Honda HR-V to return to Oz in 2015
Honda Australia is resurrecting the HR-V nameplate for its all-new compact SUV which is set to arrive in early 2015.
ACCORDING TO A PRESS STATEMENT, “The launch of the HR-V will boost the range of vehicles Honda offers in Australia and attract buyers in the small SUV market to the Honda brand,” said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins.
“The first-generation HR-V was sold here from 1999 to 2001. It featured a super-clean 1.6 litre four cylinder engine and was known as a Low Emission Vehicle because it achieved 80% less emissions than Australian regulations at the time.
“It is fitting that the new small SUV will take the HR-V moniker as Honda enters the country’s fastest growing segment with a red-hot competitor. The HR-V is built on the new Jazz platform and will offer sporty, versatile characteristics. It will provide customers with a wider choice in the SUV market, complementing Honda’s medium SUV offering; the popular CR-V.”
The original HR-V was one of the first small SUVs in Australia, winning fans for its great driving dynamics in city traffic and on the open road. More than 5000 were sold in Australia. The new HR-V will continue where the first left off and is sure to surprise and delight customers when it arrives in Australia in early 2015.
Dubbed the ‘Urban SUV’ in concept form, the production model of the new small SUV was launched as the Vezel in Japan in late 2013.