The Honda HR-V is aging. Although it received a facelift for the 2019 model year, the small crossover – called Vezel in some parts of the world – has existed for seven years.
Honda knows this and is currently testing the next-generation HR-V, as first spotted by our spy photographers in Europe last week. Although this brings hope to the nameplate fans, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has confirmed that the US will not receive that spied vehicle – not the exact version you see in the pictures here anyway.
24 Photos
In a statement, American Honda said:
The development of a Honda HR-V successor for the American market is underway. This new HR-V will be designed to meet the distinct needs of US customers and will be different from the Honda Vezel / HR-V which will be launched in other regions. Honda will have more information to share about the next generation of the Honda HR-V designed for the American market near launch.
This is not the first time that Honda will make a different version of a vehicle nameplate specifically for the North American market. The Honda Odyssey minivan is currently available in two versions – a larger one, a compact one – and has been doing so since the 1990s.
That said, we are looking to a very bright future for Honda’s subcompact crossover. The automaker said earlier that it is increasing HR-V production as it eliminates the Fit, Civic Coupe and MT Accord after the 2020 model year, and that it has become the “new portal models for the Honda brand, offering utility and significant performance and value. “
As you can see, information about the next generation HR-V is scarce at the moment, but we will know more in the coming months. As always, we will keep an eye on the latest developments.