Possible good fit: A (speculative) spec-check of the 2022 Honda HR-V

If Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is able to bring in the 2022 HR-V, then why can't it do the same to the latest hybrid Jazz?

Well, as the City Hatchback is picking up where the Jazz left off, the upcoming 2022 HR-V is still a good fit — see what we did there? — to the Jazz-shaped void in our Honda-admiring hearts. 

That's because the third installment of the subcompact crossover is indeed cut from the same cloth with its small hatchback sibling. 

Just like the fourth-generation Jazz, the 2022 HR-V adopts a hybrid powertrain that Honda dubs e:HEV. The hybrid system is comprised of two compact electric motors connected to a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gas engine, which sends 131hp and 253Nm to the front wheels.

In the e:HEV, one e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery, while the other propels in the car in lower speeds. The 1.5-liter engine kicks in when more power is needed. To achieve the manufacturer-claimed 18.52kpl, the HR-V stores the energy used during braking for later use with regenerative braking. 

It's this hybrid tech that powers the European, Japanese, and Thai-market HR-V for the time being. But unlike these markets, we'll get get the 2022 HR-V in non-turbo and turbocharged flavors, both with a 1.5-liter displacement. 

It's that seemingly exciting turbo 1.5 that will make up for the absence of the hybrid. While HCPI has yet to divulge the actual specs of the HR-V, it can assumed the crossover could use the VTEC 1.5-liter turbo mill that's found in the new Civic, which generates 180hp and 240Nm of torque.

What is sure, though, is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) on offer on the two upcoming HR-V variants, both of which HCPI said will be designated as S CVT and Turbo V CVT. 

Moving on to the exterior, the 2022 HR-V, just like the new Jazz, takes on a minimalist appearance — quite a refreshing departure from the original version's funky styling and the second-gen's swoopy sheetmetal. 

The bold front grille is only flanked by a pair of squinting headlights, the sides' only standout feature is the rear door handles nicked into the rear windows, and rear is defined only by a one-piece tail light. 

For Philippine-spec 2022 HR-V cars, these will likely complement the minimalist styling with highlights such as 17-inch black alloy wheels and a flash red paint job — both accessories the Thai-spec HR-V wears, too.

Judging from the teaser images from HCPI and Honda Thailand's HR-V catalog images, it seems that the 2022 HR-V will look as handsome here as it does in Thailand. 

Inside the 2022 HR-V, its similarities with the Jazz continue. That's because the crossover carries the "Magic Seats" the Jazz is still known for. The HR-V's front and rear seats are called Magic Seats for their ability to fold flush with the cargo hold or rear seats and flip up cinema-perch style, so as to make way for cargo of any shape and size. 

The versatile cabin is made into a modern one, too, with the addition of digital driver's display, phone-mirroring capable infotainment, and wireless charger. These are just several equipment found in the Thailand-market 2022 HR-V, so it's likely local versions will be fitted with the same things, too. 

So, as we await the all-new HR-V arrival on April 19, let the spec sheets of the Jazz's taller brother from our neighboring country give you a glimpse of what's to come. 

 

Photos from Honda, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., and Honda Thailand