[Red]

Drivers in need of a vehicle larger than the Honda Fit, but smaller than the Honda CR-V can rejoice as Howdy Honda prepares to add the 2015 Honda HR-V to its inventory later this year. The vehicle is promising to be the perfect size balance between two of the automaker's most loved vehicles -- the Honda Fit and Honda CR-V-- which makes the Honda lineup even more diverse for drivers with distinct lifestyle needs.

Odd review that calls the HRV Highway worthy? I mean its not like its not or anything its just an odd term to use...

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2023366

 

[EricMartin]

Awd ?

This article suggests that the AWD option would come only in future versions. In Japan the Vezel had an AWD option from the beginning. Is there any indication that North America would not get AWD as an option in the first production HR-V? This would force me to look elsewhere.

 

[Ganbare]

This article suggests that the AWD option would come only in future versions. In Japan the Vezel had an AWD option from the beginning. Is there any indication that North America would not get AWD as an option in the first production HR-V? This would force me to look elsewhere.

I wouldn't assume anything based on Japan because you can get almost anything over there with AWD including the Fit. But considering it is a crossover, albeit one of the smaller ones, I can't imagine that they wouldn't make it available with AWD here. After all I'm sure Honda is considering the Nissan Juke and Subaru XV its closest rivals.

 

[EricMartin]

I can't imagine that they wouldn't make it available with AWD here. After all I'm sure Honda is considering the Nissan Juke and Subaru XV its closest rivals.

I agree. Honda must have in mind the first impression the HR-V will make in North America. These first reviews will stick in the mind of many potential buyers even if after a year Honda releases a more powerful car with AWD.

 

[Red]

I thought in Japan the AWD was locked into the Hybrid Vezel? I could be wrong, but if so we know its not likely that the Hybrid will be making it over.

But it definitely needs AWD, theres no way it will recieve a lick of consideration anywhere in the Nor East/All of Canada...

 

[Ganbare]

I thought in Japan the AWD was locked into the Hybrid Vezel? I could be wrong, but if so we know its not likely that the Hybrid will be making it over.

But it definitely needs AWD, theres no way it will recieve a lick of consideration anywhere in the Nor East/All of Canada...

AWD is available on the gasoline G trim and all hybrid trims except Z.

 

[TrueNorth]

I think it would be a pretty big mistake to not offer AWD. It may be small, but people still see it as a SUV/CUV, so they expect it to be able to take them through snow and bad weather with AWD. It's necessary for us Canadians.

 

[EricMartin]

Nowadays, whenever I read some 'news' about the HR-V, I realize that I know more than the journalist. These guys review many cars ; I am quite selective.

I am frustrated by the fact that Honda is leaving potential buyers so much in the dark about the power-train of the HR-V a couple of month before launch. The car must be fully planned by now, ready for production.

What do they gain by this secrecy ? Do they want to be able to switch plans in case of trouble? I am becoming paranoiac.

 

[Topspot]

EricMartin,

I agree completely, why all of the secrecy! They must know by now what they plan to build/sell in the US. They must have lined up suppliers already and surely they must also know what colors they will make available. Why not start to release some information and start to generate sum buzz? Most people I have talked to, do not even know this car is coming out later this year. They are buying other cars and not even considering the new Honda because they are not even aware of it.

 

[vtec]

They're just waiting for the right time and that clearly isn't now.

Plus there might be a delay in production, i don't know if that will push back anything else.