The Japanese automaker has released the first design sketches of the upcoming 2023 Honda HR-V SUV. The model might debut in its production avatar towards the end of this year. Initially, the new HR-V will be sold in North America, followed by other global markets.
One must note that there is no official word on its India launch. If reports are to be believed, the company is planning to bring in a mid-size SUV for the Indian market that will arrive in the second half of 2023. Based on the Honda RS concept, the upcoming model will be placed against the cars like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and MG Astor.
The official sketches reveal that the new 2023 Honda HR-V features a large octagonal grille with S-shaped mesh design and bigger and squarish headlamps than before. The front bumper appears more prominent with faux inlets at each side. Compared to the existing model, the new one has larger wraparound taillamps, wider tailgate and sportier bumper with black cladding. It will be longer than before and have extra luggage space to offer.
The new Honda HR-V, which is currently in its testing phase, will be based on the new Civic sedan. The spy images confirm that the SUV will carry LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, blacked out pillars, black alloy wheels and a tapering roofline. Its interior layout and features might also be similar to the new Civic. The new Honda SUV could be offered with a full digital instrument console, a large touchscreen infotainment system with latest smarphone connectivity, connected car tech, dual zone climate control, a multi functional steering wheel, leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
For power, the new 2023 Honda HR-V might use the 1.5L, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with the brand’s e:HEV strong hybrid system. The gasoline unit makes a top power of 182bhp at 6,000rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1,700rpm. It could be offered with a standard CVT automatic gearbox.
