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Honda’s promised North America an entry-level almost micro sport crossover with a sports-coupe driving environment and the utility of a 5 door hatchback. We’ll soon view the real thing in Los Angeles. Will Honda HR-V return an affordable entry-level SUV/Crossover to North America?

Torque News reported on the photo only teaser of this Fit platformed based Crossover from the New York Auto show. We were impressed by the sports coupe-like interior, the “Magic Seat” folding rear bench, dynamic exterior styling and the possibility of a sub-compact urbane utility offering fuel economy approaching 40 mpg.

We look to HR-V to fill a market niche slightly below the up-sized 2015 CR-V.

Competitive MSRP and specifications

Honda hasn’t announced MSRP and specifications for 2015 Honda HR-V. However, we know that HR-V must base price at or under CR-V's $22,900 to be competitive in the segment. Also, based on the made in Mexico world-Honda Fit platform, HR-V shares identical wheelbase, track and impact cage dimensions with Fit. This translates to near-effortless city transition and parking capabilities.

Weighing in at at 2600 to 2800 lbs, HR-V will be offered in FWD or AWD configurations. Power will be delivered by a 130 hp direct injected 1 VTEC 1496 c.c.“ EarthDreams” 4 cyl. Torque will be transferred through Honda’s state of the art CVT (constantly variable transmission.) While we do find a Hybrid offering in Japan, Honda has announced no plans for Hybrid release to North America.

Sport-coupe interior and body line

Looking to Japanese counterpart Vezel, we find a high quality sub-compact SUV/ Crossover featuring “EarthDreams” and a state of the art CVT transmission. We've reviewed the 2015 Honda Fit featuring both, with paddle shifter. You may read our review here.

2015 Honda HR-V will continue Honda’s future-forward evolution in affordable comfort, fuel efficiency and consumer safety. Honda is standing by it’s sale release window: sometime before the end of 2014.