Acura mulling HR-V-based entry-level SUV – report

2016 Honda HR-V

Everyone’s into small SUVs/crossovers now. In developing nations, they’re seen as well-suited to the increasingly congested urban environment, while in more developed markets, they’re fast becoming wheeled statements of style and individuality. A bodystyle loved the world over? At present, it seems very much so.

For Acura to even think about introducing a small SUV in big car-lovin’ America is surely testament to the universality of the segment. According to a report by WardsAuto, Acura sold almost twice as many crossovers in 2014 than it did cars, and is considering an Acura-badged version of the Honda HR-V to sit below the RDX, currently its smallest high-rider.

2016 Honda HR-V

American Honda executive VP John Mendel told the publication that such a vehicle is “potentially the only place you could go,” in reference to looking for “white space” in the brand’s line-up to further satisfy the market’s growing thirst for crossovers.

Closer to home, the Honda HR-V has sparked overwhelming interest… and it isn’t even launched yet, at the time of writing. However, we’re painfully, painfully close to the big moment – see spyshots of all three variants and the top-spec Grade V inside and out, and read our thorough review from across the northern border while you wait for our usual avalanche of photos and info.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • Today is malaysia HRV launch.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • heybadigol (Member) on Feb 05, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Thats a swell idea, not to mention a very profitable one. But a Civic 1.8 engine would not do for the USA. Must put in a 2.0 engine or the 2.4 from the TLX (if it can fit in the engine bay) and perhaps SH-AWD to make it corner better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Feb 05, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    not sure if acura actually notices infiniti and lexus enough to know that a rebadged honda is no longer good enough?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM on Feb 05, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Acura sold more cross-overs than sedans.

    Not surprisingly.

    While Acura sedans get cross-shopped from the Honda models, the RDX is a good car/crossover, mostly due to its new Turbocharged powerplant, and if you want a good Honda SUV, you would end up shopping at Acura.

    Honda’s only Crossover in the lineup is the aging and underpowered CRV, while the Pilot is still quite “truckish”.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Feb 06, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    with the civic type R’s vtec turbo under the hood…
    or the euro CRV 1.6 Dtec to give it more ooomph….

    helps to carry the extra weight of all the luxury upholstery and equipment..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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