Honda HR-V e:HEV is the newest car launched by the Japanese manufacturer. Its horizontal and forward-orientated character lines and smooth surfaces reflect the clean simplicity of other recent new Honda models, with exterior design features incorporated into the body shape. For example, the headlights and front grille blend into the front quarter panels and seamlessly integrate with the unique body-coloured upper grille.
At the rear, the desire to achieve a combination of utility and aesthetics is evident in the simple, elegant tailgate design, which neatly integrates the tailgate door handle within the three-dimensional rear panel. The tailgate aperture, lower tailgate edge and low, flat cargo floor all work in unison to provide easy loading access, despite the coupe-inspired roofline.
The cut lines are aligned and minimised as much as possible to avoid shadows, and have been removed entirely from the door handles. This attention to detail is also apparent where the two licence plate lights, tailgate handle and rear camera are all simply integrated into one unit. This contributes to the clean overall styling and is reflective of other recent Honda models, where the desire for simplicity in detail results in a more elegant design.
Inside the new HR-V, every design element is dedicated to achieving a sense of generous spaciousness and airiness that connects occupants to the outside world. This begins with windows that are designed to admit as much light as possible, with the excellent outward visibility further aided by the horizontally oriented instrumental panel and flat line of the bonnet for noiseless visibility, leading to additional comfort while driving.
The sense of airiness is amplified by unique L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard. These are designed to deliver the restorative effects of a breeze while addressing shortcomings of traditional vent configurations, where passengers often feel uncomfortable with air flowing directly onto them. The system subtly directs a stream of air along the side windows and the front windshield to the roof, creating a vortex beside and above occupants. The effect of these new vents creates a comfortable internal environment for all.
The rear seats have been given an additional recline compared to the previous generation HR-Vincreasing passenger comfort and space. Crucially, although overall vehicle dimensions are similar to the previous model, the new HR-V offers greater leg room and shoulder space, for an enhanced feeling of spaciousness and comfort. To maintain clever packaging and a low boot floor height, Honda engineers carefully configured the versatility of the fully flat cargo space and seat arrangement to enable the easy loading of a wide variety of luggage, bicycles and other sports and lifestyle-related equipment.
