The feature that may have the greatest impact on the overall interior environment for passengers is also the most subtle. The unique Air Diffusion System introduces a new concept of air conditioning, with L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard delivering the restorative effects of a natural breeze to all occupants.
A dial is provided to switch
seamlessly between 3 modes - the normal outlet with forward-directed air
flow, the Air Diffusion System which creates a new gentle flow of air,
and close which shuts off the air. When the Air Diffusion System is
selected, it discreetly directs a stream of soft ‘breeze’ like air along
the side windows, brushing the cheeks of the front passengers. The air
also travels to the roof, creating a gentle vortex of air that does not
impact directly on passengers. The heat transmitted through the side
windows in summer is blocked by an air curtain that forms around front
and rear seat passengers, as is the cold air during winter. The rear
seat passengers will also benefit from air via the rear console outlet.
The combination of these features ensures a consistent internal
temperature is maintained, in all weather conditions.
The
premise of the HR-V’s interior design centres on the interaction between
the occupant and the car, to fully integrate it within their everyday
lives. This starts from the moment they enter the car to the minute they
exit. Each element of interaction with the new HR-V is designed around
an optimal user experience first.
Every interior design feature
within the cockpit structure is dedicated to achieving a sense of
spaciousness and airiness that connects occupants to the outside world.
This begins with windows that are designed to admit as much light as
possible, with the excellent outward visibility further aided by flat
line of the bonnet and clear sightlines that make it easy to accurately
determine the vehicle's position on the road.
A fundamental
consideration for interior comfort was the optimal positioning of the
interior controls. The uncluttered, simple-to-use layout adds to the
sense of calm, with the audio and ventilation controls and instrument
panel positioned as close as possible to the driver's field of vision.
Instantly recognisable controls allow for safe and intuitive operation.
To
maintain the balance of premium SUV styling and exceptional interior
space, Honda engineers packaged all hybrid drivetrain components within
the chassis and engine bay, and positioned the fuel tank beneath the
front seats. The origins of this approach are found in Honda's
'Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum' (M/M) development principle, which is
based on the belief that the purpose of technology and design is to
serve the needs of the driver and passengers.
This allowed the
newly-developed rear seats to be positioned 30 mm further to the rear,
also giving an additional two degrees of recline compared to the
previous generation HR-V. While head room is comparable to the class
standard, the sedan-like seating position in the HR-V provides an
additional 35 mm legroom and shoulder space comparable to SUV’s a class
above.
To further optimise comfort for front occupants, the
all-new HR-V introduces body stabilising front seats featuring
mat-structure support, replacing the previous spring set-up. This helps
to prevent fatigue on long journeys and increase comfort in everyday
use.
The all-new Honda HR-V e:HEV will be available in Europe from late 2021.
