Honda has introduced the refreshed 2023 HR-V borrowing lots of design cues from the popular Civic. That doesn’t come as a surprise because the new HR-V is underpinned on the Civic platform and even uses one of its powertrains. Our biggest complaint is that the engine is non-turbo.
2023 Honda HR-V Preview
Trim Levels
The new 2023 HR-V is accessible in three variants – LX, Sport, and EX-L – where the entry-level model goes for $24,895 (including a $1,245 destination fee). The Sport costs $26,895 and the EX-L demands $28,695 at least.
Exterior Design
The previous HR-V was notorious for its awkward proportions and an oddly inclined tailgate. However, all of those are now flattened and now we see an elegantly designed compact crossover with LED lights, black trim, and noticeable fenders.
The Sport model has a few styling elements of its own such as 18-inch black wheels, a black spoiler, a bigger exhaust tip, and a curvy front grille. We also hope to have a TrailSport model for the new HR-V.
The 2023 HR-V has grown in proportions with an increase of 9.4 inches in length to 179.8 inches and the wheelbase extended by 1.7 inches to 104.5 inches. However, it is weird the stretch decreases the rear legroom from 39.3 to 37.7 inches and only adds 0.1 cubic feet to the cargo compartment. That said, the backseats feel roomier than before with bigger windows for better visibility.
Powertrain
Honda offers just one powertrain for the new HR-V borrowed from the Civic. It is a 2.0-liter inline-4 generating 158 hp, mating to a continuously variable transmission. The front-wheel-drive is standard while the optional all-wheel-drive demands $1,500 more. The AWD system is torquier than before for the rear wheels, improving the dynamics and the crossover gets a new Snow mode for better performance in slippery conditions.
Interior
The interior looks similar to the Civic, and gives a much more upmarket feel than rivals. The entry-level LX and Sport models get a 7.0-inches infotainment touchscreen while the range-topping model has a bigger 9.0-inch display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The front seats are very comfortable for long journeys.
There are two USP ports on both sides of the front seats for easy charging and a new 7.0-inch instrument cluster, which isn’t fully digital, unlike the Civic.
Safety
The 2023 Honda HR-V gets big on safety thanks to automatic forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, active lane control, and traffic sign recognition. The blind spot monitoring system is regular for the Sport and the top-of-the-line variant, which also comes with front and rear parking sensors.
The new Honda HR-V is certainly an improved model with a bigger size and more tech inside. The Civic underpinnings would also help the crossover drive better and become more stable on the road.
Honda is also working to introduce the updated CR-V and Pilot models soon. Meantime, you should know the 2022 HR-V sells at AED 70,900 here.
Source and Pictures: Motor Authority