Honda HR-V to ride again

Honda Australia has confirmed it will adopt the HR-V nameplate – last seen here on a small SUV launched 15 years ago – for its all-new compact SUV due on sale early next year.

Previewed by the Urban SUV concept at the 2013 Detroit motor show, the all-new Jazz-based SUV was launched last December in Japan as the Vezel.

It appeared in US-spec trim at last week’s New York motor show badges as the HR-V – a name Honda has now confirmed it will revive Down Under within 12 months.

The original HR-V, sold between 1999 and 2001, was powered by a frugal 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and was known as a Low Emission Vehicle because it produced 80 per cent less emissions than Australian regulations (ADR 37/01) at the time.

Like the first HR-V, the all-new pint-size SUV will be positioned beneath the $27,490-plus CR-V from below $25,000, to compete with the growing number of small SUVs including the Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 2008, Suzuki S-Cross and Nissan JUKE.

However, unlike the first HR-V, a pioneering small SUV that attracted just over 5000 buyers in three years, the 2015 model will be front-wheel drive-only in Australia.

The born-again HR-V is one of four key new models with which Honda last year said it hoped to return to selling 60,000 cars annually from next year, starting with the latest Accord launched last May.

While the HR-V was originally due here this year, the others include the new Odyssey released in February and an all-new City light sedan due later this month.

“The launch of the HR-V will boost the range of vehicles Honda offers in Australia and attract buyers in the small SUV market to the Honda brand,” said Honda Australia Director, Stephen Collins.

“It is fitting that the new small SUV will take the HR-V moniker as Honda enters the country’s fastest growing segment with a red-hot competitor.

“The HR-V is built on the new Jazz platform and will offer sporty, versatile characteristics. It will provide customers with a wider choice in the SUV market, complementing Honda’s medium SUV offering; the popular CR-V.”

Honda Australia is yet to confirm details of its version, which is likely to be produced in either Japan or Thailand, while North America’s version will be made in Mexico.

In Japan, the Vezel is available with front- and all-wheel drive and a choice of petrol or petrol-electric hybrid propulsion.

Like the Jazz, powertrain options could include 1.3- and 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol engines, plus a 1.6-litre diesel from Europe’s CR-V and even a 1.3-litre hybrid.