Honda has just teased the upcoming HR-V e:HEV, but North Americans won’t get the exact same vehicle.
Instead, the U.S. and Canada will get a version of the HR-V that differs from the one offered in other markets, according to two Honda spokespeople. We have confirmed this difference with both the American and Canadian press offices.
“The development of a successor to the Honda HR-V for the U.S. market is underway,” a Honda U.S.A representative told CarScoops. “This new HR-V will be designed to meet the distinct needs of U.S. customers, and will differ from the Honda Vezel/HR-V that will be introduced in other regions. Honda will have more information to share regarding the next-generation Honda HR-V designed for the U.S. market closer to launch.”
“I can’t say much right now but similar to the U.S, the development of a successor to the Honda HR-V for the Canadian market is underway,” said a Honda Canada spokesperson. “This new HR-V will be designed to meet the distinct needs of Canadians, and will differ from the Honda Vezel/HR-V that will be introduced in some other countries.”
Also Read: Honda To Reveal All-New HR-V With Hybrid Powertrain Next Month
Exactly what those changes mean remains to be seen. The HR-V teased for the European market is part of a push that Honda has undertaken to electrify its entire lineup for the continent. As a result, it will pair an electric motor with a internal combustion engine. The exact details of its drivetrain have not yet been revealed, though it will join the Jazz and the CR-V in the brand’s electrified range.
Although Honda does offer a reasonably-priced hybrid in the U.S. and Canada with the Insight, the subcompact crossover segment does not have many hybrid competitors. The price-conscious market makes adding batteries and electric motors tricky, though not impossible.
We won’t know exactly what changes Hondais planning until closer to the North American HR-V’s launch date. Unfortunately, the company has not provided information about when that will be; the European version, meanwhile, will be unveiled on February 18.