The first generation HR-V, based on theHonda Logo, was marketed from 1999 to 2006 in Europe, Japan and select Asia-Pacific markets, in either three-door (1999–2003) or five-door (1999–2006) configurations — internally designated GH2 and GH4 respectively.
After a seven-year hiatus, Honda reintroduced the nameplate for the second generation HR-V, based on thethird-generation Honda Fit. Production began in late 2013 for theJapanese domestic market as theHonda Vezel (Japanese:ホンダ・ヴェゼル,Hepburn:Honda Vezeru), while production started in 2015 for North America, Australia, Brazil and select Asian markets as the HR-V. Apart from Japan, the model is also sold as the Vezel in China.
For the third-generation model, the nameplate is split between two different vehicles, one for the global market (sold as the Vezel in Japan), and a larger model based on theeleventh-generation Civic destined for North America and China. The latter model is sold outside those markets as theHonda ZR-V.
According to Honda, the name "HR-V" stands for "Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle",[1] while the name "Vezel" is coined from "bezel", the oblique faces of a cut gem, with the "V" for "vehicle".[2]
The HR-V debuted as theJ-WJconcept, one of the four concepts in Honda'sJ-Mover Series unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show and the 1998 Geneva Motor Show. With minimal changes from the concept, the HR-V was marketed exclusively in Japan via Honda'sVerno dealership network, aimed at a young demographic. The HR-V was subsequently marketed in Europe with either a HondaD16W1 type 1.6-litreSOHC (FWD or 4WD) or a SOHCVTEC HondaD16W5 type engine (exclusively 4WD). Acontinuously variable transmission was optional.
The HR-V shared its platform with theHonda Logo, and was manufactured inSuzuka, Japan. The all-wheel drive configuration was initially available in a three-door body in February 1999 and was internally designated the GH2. In September 1999, Honda introduced a front-wheel drive, three door variant. Five door models were designated GH4 and were introduced in March 2000. At this time, Honda offered a 123 bhp (125 PS; 92 kW) VTEC engine option for both the three and five-door four-wheel drive models. Neither a five-door front-wheel drive, or a front-wheel drive model with the VTEC engine were marketed.
The five-door was 110 mm longer overall, with a 100 mm longer wheelbase (2,460 mm). Suspension on all models was via MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-linkDe Dion-type rear suspension.[3]
In advance of European pedestrian protection legislation, the HR-V was designed to minimize pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact. Equipment featuredABS brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) airbags, as well as folding power mirrors, power windows, folding rear seats, power steering, heat absorbing glazing, air conditioning, front fog lights and a rear spoiler with an LED centre high-mounted brake light. A 285-litre cargo area was equipped with cargo hooks, a subdivided underfloor compartment, and 50:50 split-fold rear seats. Options included body colour roof rails and a large rear roof spoiler.[4]
The Real Time 4WD system, shared with theCR-V, uses a dual hydraulic pump rear differential where the 4WD system is hydraulically activated when the front wheels lose traction. The HR-V was noted for its lownitrous oxide emissions.[5]
The HR-V received an exterior and interior facelift for the 2002 model year.[6]
The second generation HR-V was previewed as the Urban SUV Concept which was unveiled at the2013 North American International Auto Show. The concept version was said to be based on Honda's Global Compact Series, which includes theHonda Fit subcompact and theHonda City subcompact sedan.[11][12]
The vehicle was unveiled in November 2013 at theTokyo Motor Show as the Vezel.[13] Based on theHonda Fit platform, at the time of its introduction it was the smallest SUV from Honda, below theCR-V.[14] The exterior design of the crossover is inspired bycoupés with its sloping roof, and a unique design element like hidden rear door handles.[15]
In terms of practicality, at its release in Europe, Honda claimed the HR-V offers 453 L (16.0 cu ft) of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,026 L (36.2 cu ft) with the rear seats down.[16] While in the North America, the HR-V is said to have 24.3 cu ft (690 L) with the rear seats up, and 58.8 cu ft (1,670 L) with the rear seats folded.[17] Honda has described its cabin as "exceptionally versatile," due to the inclusion the Magic Seats system carried over from the Fit which enables the lower part of the rear seat to be folded up to carry tall items.
The HR-V's body uses 27% ultra-high-strength steel grades, of either of 780, 980 or 1,500 MPayield strength.[18]
The Brazil-market HR-V, assembled locally at Honda's plant in the state of São Paulo and also imported from Argentina, went on sale in first-quarter 2015 as a 2016 model.[19][20][21][22][23] For the first nine months of 2015, Honda's production in Brazil was reported to increase by 20 percent as a result of the launch of HR-V compared with a 20% drop for the industry.[24]
On 21 May 2020, the last HR-V rolled out the assembly line of the Argentinian plant, marking the closure of the plant.[25][26] This means Brazil is the only producer of the HR-V in South America.
In China, the vehicle is manufactured and marketed by two separate joint ventures with different names and cosmetic changes.Guangqi Honda revealed the vehicle with the Vezel nameplate in October 2014.[27] It is mostly identical with the global model. Inside, the dual-tone interior features black and orange finish instead of a full grey theme.
In November 2014,Dongfeng Honda released its own version called theHonda XR-V.[28] Previewed by the XR-V Concept in September 2014, it features a redesigned front and rear fascia and door panel sheet metals as it is positioned as a more aggressive looking vehicle.[29][30] In the rear end, the taillights have been replaced with narrower, LED lights that span the entire width of the rear end. The interior is slightly different from the Vezel with the horizontal HVAC vents replaced by round vents. Both the Vezel and XR-V are powered with a 1.5-litre or 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engines.
Honda revealed the facelifted XR-V in February 2020 featuring an updated front fascia and rear bumper. The engine options of the facelift model includes a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine and a 1.5-litre i-VTECnaturally aspirated engine.[31]
The firstbattery electric version of the Honda Vezel was marketed by Guangqi Honda as theEverus VE-1 in China, based on the Everus EV concept. The production model debuted in November 2019.[32] The electric version of the Honda XR-V was marketed by Dongfeng Honda as theCiimo X-NV, based on the X-NV Concept. Production began in October 2019.[33] Another electric version released by Dongfeng Honda is theCiimo M-NV which was revealed in November 2020 which sports a new front and rear fascia design, and a completely redesigned interior with a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster and push-button gear selector.[34]
The HR-V was unveiled in the European market in September 2014 as the HR-V Prototype.[35] The specs was further detailed in February 2015, and it went on sale in September 2015.[36][37]
In Indonesia, the HR-V was revealed as a prototype model at the 22ndIndonesia International Motor Show on 18 September 2014,[38] and was launched on 24 January 2015 as a locally assembled model.[39] It is offered with 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre engine options. The 1.5-litre option were available in the base model A with manual transmission, slightly more equipped S with either manual or CVT7, and the CVT7 only E trim. The only trim available for 1.8-litre variant is the Prestige which is equipped with LED projector headlights withdaytime running lights, two-tone alloy wheels, full leather interior and panoramic roof. Mugen body kits were optional for the 1.5 E and 1.8 Prestige variants.
The facelifted HR-V was launched at the26th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 2 August 2018.[40] The 1.5 S and 1.5 E trims received projector headlights, while the 1.5 E Special Edition and 1.8 Prestige received full LED headlights and LED fog lights. The 1.5 A trim was dropped.
The Japanese Vezel models went on sale on 20 December 2013.[41] The Vezel was available with two powertrains, as a conventional petrol-powered and ashybrid electric vehicle.[2] In Japan, the hybrid version was expected to account for 90 percent of the Vezel sales.[42] Its width dimension exceeds Japanese governmentdimension regulations (1,700 mm) which means Japanese buyers are liable for extra yearly taxes as a result.
The Vezel hybrid version is equipped with Honda's next-generation sport hybrid i-DCD system that combines a 96 kW (131 PS), 156 N⋅m (115 lb⋅ft) 1.5-litre direct injection engine with a 22 kW (30 PS), 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) electric motor, Honda's Real Time AWD, Reactive Force Pedal. The hybrid version fuel economy is 27.0 km/L (3.7 L/100 km; 76.3 mpg‑imp; 63.5 mpg‑US) in theJapanese JC08 cycle, while the petrol version has a fuel economy of 20.6 km/L (4.9 L/100 km; 58.2 mpg‑imp; 48.5 mpg‑US) in the JC08 cycle.[2]
The facelifted model was unveiled on 25 January 2018 in Japan and released later on 15 February 2018. It features a revised chrome bar grille and LED headlamps both being similar to Honda Civic, thin chrome garnish strip on the rear trunk and updated front bumper.[43]
The HR-V was launched in Malaysia in February 2015 as a locally assembled model with three trim levels: S, E and V.[44] All variants were updated in May 2016 where the previously offered 16 inch alloy wheels were swapped for 17 inch.[45] A limited Mugen edition based on the V trim was launched in February 2018 and was limited to 1,020 units.[46] Bookings open for the facelift version in July 2018[47] and in November 2018, a facelift HR-V was showcased during the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.[48] In January 2019, the facelifted HR-V was launched with four trims: 1.8 E, 1.8 V, 1.8 RS and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. Malaysia became the only country outside of Japan to officially market the Vezel/HR-V hybrid.[49]
The second-generation Honda HR-V debuted at the2014 New York International Auto Show as a concept car, with the production model unveiled later at the2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The HR-V was introduced in the United States in 2015 as a 2016 model. It shares the sameplatform as the third-generationFit and is largely identical to the Vezel, which went on sale in Japan in December 2013. The HR-V is smaller than bothCR-V andPilot, again (after the demise ofElement) giving Honda a model range with three crossover SUVs.[50]
The US-market HR-V is manufactured at Honda'sCelaya, Mexico assembly plant alongside the related Fit and went on sale in May 2015 as a 2016 model. It is powered by a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTECI4 engine mated either to aCVT7 transmission similar to theCivic or a 6-speed manual transmission (front-wheel drive only).[51]
In 2018, for the 2019 model year, Honda announced the mid-cycle refresh for the HR-V. It features a revised chrome bar grille being similar to Honda Civic and new headlamp design featuring a single projector lens with DRLs or full LED headlamp similar to the Civic Touring, updated bumper design and overhead roof rails. There were two headlight options as well; full LED headlights for the touring trim, or halogen projector headlights for the other trims. On the interior, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has been made available. The head unit was updated and features a volume knob replacing the volume slider.Honda Sensing is standard on EX trims and higher. Although the manual transmission is no longer available, Honda tweaked the CVT7 transmission as well as the optional all-wheel drive system. Two new trim levels for the HR-V, Sport and Touring, were added to the trim lineup, trims ranged from LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring.[52]
The HR-V was launched on 9 June 2015 and it was offered in three trim levels: S, E and EL. All models are only offered with the 1.8-litre engine matted with a CVT transmission.[53]
The facelifted HR-V was launched on 24 August 2018 and it is offered in two trim levels: 1.8 E and 1.8 RS.[54]
In Singapore, the official Honda distributor sells the HR-V, while the parallel imported version retains the name Vezel.[55]
Parallel importers brought in the petrol, RS and hybrid versions, while the official Honda distributor only brought the 1.5 petrol version in DX and LX trim levels.
The HR-V was introduced in Taiwan in October 2016 and is only available with the 1.8-litre engine. It comes in three different trims, the VTi, VTi-S and S. All models feature a CVT transmission, with the VTi featuring seven gear ratios (including L), whereas the VTi-S and S have five gear ratios.[56] For the 2019 refresh, the VTi model was discontinued. The refresh also brought the CVT gearbox to the VTi-S model, as well as several other minor tweaks, like 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16-inch). The S trim was updated with full LED lights, an updated entertainment system with improved reversing camera and a few other minor tweaks.
The HR-V was launched in Pakistan in 2016 but was later discontinued owing to poor sales. Despite being a global model, Honda did not market the second-generation HR-V in India where it has significant operations, citing uncompetitive pricing compared to its rivals and potentially high investment for the localization of components.[59] A Honda executive cited an example of the crossover's electric parking brake which comes standard with the vehicle that would inflate the cost, while the vehicle was not designed with a manual handbrake in mind. Honda offered the cheaperBrio-basedBR-V and the Fit/Jazz-basedWR-V instead.[60] The company has started a project from late 2017 to produce and market the second-generation HR-V in India from December 2019, only to be shelved again due to low sales forecast.[61][62]
Vezel Hybrid produced in Japan from July 2013 through February 2014 were recalled due to a problem with the software program controlling the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) which could cause a delay in the ability to begin driving or the inability to move at all.[66]
Honda recalled 160,000 Fit subcompact and Vezel sport-utility vehicles, manufactured from August 2013 through February 2016 in Japan, because of defective power steering and a part that controls the electric current in the vehicles. The recall does not affect any Honda models sold abroad.[67]
The second-generation Vezel/third-generation HR-V was unveiled on 18 February 2021 in Japan, with sales commenced in Japan on 22 April 2021. The internal combustion model is based on the Honda Global Small Car platform sharing its platform with thefourth-generation Fit/Jazz/Life and theseventh-generation City/Ballade.[68]
Abattery electric version of the third-generation HR-V was revealed in China in October 2021 as theHonda e:NS1 ande:NP1, which is manufactured byDongfeng Honda andGuangqi Honda respectively. Both are based on the e:N Architecture F platform used for smaller, front-wheel drive battery electric vehicles.[69] Outside China, the battery electric model is marketed as thee:Ny1 in Europe ande:N1 in Asian and New Zealand markets.[70][71]
The facelifted model was unveiled on 14 March 2024. Changes include an updated front fascia design and new LED graphics for the rear taillights, new exterior colours, the interior received minor changes, the e:HEV model received an updated energy management control and new safety features included in the Honda Sensing safety system.[72]
A separate North American HR-V model was unveiled on 4 April 2022 and went on sale on 7 June 2022 for the 2023 model year.[73][74] Based on the Honda Architecture (HA) platform shared with theCivic (eleventh generation) and categorised as asubcompact crossover SUV,[75][76] it was sold outside of North America, such as in China (as the ZR-V and HR-V) and Europe (as the ZR-V) to positioned between the globalHR-V model and theCR-V. Chinese models are produced by bothGuangqi Honda (ZR-V) andDongfeng Honda (HR-V) respectively.[77]
^"Honda HRV 4x4 Review and Specs". Gumtree.The HRV was a revolutionary vehicle for safety features and included such devices as ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EDF), and dual front SRS airbags. The engine was also one of the most advanced clean engines of the time with low nitrous oxide emissions.
^Churan, Zhou (16 November 2018)."【图】2018广州车展:理念VE-1补贴后售17.08万_汽车之家" [2018 Guangzhou Auto Show: Concept VE-1 sold for RMB 170,800 after subsidies].Auto Home (in Chinese).
^"【国産乗用車編】2020年12月＆2020年1月～12月の登録車新車販売台数ランキング15を一挙公開！12月度も累計も全てトヨタ新型ヤリスが圧勝！ | ページ 2" [[Domestic passenger cars] The top 15 new registered car sales rankings for December 2020 and January to December 2020 are now available! The new Toyota Yaris wins by a landslide in both December and cumulative sales! | Page 2].Creative Trend (in Japanese). 8 January 2021. Retrieved12 January 2021.
^Rahadiansyah, Rangga (23 January 2020)."20 Mobil Terlaris 2019" [20 of Indonesia's Best Selling Cars in 2019].Detik.com (in Indonesian). Indonesia: Trans Media. Retrieved24 January 2020.
^Pool (16 January 2022)."20 Mobil Terlaris 2021, Avanza Juaranya" [20 Best-Selling Cars in 2021, Avanza is The Champion].Detik.com (in Indonesian). Indonesia: Trans Media. Retrieved16 January 2022.
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