The Uniquely Personal and Functional 2016 Honda HR-V Launches in July Bringing a Shot of Energy to Growing Subcompact SUV Market

With bold and sporty coupe-like styling, SUV versatility, 6.7L/100 km  highway fuel economy rating (2WD CVT), and Honda packaging magic, the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V is set to challenge the growing subcompact SUV market when it hits Honda dealerships across Canada on July 10. The all-new Honda HR-V crossover will deliver incredible value with a long list of standard features and technologies including 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Display Audio System, rearview camera with guidelines,  and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®¹ – all for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at just $ 20,690.

Available in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims, the 2016 HR-V is powered by a highly refined and efficient 1.8-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC® engine producing a peak 141 horsepower² and 127 lb.-ft. of torque³. The engine is paired with one of two efficient and responsive Honda transmissions, a seamless and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT), available on all models, or an engaging, short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, available on LX and EX models with 2WD.The HR-V also targets class-leading safety ratings and features Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision protection. The HR-V is expected to achieve top safety ratings: an NCAP five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Developed on the new global platform, the HR-V utilizes a centre-mounted fuel tank layout and reconfigurable 2nd-Row Magic Seat® to deliver voluminous interior space along with a flexible cabin featuring multiple seating/cargo modes. With 2835Litres of passenger space and 1665Litres of cargo volume (LX FWD) with the 2nd-Row seats folded down, the HR-V has space to rival some competitors' compact SUV offerings.

The HR-V's dynamic appearance and sporty, solid stance is aided by its coupe-like cabin shape and bold and powerfully tapered face. Distinctive side contours, including a sharply upswept character line and deeply sculpted lower body flow into a tapered rear fascia that adds to the visual appeal. Concealed rear door handles further enhance the HR-V's coupe-like appearance.

The equally sporty and sophisticated interior features an expansive, airy cockpit with an abundance of soft-touch materials and premium detailing punctuated by precise bezels, sophisticated stitch lines and up-market brushed chrome and piano black highlights – all fitting its mission as a youthful yet refined personal crossover vehicle. The three-meter driver's instrument cluster features "floating" illumination rings and Honda's ECO Assist™ feature, wherein the speedometer illumination changes from white to green depending on current fuel efficiency.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Power comes from a highly refined and responsive 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain, producing a peak 141 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is mated to a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda "G-design" shift logic, or a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (LX and EX FWD). The HR-V is available with front-wheel-drive or with Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ for outstanding all-weather traction and control.

Body and Chassis

The HR-V utilizes a unique centre-mounted fuel tank layout that enables the 2nd-Row Magic Seat® to fold completely flat into the floor, creating a more spacious and versatile interior package. Driving efficiency, handling performance and cabin quietness are further aided by an aerodynamic shape and a lightweight yet rigid body structure with significant noise-insulating materials and design features. The body utilizes Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision protection, and 27 percent of the body is composed of advanced ultra-high strength steel for improved rigidity that enhances collision-protection, handling response, ride quality and a quiet cabin environment.

Fully independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension systems with amplitude reactive dampers maximize rear seating and cargo space while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality. Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides a refined and sporty steering feel while minimizing energy requirements. All models feature power-assisted four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Hill Start Assist, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 215/55R17 all-season tires.

Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology

Utilizing advanced safety technologies and design features, including Honda's next-generation ACE™ body structure, the HR-V is expected to achieve top-class collision safety performance ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the rigorous IIHS small-overlap frontal collision test.

Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®⁶)electronic stability control system; an Expanded View Driver's Mirror; a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera⁷; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; driver and front passenger SmartVent® side airbags; side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions;. Honda LaneWatch®⁹ display is included with EX and EX-L Navi trims. Furthermore EX-L Navi trim is equipped with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) safety systems.

Features and Trims

The HR-V offers a high level of standard equipment for an affordable crossover vehicle, along with a long list of available premium features to accommodate a wide variety of consumer needs. LX and EX trims with front-wheel drive can be equipped with either the 6-speed manual transmission or sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT),.  Models with Real Time AWD™ are available only with a CVT.

LX comfort and convenience features

• 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
• 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio¹² connectivity interface
• Electric parking brake
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
• Heated Front Seats
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Steering wheel-mounted controls for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth®¹⁰ HandsFreeLink® phone interface
• Automatic climate control system with air filtration
• 160-watt, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD with MP3/Windows Media® Audio playback capability
• 2 USB inputs¹¹
• Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface
• Auto-off headlights
• Cargo area light
• ECO Assist with ECON mode
• 12-volt power outlets (front/second row/Trunk)
• LED taillights
• One-touch turn signals
• LED pocket light
• Rear heater ducts
• Two-speed intermittent windshield wipers
• Reverse-linked intermittent rear windshield wiper
• 60/40 split 2nd-Row Magic Seat®
• Speed-sensitive audio volume control
• Power windows and door locks
• Siri Eyes Free Compatibility
• Body coloured heated side mirrors with expanded View Driver's Mirror
• Floor mats
• SMS Text Message functionality
• Front Wiper De-icer

EX additions

• Honda LaneWatch® Display
• 180-watt, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with MP3/Windows Media® Audio playback capability
• One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature
• Smart Entry and Push-Button Start
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (CVT only)
• Auto-on/off headlights
• Fog lights
• Dual Zone Automatic climate control system with air filtration
• Rear privacy glass
• Cargo Cover
•  Mirror Integrated LED Turn IndicatorsVariable intermittent wipers
• Lighted vanity mirrors
• Chrome interior door handles, speaker rings and air vent trims

EX-L Navi additions

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™¹⁴
• Leather steering wheel and leather shift knob
• Rear-seat centre armrest
• SiriusXM®15 radio,
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)/Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Auto day/night rearview mirror
• Roof rails

The 2016 Honda HR-V is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/60,000-kilometre new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Honda Roadside Assistance, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance during the 3-year/60,000-kilometre new vehicle limited warranty term. The HR-V was developed by Honda R&D Co. Ltd. in Japan, and will be manufactured alongside the Fit subcompact car at Honda's eighth and newest auto plant in North American, in Celaya, Mexico.

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