Hondas compact family SUV is in its 3rd generation. Can the new HR-V eHEV tow?

Hondas compact family SUV is in its 3rd generation.  Can the new HR-V eHEV tow?

Honda has worked hard to improve this new car in almost every area compared to the previous version.

The subcompact crossover boasts an ultra-modern look that Honda describes as a “coupe-inspired design” and is full of the latest technology inside.

In what seems like a recent trend, the HR-V includes a huge grille with horizontal slats that blends in nicely with the bumper and slender headlights on each side.   It boasts a sportier look with a roofline slightly arched towards the rear, ending with a roof-mounted spoiler. 
At the back, we can see that the taillights have also become slimmer and are now joined by a light strip at the upper part, separated by the Honda logo. The license plate holder has moved further down and the reflectors were repositioned in the diffuser that sports a simpler design.

It’s now 40mm longer, which translates to 35mm extra knee room for passengers sitting in the rear.  The cabin is overall considered super spacious as the fuel tank has been cleverly packaged to allow for more interior space. 

Inside and you are presented with a neat, uncluttered environment. Build quality is excellent and feels as well built as anything else in the class. 

The dashboard design and layout is all-new and incorporates a tablet-style infotainment system in the middle, right above the HVAC controls with three rotating knobs. The air vents are more discreet and the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is much slimmer.

It’s backed up by Honda’s latest infotainment system, which is aeons ahead of what the previous HR-V has previously been shipped with.

HR-V’s petrol/electric set-up is very clever. it feels like a fully electric vehicle. Moving off from a standstill is silky smooth.  Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre petrol engine, but for the most part, this only serves to act as a generator for the battery and motor. In fully electric this motor/generator can be decoupled altogether, while under hard acceleration its energy isn’t transferred through a gearbox, but as a direct drive.

The e:HEV hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors for total outputs of 96kW and 253Nm.
Claimed fuel economy is 5.4L/100km on the WLTP test cycle, and the e:HEV hits 100km/h in 10.6 seconds.

The Hybrid HR-V has unfortunately not been rated to tow.  The good news is we do have a bike carrier only towbar available so that you can take your bikes along on trips - rated to the max Honda allows on the chassis - you can load up to 60kgs onto the ball.

The HR-V retains Honda’s clever Magic Seats, while new options include a panoramic roof, surround-view camera and a power tailgate.

A Honda Digital Key app allows you to unlock your HR-V using your smartphone, while the satellite navigation system’s maps can now be updated over-the-air.

The adaptive cruise control has a traffic jam function, while other safety features include collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping support, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot information, multi-view camera system and hill-descent control.

Practical, well-built and frugal, the HR-V ticks many of the compact SUV boxes.  Need to take your bikes along on the next family weekend away.  Why not fit our HR-V bike carrier towbar.  Order today.