The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by Honda spanning two generations. The first generation HR-V was based on the Honda Logo and sold in Europe, Japan and selective Asia-Pacific markets between 1999 and 2006. The second generation HR-V is based on the third-generation Honda Fit and went on sale in North America, Australia, Brazil, and selective Asian markets in 2015. The second generation HR-V is largely identical to the JDM Vezel which went on sale in late 2013.

The abbreviation HR-V, according to Honda's HR-V history website, officially stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle, while the other stands for Hip and Smart Runabout Vehicle. The HR-V was introduced to cater for the demand for vehicles with the benefits of SUVs (in particular its larger cousin CR-V), such as increased cargo room and higher visibility, along with the manoeuvrability, performance and fuel economy of a smaller car.

First generation (1999–2006)

The HR-V was built on the supermini platform used by the Honda Logo, while the larger CR-V was built on the Civic platform. Known as one of the earliest low emissions vehicles (in terms of nitrogen oxides) and unique character.

Designed as the "Wild and Joyful J-WJ" concept vehicle and exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997, the HR-V emerged as a futuristic and lightweight cross-country vehicle in 1998, exclusive to Honda dealership network called Honda Verno in Japan. The Honda HR-V was soon put into production due to its popularity, compliance with Japanese Government dimension regulations, and marketed toward a younger demographic as the "Joy Machine" in 1999. The HR-V was shipped to Europe with either a Honda D16W1 type 1.6L SOHC or a four-wheel drive SOHC VTEC Honda D16W5 type engine. An automatic continuously variable transmission gearbox was also an engine option, however, the main criticism of the HR-V was the lack of a diesel engine option. The three door versions were discontinued in 2003 and five door versions in 2006.

The Real Time 4WD system comes from the CR-V and utilizes a dual hydraulic pump rear differential, where the 4WD system is hydraulically activated when the front wheels lose traction. The HR-V also uses enhanced drive shafts and suspension. Variations were produced for Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Rim and for its home market of Japan. The HR-V was revised in 2002 with some exterior styling changes and a new interior. Ahead of its time in terms of design for pedestrian safety, the HR-V seats four people and includes modern safety features such as ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) airbags, as well as other features such as electric mirrors, electric windows, folding rear seats, power steering, heat absorbing windows, air conditioning, front fog lights and a rear spoiler housing an LED brake light array.

Second generation (2013–present)

The Honda Vezel is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Honda. The vehicle was first introduced to the Japanese market in late 2013, and made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 2014 with the revived name Honda HR-V. The HR-V nameplate has been carried over to other markets, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia and Canada. In Singapore, the official Honda distributor sells the HR-V, while the parallel imported version retains the name Vezel.

The design of Honda Vezel is based on Honda "Urban SUV Concept". “Vezel” is coined from “bezel”, the oblique faces of a cut gem, with the “V” for “vehicle.”

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. Japan models went on sale on 20 December 2013. The Vezel is available with two powertrains, as a conventional gasoline-powered and as hybrid electric vehicle. In Japan, it is regarded as a luxury vehicle as the width dimension exceeds Japanese Government dimension regulations, and Japanese buyers are liable for yearly taxes as a result. The Japanese road tax obligation is held to a more affordable tax bracket due to the engine displacement being held under the 2.0 L threshold.

The conventional Vezel is equipped with a 1.5-litre direct-injection DOHC i-VTEC inline-four engine coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and it is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

The Vezel hybrid version is equipped with Honda’s next-generation sport hybrid i-DCD system that combines a 130 hp (97 kW), 156 Nm (115 lb⋅ft) 1.5-liter direct-injection engine with a 30 hp (22 kW), 160 Nm (118 lb⋅ft) electric motor, Honda’s Real Time AWD, Reactive Force Pedal. The hybrid version fuel economy is 27.0 km/L (76.3 mpg‑imp; 63.5 mpg‑US) (3.7 L/100 km) in the Japanese JC08 cycle, while the gasoline version has a fuel economy of 20.6 km/l (58.2 mpg‑imp; 48.5 mpg‑US) (4.9 L/100 km) in the JC08 cycle.

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.

Malaysia Version

The HR-V was launched in Malaysia in February 2015 with three variants: S, E and V. All variants were updated in May 2016 where the previously offered 16" alloy wheels were swapped for 17". A limited 'Mugen' edition based of the V variant was launched in February 2018 and was limited to 1,020 units. Bookings open for the facelift version in July 2018 and in November 2018, a facelift HR-V was showcased during the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. In January 2019, the facelifted HR-V was launched with four variants: 1.8L E, 1.8L V, 1.8L RS and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. Malaysia became the only country outside of Japan to officially market the Vezel/HR-V hybrid.

Source: wikipedia