What's the news?
It's the return of the 'Joy Machine' - Honda is bringing back the HR-V name, last seen in 2006, on its new small SUV. Well, at least we think it is; the HR-V has been announced for the US, although the name is 'still to be determined for Europe'.
The HR-V was launched at the New York Auto Show alongside the Fit, which is going on sale in the US. We know this car as the Jazz, of course, meaning the US market is clearly becoming more and more important for the sales of smaller cars. Honda says the all-new Jazz and baby SUV will be launched in Europe in 2015, with more details on specification, engines and that nameplate decision confirmed closer to the time.
As the first generation HR-V was based on the Logo city car (and not the Civic, like the bigger CR-V always has been), the new machine is built on the Jazz floorpan. We do know that the car will have a centre-line fuel tank to ensure there's masses of space inside, and it will also have the Magic Seats seen in the Civic, which allow for multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the back bench completely flat for added cargo space.
Anything else?
All cars in both product lines destined for US buyers will be built at a new North American manufacturing facility in Celaya, Mexico, but European HR-Vs (or whatever they're going to be called) will most likely be built in Japan, as that's where Jazzes for our market are put together.
Matt Robinson - 24 Apr 2014