2016 Honda HR-V Debuts at LA Auto Show
Journalists come on stage to check out the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V crossover as it makes its American debut
The 2016 Honda HR-V debuted yesterday at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, becoming the first all-new Honda model in years. Although essentially just an American version of the Japanese automaker’s Vezel, Honda’s latest offering in the entry crossover market will act as a little brother to the brand’s larger CR-V SUV.
Built in the same Mexican manufacturing plant and on the same platform as the Honda Fit, the HR-V is 9.1 inches longer, 3.2 inches taller, and 2.8 inches fatter than the appropriately slimmer Fit. The HR-V also shares the Fit’s space-saving Magic Seat, endowing it with up to 100.1 cubic feet of passenger space and, with the second row seats folded down, 58.8 cu. ft. of cargo room.
Honda VP Jeff Conrad introducing the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V subcompact crossover
“The new HR-V crossover is a true segment-busting vehicle, unlike anything else on the market today,” said American Honda senior vice president Jeff Conrad. “It’s got all the essential elements of our Honda DNA, our packaging innovation, fuel-efficient powertrain technology, leading safety technology and, above all, Honda quality, to make this an incredibly compelling, sporty and value-packed new member of the Honda family.”
To see Conrad talk about the HR-V while it makes its fog-machine-filled premiere, skip to the 10:30 mark of the video below (or, go ahead and watch the first ten minutes, if you’re really anxious to see Honda VP John Mendel talk about Honda’s investment in hydrogen refueling):
2016 Honda HR-V Debuts at LA Auto Show
The 2016 Honda HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that yields 138 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is paired with a CVT, or a 6-speed manual for two-wheel-drive models. Though Honda’s press release promises the HR-V will boast “class-leading fuel economy ratings,” no official mileage figures have been released yet.
Related info: 2015 Honda CR-V Wins Motor Trend SUV of the Year
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When the 2016 Honda HR-V goes on sale in the spring of 2015, it will be available in LX, EX, and EX-L trim levels (expect a starting MSRP of around $20,000 for the base LX).
And now, for all you subcompact crossover-devotees who can’t get enough of the 2016 Honda HR-V, here’s twelve minutes of silent b-roll footage of one driving around:
Boy, look at that sucker go, huh?
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