just called HR VUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU here and in China. Europe, meanwhile, is getting its third generation of the HR-V, which is also sold in Japan. But in Japan it was called the Vezel, and so did its predecessor, which we had here and in Europe as the HR-V. Confused? We cannot blame you. This small crossover SUV has had a strange history. So we thought we’d take you through it. And it all started with the 1998 original.
First generation
Honda’s motobike The HR-V was introduced in Japan in 1998, and it also debuted in Europe in 1999, and it was sold until 2006. And for the first year, it was only available as a two-door. The name stands for “Hi-rider Revolution Vehicle”, and it has a groove just below the recently introduced name. CR-VAT (oddly, it stands for “Comfortable Car”). And just like CR-V based civicThe smaller HR-V is based on the smaller Japanese market logo hatchback model. That two-door model measures 157.3 inches long, 66.7 inches wide and 62.6 inches high. The four-door model, introduced in Japan in 1999 as well as other markets, is just over 4 inches long. Compared to the contemporary CR-V, the HR-V is 20 inches shorter in length. However, ground clearance is only half an inch that of the CR-V, at 7.5 inches (the “Hi-rider” part of the equation).
The first-generation HR-V was only offered with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder, but came in two forms: one with VTEC and one without. The smooth engine makes 104 horsepower and 102 pound-feet of torque, while the VTEC model makes 123 horsepower and 106 pound-feet. Two transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and a CVT. The rear transmission is the only option for the VTEC engine. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Honda’s all-wheel drive system offered as an option. Suspension features MacPherson struts up front and a five-link torsion beam at the rear with front-wheel drive, or a De Dion independent rear suspension with all-wheel drive.
The second generation
The HR-V went on a long hiatus after that first generation. And in the case of Japan, it is still on hiatus. That’s because Europe’s second-generation HR-V, our first, is actually called Vezel in Japan. The name appears to be a cross between “bezel”, alluding to its use as a jewelry term, and “vehicle”. However, for the sake of simplicity, we still call it the HR-V. This version is based on Honda Fitand despite losing the convenient two-door variant, it’s still fun Fit Features and characteristics. In particular, it has a “Magic Seat”, which can fold the seat back down or raise the bottom of the seat for flexible transport. This is made possible by placing the fuel tank below the front seats, which also creates an exceptionally low cargo floor.
This HR-V debuted initially in Japan in late 2013, followed by Europe shortly after and finally the US in 2016. The powertrain changed dramatically. In Japan, it is possible with mixture and the non-hybrid gas engine with either a dual-clutch manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. Europe has a non-hybrid gasoline engine and a diesel oil engine with manual and CVT options. Both regions also have turbo versions later, with Europe gets the hottest 180hp manual option. In U.S.A, we have one engine option: naturally aspirated 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower. It was available with a six-speed manual transmission for a while, but it was later discontinued with only a CVT. Front- and all-wheel drive are available in all markets and the suspension design is the same as its predecessor.
The HR-V is also sold in China as the X-RV. It has the same powertrain options as its European and Japanese counterparts. It also has electric models sold under various names through local Honda partners.
Third generation
The HR-V series has become even more complex with the latest versions. In Europe and Japan, the model continues to be based on the Fit, and the Japanese version is still called the Vezel. It has lost the turbo model, prioritizing hybrid power. It’s only hybrid in Europe with 129hp, but Japan has a non-hybrid 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 116hp. CVT is the only powertrain option, but both front- and all-wheel drive are offered. And like the latest Fit, the Euro HR-V and Vezel still have the Magic Seat. Additionally, an all-electric variant will be sold in China as e: NS1 and e: NP1. It is pictured above.
For the United States, HR-V is very different. It is now 9.4 inches longer than last time, plus 2.6 inches wider. Its platform is now also a mix of Civic and CR-V, with dimensions similar to Honda’s compact sedan/hatchback. The platform change also brings a more complex suspension with MacPherson struts up front and multi-link submersible rear suspension. It also chooses the Civic’s 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which makes 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The CVT is the only transmission available, but it can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. It doesn’t lose the Magic Seat, but has a nice flat-folding rear seat. This version will also be sold in China as the ZR-V, continuing the long tradition of HR-V models with countless global names.
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