New Honda HR-V – Brand new exterior with mild hybrid tech underneath

The HR-V has become soft, sort of. Honda is washing away the edgy design the company crusaded not long ago.

The HR-V might be a crossover, but it gets the same mild hybrid tech as in the very small Jazz. Generator style powertrain and when some extra power is needed, the petrol engine kicks in to work directly to the front wheels. Power is 130 hp and 250 Nm.

In terms of dimensions, it is exactly the same as its predecessor, but the electric motor is mounted close to the engine, taking up as little interior space as possible. The battery location has also been optimized to favor interior dimensions. The result is a 35 mm increase in legroom while the ride height is increased by 10 mm and the roof is 20 mm lower.  

All in all, the new HR-V is a major step forward, although I get some last generation Hyundai Tucson vibes. The problem I see with the HR-V is not the car itself. It might be a great machine. But in the extremely saturated crossover segment where everyone is going mild hybrid, is there anything that makes the new Honda HR-V stand out, apart from the approachable design?