Honda WR-V: what the new flex hybrid system of the future national SUV looks like | Electric and hybrid cars

The Honda WR-V that will arrive next year will be the brand’s first flex hybrid, which already imports gasoline models such as Civic, CR-V and Accord. The e:HEV flez system is, in fact, a Brazilian version of the technology that is already sold in India and which equips the local City.

The set is based on the engine 1.5 four-cylinder 16V flex with direct injection from the BS6 family, which is already flex fuel in Brazil and used by the City and City Hatch duo, in addition to the entry-level versions of the HR-V. The difference is that, in the electrified variant, it operates in an Atkinson cycle (increased expansion time and reduced compression time in the chamber).

The 1.5 works in conjunction with two electric motors, one generator and the other traction. The combined power in the Indian City is 131 hp, with 98 hp generated by the thermal engine and 109 hp by the electric engine, and 25.8 kgfm of maximum torque, this coming from the electric motor. As Brazilians will use ethanol, these numbers could become higher.

Called e:HEV, the set is similar to the imported ones, therefore, there is no gearbox. The traction motors —both electric and combustion— are connected directly to the differential through a set of gears called e-CVT, with a single mechanical gear ratio so that the 1.5 engine drives the wheels at higher speeds, cruise.

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If it’s like the City, the driver will be able to choose to drive only in electric mode, with the lithium ion battery supplying the electric traction motor. In hybrid mode, the gasoline engine drives the generator, which supplies the battery and moves the electric motor and there is a third mode, where only the 1.5 works to move the wheels with the coupling of a clutch.

In Asia, the fuel consumption of City with this mechanical set can reach 27 km/l. It is worth remembering that these are different measurement standards than Brazilian ones, measured by Inmetro. Still, the WR-V should fight for the title of most economical compact SUV with another future launch: the Toyota Yaris Cross, this one already tested by Autosport in Santiago (Chile). Check out the first impressions here.

In addition to the hybrid versions, the new national WR-V will have entry-level versions with a 1.5 naturally aspirated flex-fuel engine, 126 hp with any fuel and 15.5 kgfm of torque with gasoline, 15.8 kgfm with ethanol. In this case, the transmission is automatic, CVT type (continuously variable), assembled in Itajaí (SC).

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