Tokyo - Honda Motor Co today stepped up its drive into the
recreational vehicle market when it unveiled a new compact four-wheel-drive, the Honda
HR-V.
Based on the J-WJ concept car shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show,
the 1.6-litre HR-V is designed to be fun and functional, as well as safe and clean, and is
expected to enter the Australian marketplace in the first quarter of next year.
It becomes the first recreational vehicle to achieve the Low Emission Vehicle (LEV)
exhaust emissions standard.
It has a frontal crash structure that sets a new world standard for occupant crash
protection in its class, and also incorporates Honda’s new pedestrian safety
technologies to minimise injuries to pedestrians in an accident.
The 3-door HR-V fits into the Honda product range just below the 5-door CR-V.
It shares the same dual-pump Real Time four-wheel-drive system which uses simple
hydraulics to detect slip in the front wheels and activate a clutch to provide four-wheel
traction when needed.
A 1.6-litre, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine producing 77 kW of power and 140 Nm of
torque powers the HR-V. Engine performance has been optimised for exceptional response in
the low to mid rev ranges, providing acceleration performance comparable with 2.0-litre
competitors.
The engine uses Honda’s LEV technology to achieve exhaust emissions 90 per cent
cleaner than current Japanese regulations. Keys to this emissions performance are a
tumble-design cylinder head and a new 600-cell catalytic converter that drastically
reduces oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
Two transmissions are offered – a 5-speed manual and Honda’s stepless
MultiMatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
The new-generation CVT gains Honda’s Grade Logic Control to modify drive ratios
through electronic control of the CVT’s steel belt and pulleys to suit the driving
situation. Also, this transmission features selectable Drive and Sports modes which can be
operated by a press of a button on the steering wheel.
The CVT provides stepless ratio changes for smooth acceleration and optimum performance
and fuel economy.
The HR-V has a wide track and sporty suspension to provide excellent handling and
roadholding equal to a small coupe. The front suspension is McPherson strut, and the rear
suspension is a compact, five-link De Dion type, which reduces unsprung weight.
The Honda HR-V incorporates Honda’s latest body design advancements in crash
G-force control, achieving world’s highest standard of occupant protection for a
vehicle in its class.
These design features, which minimise body deformation while reducing peak G-force
impact on the occupants, are being introduced across a number of new Honda small cars.
The HR-V also features a world first in pedestrian safety protection. The bonnet,
wipers, mudguards and upper dashboard have all been designed with pedestrian safety in
mind.
For example, the bonnet is impact absorbent, while the wiper is fitted on a pivot slide
system to minimise head injuries.
Seat belts have a pretensioner with a three-point load limiter. This system tightens
the seat belt in the early stages of impact and then gradually reduces pressure around the
chest to minimise chest deflection.
Dual SRS airbags are standard, with a high seating position and spacious, quiet cabin
giving HR-V a solid, comfortable feel for all occupants.
The rear seat can be folded flat in one motion to accommodate long loads such as a
full-size snowboard, and the tailgate is a one-piece design for ease of operation.
The HR-V is scheduled for release in Australia in the first quarter of 1999.
HONDA HR-V SPECIFICATIONS
(Japanese model)
