Honda Australia has announced specifications for the all-new HR-V company crossover. The new model will take on the likes of the Mitsubishi ASX, Holden Trax, and Nissan QASHQAI.
Under the HR-V’s skin will sit a 1.8-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine producing 105kW and 172Nm, and Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ constantly variable transmission (there’s currently no word on the availability of a manual transmission).
Honda Australia will launch three models: the VTi, VTi-S, and VTi-L. Starting with the VTi, standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, Honda’s ‘Magic’ one-touch folding rear seat design, halogen headlights with bulb-type daytime running lights, a seven-inch display audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-mode multi-angle reversing camera.
Stepping up into the VTi-S sees larger 17-inch wheels, smart entry with push button start, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, roof rails, a leather steering wheel, City-Brake Active system, LaneWatch blind spot monitoring, and rain-sensing wipers.
If you want even more kit, the VTi-L adds paddle shifters, leather-appointed seats, a panoramic glass roof, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, privacy glass, a rear seat arm rest, and chrome door handles. Finally there’s the VTi-L with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System), which adds forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and high-beam support system.
Honda no doubt hopes the HR-V will help bring a lift to its dwindling SUV sales, with the CR-V model down 25.9 per cent on last year’s year-to-date figures. The reinstallment of the HR-V to Australia will mark the first time the model has been on sale locally since 2001. Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said,
“The HR-V features a number of new technologies that we are introducing to our range. With a choice of four variants and loads of specification, there’s an HR-V to suit just about everyone.”
Local pricing is set to be announced closer to the HR-V’s launch in February 2015.
