Where there’s smoke, there’s fire - or in car terms, when there’s a launch, there’ll be a flurry of spyshots and leaks to see. Case in point: this set of leaked patent images of the upcoming all-new 2021 Honda HR-V. 

Recall that the third-generation HR-V is only set to make its global debut next week on 18-February, so let's treat these images like a little secret between you and us, yeah?

Thanks to Vanhoe Rage, we now learn that the next-gen HR-V features a far cleaner look than the outgoing model, eschewing angular lines for a smooth, rounded figure. 

Gone are the bulbous headlamps and grille up front, replaced by a larger grille that’s flanked by a pair of LED headlights. 

Notice however that there are differences between the two front-ends - one sports a diamond-type grille, while the other has horizontal slats.

Their chin spoilers are different too - these differences could mean different variations, or market-specific aesthetics.

Along the sides, the raking roof and C-pillar-mounted door handles - design mainstays of the HR-V - remain. 

With sharper tail lights linked by a strip (could it be a Toyota Harrier-style light bar?), the rear end fluently completes the design.

Again - note the differences, one has a tougher-looking rear bumper, while the other gets a slimmer one in place.

As expected, the design harks back to the Honda SUV e:concept - just toned down a few notches. In fact, Theophilus Chin's renders from last year almost nails the looks.

Also read: Why do concept cars look so much better than normal cars?

To recap, the all-new HR-V - sold as the Vezel in Japan - is bound to make its global debut next week. Details are still cloudy, but we understand that some variants are very likely powered by Honda's trick i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

Other than that, we understand that it's likely to be fitted with a powered tailgate in addition to niceties like a dual-tone interior (like our Honda City) to match its blacked-out roof, as well as creature comforts such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.