Vauxhall announces specification for the All-New Crossland X a new model added to it's SUV Stable.

MARKET AND MODEL

• All-new crossover model to be launched in booming SUV segment
• Elevated seating position, spacious interior, practical and flexible
• Arrives in showrooms this summer

DESIGN AND PRACTICALITY

• Urban crossover with bold design and ‘floating’ roof
• Driver and passenger experience heightened thanks to intelligent design
• High levels of flexibility and comfort with sliding rear seats

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS AND CONNECTIVITY

• Comprehensive infotainment features
• Raft of driver assistance systems
• Vauxhall OnStar standard across Crossland X range

POWERTRAINS

• All-aluminium petrol and diesel engines
• Direct injection with turbo charging for power and low fuel consumption
• Choice of five or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions

RANGE, PRICING & EQUIPMENT

• Highly-competitive pricing from just £16,555 on-the-road
• Powertrains from 81PS to 130PS
• Crossland X on sale now; first deliveries this summer

MARKET AND MODEL

• All-new crossover model to be launched in booming SUV segment
• Elevated seating position, spacious interior, practical and flexible
• Arrives in showrooms this summer

Crisp and compact on the outside, spacious and flexible on the inside, with unique two-tone paintwork and SUV-styling, this is Vauxhall’s all-new Crossland X.

Alongside the popular Mokka X, the newcomer is a key new model in Vauxhall’s burgeoning SUV offering, which is due to grow further still in 2017, with the launch of the larger Grandland X later in the year.

While the Crossland X’s recently-launched sibling, the Mokka X, has all-wheel-drive capability, is 70mm higher and has larger wheels for buyers with a taste for adventure, the Crossland X has a firm family focus, with a Tardis-like cabin providing high degrees of practicality and flexibility.

Also, at just 4.21 metres in length, the Crossland X is more compact than the Mokka X, and a full 16cm shorter than the Astra Hatch, offering owners greater convenience while driving and manoeuvring in towns and cities. Adding to Crossland X’s urban appeal is an elevated seating position to give the driver better visibility, as well an overall height which is raised ten centimetres above the Astra’s.

With rivals such as the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, the Crossland X enters a different SUV class to the Mokka X, whose competitors include the Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti.

Exceptional driver and passenger comfort has been an obvious priority for Vauxhall as it enters this class. The Crossland X has specially designed, AGR-certified seats for the driver and front passenger, while rear passengers can adjust their seating position to increase leg room. This seating flexibility is equally valuable for luggage capacity, which is a class-leading 410 litres with the rear seats up. The flexibility of the rear seats allows the luggage capacity to be increased if additional leg room is not required.

Additional innovations in the Crossland X make driving safer and more comfortable, and include a 180-degree panoramic rear-view camera, advanced park assist, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and side blind-spot alert, among others.

The cutting-edge technology is not limited to driver assistance and safety features though, with drivers benefitting from exceptional connectivity that is becoming the norm in Vauxhall models. Vauxhall OnStar – as well as IntelliLink infotainment systems, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – keeps drivers connected in a convenient and responsible way through an up to eight-inch colour touchscreen. An extensive petrol/diesel engine portfolio with manual and automatic transmissions also features to suit any driver preferences and requirements.

“Crossland X is as multi-talented as it is stylish,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “It will appeal to buyers with families who demand agility and convenience in urban driving, but with enough comfort and performance to cover long distances at the drop of a hat. Our customers’ expectations are changing, so the timing is perfect for an additional model in the Vauxhall range, which caters for a new breed of buyer.”

Since 2012, the Mokka (which has recently been replaced by the new Mokka X) has found more than 120,000 buyers in the UK, its single biggest market in Europe, and this has been set against an SUV segment that has grown year-on-year. The Crossland X is set to bring further growth when it goes on sale this summer.

Forming a key part of Vauxhall’s ‘Five-Star’ 2017, which will see five major product launches in just one year, the Crossland X will be joined by another newcomer to the ‘X’ family, the larger Grandland X – which will compete in the compact SUV class (SUV C-segment) – later this year.

DESIGN AND PRACTICALITY

• Urban crossover with bold design and ‘floating’ roof
• Driver and passenger experience heightened thanks to intelligent design
• High levels of flexibility and comfort with sliding rear seats

As a true urban crossover, the Crossland X delivers bold design features in a compact, balanced package. The model’s length of 4,212mm, coupled with width of 1,742mm and height of 1,590mm, give it a dominant and well-proportioned stance. It is the latest model in the Vauxhall range to embrace the company’s design philosophy of ‘Sculptural artistry meets technical precision’, giving it a rugged, yet sophisticated, finish.

From the front it is recognisably a Vauxhall, with a prominent grille featuring the iconic Griffin, as well as Vauxhall’s signature LED daytime running lights. Chrome accents coupled with AFL LED headlights give the perception of extra width, while additional features taken from larger SUV models give the model a confident appearance.

The crisp side lines and ‘floating roof’ visually separate the lower and upper sections of the vehicle and lengthen the Crossland X. Like the Vauxhall ADAM, customers can order a different colour for the roof to give more personalisation and improved road presence. The prominent rear of the Crossland X makes a clear SUV statement with its visible underbody protection and the highly-mounted split rear lights also feature the ‘double-wing’ graphic to form the intersection between the boot lid and the downward-sloping roofline.

The interior of the Crossland X offers sculptural design and precision, with the instrument panel and centre stack horizontally aligned to the driver for added functionality. High quality finishes are provided with chrome accents around the cluster and air vents, while the centrepiece of the interior is the up to eight-inch colour touchscreen.

Driver and passenger experience is not only heightened by the intelligent design and infotainment system, but with the model’s comfortable seating and spacious layout too. Uncommon for the segment, the Crossland X features first class ergonomic seats for the driver and front passenger to make long journeys comfortable, and give generous leg room.

High levels of flexibility are also offered throughout the model, largely thanks to the sliding rear seats. Able to move forwards or backwards up to 150mm, the 60/40 split folding seats provide additional leg room to the rear passengers for added comfort, or alternatively can be moved to create additional luggage space up to a class-leading 520 litres. When the rear seats are folded down completely, luggage capacity increases to an impressive 1,255 litres, with the wide number of permutations in between making the Crossland X capable of carrying a wide range of everyday items as required.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS AND CONNECTIVITY

• Comprehensive infotainment features
• Raft of driver assistance systems
• Vauxhall OnStar standard across Crossland X range

In a segment where safety is a key concern, the Vauxhall Crossland X makes journeys more relaxing and safer with the inclusion of the latest technology and assistance systems. Full-LED headlamps ensures outstanding visibility when driving at night or in gloomy conditions, and includes functions such as cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling to ensure optimal visibility in all road situations.

The optional Head Up Display reduces the danger of distractions, projecting the most important data such as speed and navigation into the driver’s direct line of sight without hindering vision.

Vauxhall’s Front-Camera System can process a wide range of data points and forms the basis of driver assistance systems such as Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning. The Crossland X also offers Cruise control with speed limiter to make long distance journeys more enjoyable, and a Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking (available Model Year 18) helps to avoid accidents and protect those both inside and outside the vehicle. Emergency braking is activated if a hazard is spotted and the driver does not react once the alarm and visual warning have been triggered. Furthermore, the Forward Collision Alert is combined with a three-level Driver Drowsiness System.

The Crossland X comes with a Panoramic Rear View Camera that increases the angle of sight at the back of the vehicle to 180 degrees, giving the driver sight of other road users on either side when reversing. Elsewhere, the latest generation of Advanced Park Assist facilitates parking by recognising suitable parking spots and automatically parking the vehicle when required. In the colder winter months, the heated steering wheel and heated windscreen increase driver comfort and safety, and easy access to the Crossland X is guaranteed thanks to Keyless Open & Start.

Drivers of the new Vauxhall Crossland X with OnStar will always be fully connected thanks to the powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, to which they can connect up to seven mobile devices. In addition, they have access to convenient services such as up-to-date vehicle diagnostics.

POWERTRAINS

• All-aluminium petrol and diesel engines
• Direct injection with turbo charging for power and low fuel consumption
• Choice of five or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions

The all-new Crossland X comes with a range of lively and efficient engines to choose from. The three-cylinder petrol and four-cylinder diesel engines available with the Vauxhall Crossland X are state-of-the-art, all-aluminium units that combine driving pleasure with impressive fuel efficiency. With the exception of the entry-level petrol engine, all use direct injection systems in combination with turbocharging. Efficiency is further enhanced by the friction-optimised transmissions, with five and six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions available across the range.

The entry-level engine is the 1.2-litre petrol with 81PS (54.3mpg combined; 116g/km CO2). Elsewhere in the range, the 1.2 Turbo with petrol direct injection is available in three variants. The efficient ECOTEC engine is equipped with the five-speed manual transmission (58.9mpg combined; 111-109 g/km CO2) and delivers 110PS, while the 1.2-litre combined with the six-speed automatic gearbox is equally as powerful (57.3mpg combined; 123g/km CO2). Both engines deliver peak torque of 205Nm at only 1,500rpm, with 95 per cent available up to 3,500 rpm.

The top-of-the-line petrol engine is the 1.2 Turbo with 130PS, delivering maximum torque of 230 Nm from 1,750 rpm (55.4mpg combined; 116g/km CO2) and six-speed manual transmission. This takes the Vauxhall Crossland X from zero to 62mph in 9.1 seconds and to a maximum speed of 128mph.

The line-up also includes two turbocharged diesel engines, including the 1.6 diesel with 99PS and maximum torque of 254Nm at 1,750rpm. The efficient diesel ECOTEC variant, with Start/Stop, emits as little as 93g/km CO2 and achieves up to 78.5mpg combined. The most powerful diesel is the 1.6 with 120PS (70.6mpg combined; 105g/km CO2) and maximum torque of 300Nm, to provide power in all situations. Together with the six-speed manual transmission, the all-new Crossland X 1.6 diesel completes mid-range acceleration from 50 to 75 mph in 10.5 seconds, which is especially important for overtaking, and has a maximum speed of 116mph.

With plenty of power at low rpm, the all-new Crossland X boasts excellent handling and extremely economical driving.

RANGE, PRICING & EQUIPMENT

• Highly-competitive pricing from just £16,395 on-the-road
• Powertrains from 81PS to 130PS
• Crossland X now on sale; first deliveries this summer

Vauxhall’s all-new Crossland X is now on sale, priced from just £16,555 on-the-road, having made its world debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The entry-level SE trim is available from just £16,555 on-the-road, with a 1.2i (81PS) petrol engine and five-speed manual transmission. The top of the range model is the six-speed manual 1.6CDTi (120PS) S/S diesel in Elite Nav trim, available from £21,380 on-the-road.

Available with several 1.2i-litre petrol engines, the Crossland X offers a choice of five-speed or six-speed manual transmissions, or a six-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.2i S/S (130PS), with six-speed manual transmission, is available from just £18,290 on-the-road in the generous Tech Line Nav trim. The Crossland X range includes SE, SE Nav, Techline Nav, Elite and Elite Nav model trims, ensuring a suitable model for every driver.

For drivers preferring a diesel engine, the 1.6 Turbo D ECOTEC S/S (99PS) with manual transmission is the most economical in the range, with CO2 emissions of 93g/km. Starting in SE trim from £18,715 on-the-road, the frugal engine is available at all trim levels. The diesel range is also available with the more powerful 1.6 Turbo D S/S (120PS) engine that, when coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, has CO2 emissions of just 105g/km. It is available from just £19,575 in Techline Nav specification.

Officially launched at Geneva Motor Show in March, the Crossland X has a number of innovations to make driving safer and more comfortable. These include a 180-degree Panoramic Rear-View Camera, Advanced Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Sign Recognition and Side Blind Spot Alert, among others.

The cutting-edge technology is not limited to driver assistance and safety features though, with drivers benefitting from exceptional connectivity that is becoming the norm in Vauxhall models. Vauxhall OnStar, as well as IntelliLink infotainment systems – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – keep drivers connected in a convenient and responsible way through the colour touchscreen.

Vauxhall to collaborate with the British Superbike Championship for 2017, with a couple of concepts.

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles has unveiled two new concept vans, its first in over a decade, that have been specially-designed to celebrate Vauxhall’s commercial vehicle partnership for the 2017 MCE British Superbike Championship (BSB). 

Debuting at the first BSB race of the season this weekend at Donington Park (March 31^st to April 1^st), the Vivaro Race Van Concept and the Movano Race Van Concept will be on display at all UK BSB race meetings throughout the season.

VIVARO RACE VAN CONCEPT 

Based on the best-selling Brit-built Vivaro panel van, the Vivaro Race Van Concept was designed in consultation with industry experts including Sortimo. During the working week this Vivaro is completely functional as a mobile workshop supporting any number of trade professionals, however, on a non-working day it can be easily-transformed into a race day van to support track-day or even off-road motorcycling. 

The cargo layout is well-considered and appropriately flexible. Along the driver side the layout features a combination of fixed racking and removable lightweight mobile workstations. Decamping from the Vivaro into the pits or paddock couldn’t be easier. The passenger side has folding shelves to store additional kit. 

Emptied and folded up against the body, the space adjacent to the motorbike is maximised to help easier access in and out, and there is also space allocated for paddock stands, fuel, spare tyres, racing kit and a ramp. And for a long day at the track, there are also a number of built-in comfort features including a fold-down bench seat on the bulkhead, microwave, refrigerator and a 32-inch Smart television. 

The exterior is covered in an eye-catching livery that has been specially-designed by Motormode and features the Vauxhall Griffin riding a motorbike. 

MOVANO RACE VAN CONCEPT

Based on the popular Movano L2H2 panel, the Movano Race Van Concept was also designed in consultation with industry experts including Sortimo, with the purpose of providing support and transport for the smaller and more budget-conscious motorcycle racing teams. 

Unlike the Vivaro Concept, the cargo layout on the Movano is intended to be permanent. Along the driver’s side the layout features a combination of a workbench and fixed racking. The toolboxes in the workbench can be removed. The opposite passenger side has folding shelves to store additional kit. 

Emptied and folded against the body, space adjacent to the motorbike can be maximized to help get it in and out easily. There is also space allocated for paddock stands, fuel, spare tyres, racing kit and a ramp. 

The Movano Race Concept also features a sided awning to enable an all-weather enclosed work space adjacent to the van. This gives the team a viable workspace for a race weekend. 

A number of built-in comfort features include a fold-down bench seat on the bulkhead, microwave, refrigerator, wash basin and a 40-inch Smart television. 

“These two concept vehicles are the perfect way to celebrate our commercial vehicle partnership with BSB,” said Steve Bryant, Vauxhall’s Head of Commercial Vehicle Brand. “We can’t wait to take them up and down the country to all UK BSB events this season and gauge customer reaction to these versatile and stunning-looking vehicles. 

“We’d also like to thank Sortimo, Camperlands UK, Yamaha UK, Yamaha Tamworth, AMCA Yamaha Motorcross Experience and Motorsport Vision for their help in bringing these concepts to reality.” 

VIVARO RACE VAN CONCEPT FULL SPECIFICATION

Based on the new up-level Vivaro Limited Edition NAV L2H1 F2900 145PS BiTurbo S/S, its features include: 

• FlexCargo
• Dual passenger bench with fold-flat centre section
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control and rear parking sensors
• NAVI50 Intellilink
• Auto-lights
• Auto-wipers
• Black alloy wheels 

Racking

• Provided and installed by Sortimo UK
• Sobo Grip+ crash tested safety floor (9mm)
• Sowa Flex wall, door upper and ceiling linings
• Pro-Safe lashing rail with Pro-Safe straps (on bulkhead)
• Drivers Side racking features:
  • Pro-Safe lashing rail on wall
  • Light Weight Globelyst Racking including - fuel can shelf to end of rack; component S-Boxes; Integrated front load fridge; lift up base cover; work top with two drawers; First-Aid kit and document holder to end of racking. All racking includes full Pro-Safe Lashing System with Pro-Safe Straps.
  • WorkMo mobile workstations include drawers; L-Boxes; PPE cupboard; tool holder trays on top
• Passenger Side racking features:
  • Two-tier Flex Rack unit with full integrated Pro-Safe lashing system 

Weight of Sortimo equipment (including Fridge) = 220kg 

Other Equipment

• Installed by Sortimo UK
• 32-inch flat screen TV with wall bracket
• BikeTek wheel chock with quick release baseplate
• Upholstered bench seat on bulkhead
• LED lighting
• Small Breville 800W Microwave
• Shore Power electrical system Including 2000 Watt isolation transformer, 240v-12v DC transformer, consumer unit & ancillaries
• TRP688S Motor Cycle Ramp 

MOVANO RACE VAN CONCEPT FULL SPECIFICATION

The Movano Race Concept is based on one of the most popular Movano panel van configurations: the F3300 L2H2 powered by the new 2.3-litre CDTi (130PS) BlueInjection engine. It has been optioned with the Premium Pack (NAVI50 Intellilink, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, trip computer) and also a perimeter alarm has been fitted.

Racking

• Provided and installed by Sortimo UK
• Sobo Grip+ crash tested safety floor (9mm)
• Sowa Flex wall, door upper and ceiling linings
• Pro-Safe lashing rail with Pro-Safe straps (on bulkhead)
• Driver side racking features:
  • Light Weight Globelyst Racking including - drop front shelf; fuel can shelf; tyre space with Pro-Safe Strap; open top shelf with matt & dividers; component S-Boxes; small open shelf; drawer with integrated wash basin and cupboard with waste/clean water containers; integrated front load fridge; lift up base cover; work top with 4 drawers; 2x LT Tool Boxes & lift-up base cover; First Aid kit & document holder to end of racking. All racking includes full Pro-Safe lashing system with Pro-Safe straps.
• Passenger side racking features:
  • Two-Tier Flex Rack Unit with fully-integrated Pro-Safe Lashing System

Weight of Sortimo equipment (including fridge) = 240kg

Awning

• Provided by Camperlands UK
• Fiamma F65 320 awning with single end panel (Side W Pro). This gives a shaded area 3.1m in length along van, and extends 2.5m in depth

Other Equipment

• Installed by Sortimo UK
• 40" flat screen TV and wall bracket
• BikeTek wheel chock with quick release baseplate
• Upholstered bench seat on bulkhead
• LED lighting
• Small Breville 800W Microwave
• Shore power electrical system Including 2000Watt isolation transformer, 240v-12v DC transformer, consumer unit & ancillaries
• TRP688S Motor Cycle Ramp

Honda showcases the first All-New HR-V coming off the ship at the dock yard, ready for delivery.

Honda’s much anticipated successor to the original crossover, the HR-V, has landed in the UK, with the first shipment having arrived into the Bristol docks.

Due into dealerships at the end of the month, the new HR-V has already generated almost 350 orders without customers having driven, let alone even seen the car in the metal.

With pricing starting at £17,995 or from just £149 a month on PCP with a 30% deposit for the entry-level S grade petrol model, the new HR-V tops out at £24,945 for the flagship EX diesel.

The new HR-V is available at launch with a choice of highly responsive and efficient 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel or 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engines, both part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, commented: “The HR-V is back.  These are some fantastic pictures of the new HR-V being driven off the boat having arrived from Mexico and it is only a matter of weeks before we start seeing the car out on the road.”

The All New Honda HR-V, coupe looks with off road ability, the best of both worlds.

• Characterful coupé looks with the tough stance of an SUV
• Class-leading and versatile interior space with refined sophistication
• Honda Connect infotainment system available as standard on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive)
• Advanced Driver Assist Systems  available  on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive)

An all-new Honda HR-V is set to arrive in the UK in summer 2015, delivering a unique proposition to the crossover segment: dynamic styling, the versatility of an MPV, sophisticated-yet-fun driving dynamics and fuel-efficient performance. It is part of the updated range of Honda vehicles that demonstrates the brand’s pioneering approach to technological innovation.

The HR-V portrays a characterful poise, with the distinctive, boldly sculpted lines of a coupé merged with the tough, solid stance of a robust SUV.

Inside, the HR-V offers occupants class-leading space and – thanks to Honda’s innovative Magic Seat ^®system – high levels of versatility. High quality soft-touch materials and sophisticated design define the HR-V’s interior, where Honda’s designers married expansive spaciousness with the feel of a sporty, enveloping cockpit.

The new Honda Connect app-based in-car infotainment system is operated through a seven-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the dash, and offers access to internet browsing, real-time news, traffic and weather and music streaming services.

The new HR-V is available at launch with a choice of highly responsive and efficient 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel or 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engines, both part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series.

The Advanced Driver Assist System package, which employs a camera and mid-range radar, incorporates a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, some of which are new to the crossover segment.

Characterful, bold lines of a coupé with the tough, solid stance of an SUV

The all-new HR-V blends the dynamic personality of a coupé with the tough, solid stance of an SUV, creating a characterful look with emotional appeal.

Its body shape and a rear window line that tapers at the rear result in a dynamic and sporty side profile, complemented by ‘hidden’ rear door handles. A distinctive, sharply cut swage line along the bodyside helps to give the HR-V a purposeful, forward-leaning stance and a sense of movement and agility, even at standstill.

HR-V also evokes a reassuringly robust presence. Deeply sculpted lower body panels convey the toughness, solidity and sure-footedness of larger SUVs, a theme reinforced by the strong horizontal orientation of the front and rear bumpers.

While ensuring the HR-V boasts a distinctive and self-assured identity on the road, its designers also ensured that it bears a clear family lineage. For example, it shares with the new 2015 CR-V the bold ‘flowing wing design’ of the unified front grille and headlamps and the pointed taper of the rear side window line.

At the rear, the HR-V continues with the crisp styling theme. Sharp rear combination lights stretch inboard onto the wide tailgate, into which is cut a single boldly sculpted ‘flowing wing’.

Class-leading interior space with the versatility of an MPV

The all-new HR-V boasts class-leading interior space that is not only voluminous but also incredibly versatile, bringing the virtues of an MPV into the crossover segment for the first time.

The foundation of the HR-V’s spacious and versatile interior is Honda’s global B-segment platform which incorporates innovative packaging solutions. For example, a lower-profile fuel tank mounted under the front seats frees up the underfloor space beneath the rear seats, enabling the platform to accommodate Honda’s innovative Magic Seats ^® system.

Each of the 60:40 split Magic Seats ^® in the rear can adopt numerous configurations to maximise the versatility of the spacious interior. In ‘Utility’ mode, the rear seat back folds forward as the seat base lowers to create a long, flat floor. In ‘Tall’ mode, the rear seat base is locked in a vertical position to leave space from floor to ceiling. ‘Long’ mode sees front and rear passenger seat backs fold forward to a horizontal position.

Once seated, all occupants benefit from class-leading space with leg-, shoulder- and headroom in the front and rear that would more commonly be found in larger vehicle segments.

The boot, too, offers impressive space, with 453 litres* available with the rear seats in use, and 1026 litres* to the window line with the rear seats folded away. A wide tailgate opening and low loading height means the boot space is easily accessible as well as capacious.

Refined and sophisticated interior design with quality materials,  panoramic sunroof and advanced new infotainment system

For occupants, Honda’s designers sought to marry the conflicting themes of spaciousness, reassuring solidity, and the cockpit of a tight, sporty coupé.

The use of high quality soft-touch surfaces, subtly accented with brushed chrome highlights provide a premium ambience, while the dash design combines a solid feel with premium detailing, including a piano-black feature panel that emphasises the sense of sophistication.

Facing the driver is a three-dial instrument binnacle, the surround of each featuring ‘floating’ illumination rings to further the sense of quality. Honda’s ECO Assist function changes the backlight colour of the speedometer from white to green during efficient driving.

The Executive grade also offers owners a one-touch opening tilt and slide panoramic sunroof. A sliding sunshade that opens automatically with the roof and can be closed manually to block sunlight.

At the centre of the dash is a seven-inch Honda Connect touchscreen that is fitted as standard on grades above entry level (Sport and Executive) providing advanced connectivity and infotainment. A five-inch screen is available on the Comfort grade.

Running Android 4.0.4 operating system, the screen employs the familiar intuitive ‘pinch, swipe and tap‘ functionality of a smartphone. Honda Connect gives fast and easy access to internet-based services including web browsing, real-time traffic, news and weather, social media, and internet music stations. Further apps can be installed from the purpose-designed Honda App Centre enabling owners to personalise their connected infotainment experience, and integrated Garmin Navigation is available.

The Honda Connect touchscreen also displays vehicle information – such as trip meter, fuel economy and journey time

In addition, the Honda Connect system syncs with smartphones and other multimedia devices through MirrorLink, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB.

Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features

As with all new Honda vehicles sold in the UK, the HR-V is fitted with a number of premium active and passive safety technologies.

Comprehensive active safety systems combine data from radar sensors and forward and rear facing cameras. Other than the entry-level model, all grades will be fitted with Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System as standard. This suite of safety technologies includes Intelligent Speed Assist, City Brake Active Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, and High-beam Support System.

Honda’s City-Brake Active system will be fitted as standard on the HR-V.

In addition to a full suite of front and curtain airbags, Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology provides the foundation for excellent passive safety performance. A network of connected structural elements distributes crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment, enhancing occupant crash protection in frontal collisions. ACE also helps minimise the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.

An engaging drive coupled with efficient performance

Available in the UK with front-wheel drive only, HR-V will be offered with choice of highly responsive and efficient 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol and 120 PS 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engines. Each is available with a refined and smooth six-speed manual transmission, and the 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol can also be married with a smooth CVT automatic.

Both engines are part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, which are engineered to deliver responsiveness and high efficiency, and both are Euro 6 compliant.

An all-new 1.5 i-VTEC petrol engine generating 130PS and a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine generating 120PS will be available in the HR-V. Both engines will be available with a manual transmission, and the new 1.5 litre petrol engine will also be available with a semi-automatic CVT transmission (with paddle-shift on some grades).

The HR-V has been deliberately engineered to deliver a saloon-like driving experience, achieved thanks to its low centre of gravity and its lightweight and highly-rigid body. This rigidity – in great part a result of 27% of the body structure being in high-strength steel – helps deliver reassuring solidity, which in turn leads to a high feeling of security when driving, as well as a lack of body roll. This also delivers exceptional linear driving behaviour, making the HR-V one of the most confidence-inspiring cars in the crossover segment to drive enthusiastically.

The HR-V brings class-leading aerodynamic performance to the crossover segment, benefitting not only fuel efficiency but also interior refinement through low wind noise intrusion. To minimise the intrusion of harsh road noise, HR-V employs a highly efficient acoustic insulation package. Sound absorption to the front and rear inner wheel arches, floor carpet and underfloor cover all contribute a refined and relaxing atmosphere in the cabin.