Torque News has measured a massive readership interest and response to Honda’s next big thing. When 2016 CR-V Crossover comes to North America dealerships in spring 2016, Honda fans interested in a downsized crossover featuring Honda Fit utility and(near) fuel economy will line up to purchase Honda’s portal crossover/SUV.

Civic power meets all-wheel-drive 5 door hatchback

But the story doesn't end there. looking to 2016 HR-V we discover a compact crossover presenting the styling cue and driving cockpit of a premium micro-performance-coupe. HR-V is a well orchestrated, balance of form meets function, something that Honda engineering is known for.

HR-V drive impression embargoed until April 30

Although Torque News-Honda has driven 2016 HR-V, we won’t be sharing our driving impression until the last day in April. But what we can tell you is this: If you like the off-road and foul weather capability of CR-V, wish for the engine power and CVT transmission of Honda Civic, and the form and dynamic transformer-like functionality of 2015 Fit, you’ll love HR-V.

Not as small as you think

Despite it's compact classification, 2016 HR-V's well appointed interior easily accommodates 4 adults,(Honda says 5) luggage and whatever else the day may call for. Featuring the transformer-capability of Honda’s 60/40 split, flat-deck “Magic Seat,” HR-V will haul those longer objects while accommodating a third passenger, making it ideal for snowboarding, skiing, surfing etc. Owners will appreciate the near-flat rear deck capability of HR-V due to the Fit world-car platform center fuel tank design.

All-wheel-drive option of 2016



looking below HR-V, we further discover measurable ground clearance, as required for off-road adventure. While we don’t know how capable HR-V will be under off-road driving conditions, we can state that looking to the construction of HR-V, and the shared CR-V all-wheel-drive components, HR-V should perform well under adverse weather conditions, and while driving through moderate, mud, slush and snow conditions in AWD.

Fuel economy best in compact CUV/SUV segment

Although 2016 HR-V falls a bit short of the EarthDreams ™ Honda Fit, it does come out as a segment leader with the best EPA stated mpg for a compact crossover in North america.

Utilizing Honda’s mechanically bullet-proof fuel injected 1.8 liter 1-VTEC 4 cylinder gas, a close ratio 6 speed manual transmission(FWD only) and Honda’s well received CVT automatic transmission, 2016 HR-V claims an EPA stated MPG of 28 city/35 highway for the FWD ,CVT.

Buyers will take a marginal fuel economy hit(25 city/34 highway) when equipping the front-wheel-drive HR-V with a 6 speed manual transmission. For HR-V buyers requiring all-wheel-drive capability, expect 25 City/32 highway from Honda’s portal to the growing light truck and ever-evolving light truck lineup.

So, as to scoffers that put the arrival of 2016 HR-V sometime in late October, 2015, Honda says they’re sticking with the original market target of late spring 2015; and will release an actual production date prior to the end of April.