April 23, 2021

The 2022 Honda HR-V Hides A Dirty Little Secret


Honda may be sharing more than just the City’s platform when it comes to the all-new HR-V. Apparently, it’s also getting the sub-compact sedan’s engine too.

When Honda held the global debut of the all-new HR-V (aka Vezel) in February, it focused, rightfully so, on the e:HEV dual motor hybrid set-up. This was, apparently to tuck away one dirty little secret, and that’s down to the HR-V’s non-hybrid engine.



Offered in Japan, the HR-V gets the City’s L15Z 1.5-liter DOHC-equipped i-VTEC engine. The normally aspirated motor gets 118 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque—figures which are fairly close to the City, but are way down compared to the current HR-V. The CVT though has been recalibrated with shorter ratios to compensate for the added weight, says Honda, and this results in 17 km/L for fuel efficiency.

On the flipside, the e:HEV variant which pairs a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder with more powerful electric motors output boost the output to 131 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. This version does about 25 km/L.



It’s currently unknown whether Honda will offer the same engine for the HR-V destined for the ASEAN market, but it’s more likely that it’ll gain a larger engine—perhaps carrying over the current 1.8-liter or gaining a possible small displacement turbo.

Regardless of powertrain, expect the global HR-V to pretty much stay the same.

Depending on the variant, Honda has shown more treatments to the HR-V’s controversial grille, some sprouting a more conventional looking design. Regardless though, Honda says the HR-V benefits from the brand’s R&D facility in Sakura—the same one that helps develop engines for the two Honda-powered F1 teams.


Inside, the HR-V gets a minimalist horizontal dashboard also seen in the City. Unique to Honda’s crossover though are the L-shaped corner vents which diffuse airflow by directing it along the windshield and side windows to the roof, improving passenger comfort. There are traditional rear air vents at the back, too. There’s also a larger fixed panoramic glass roof that uses special glass to minimize infrared and ultraviolet light penetration.

The 2022 HR-V frees up an extra 35 mm of rear legroom, and the rear seats have also been reclined by a further two degrees for added comfort. Other neat features include sliding front sun visors, touch-controlled map lights and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Will you settle for a Honda HR-V powered by the City’s 1.5-liter engine, or do you think it could use more power?


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