The Honda HR-V name will be shared across two different-looking crossovers.
While Australia, Europe and other markets are getting the Japanese-spec model, which has already been revealed, North America is receiving its own, bespoke HR-V.
American Honda Motor Company has teased its 2023 HR-V, set to be introduced this year, with a pair of detailed sketches.
They reveal a more athletic, aggressive-looking model than the restrained Japanese model.
Up front, there’s a low-set grille flanked by wide headlights, and sitting above a sporty-looking front bumper.
Moving along the sides there appears to be a prominent shoulder line, while the rear bears a resemblance to Honda’s flagship SUV, the MDX from its premium brand Acura.
Our HR-V, in contrast, follows a similarly minimalist aesthetic to the likes of the Honda e and redesigned Civic, with sheer sides seemingly interrupted by only a single crease, plus a frameless grille.
The North American HR-V’s interior has yet to be revealed, while we also don’t yet know what will power it.
A hybrid powertrain seems a likely inclusion, given the presence of one in the North American CR-V line-up.
The outgoing HR-V uses a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 105kW of power and 172Nm of torque, mated with a continuously-variable transmission, just as it does in Australia.
In contrast, our HR-V will be offered with a choice of 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, one with a hybrid system.
The non-hybrid model produces 87kW of power and 142Nm of torque, while the e:HEV hybrid adds two electric motors for total outputs of 96kW and 253Nm.
MORE: 2022 Honda HR-V engines confirmed
Japan spec HR-V 
Japan spec HR-V
As the North American HR-V has been developed for the “distinct needs” of that market, according to Honda, it could borrow its engines from the US-built Civic.
The Civic is offered there with either a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 118kW and 187Nm, or a turbocharged 1.5-litre four with 134kW and 240Nm. Both are paired with a continuously-variable transmission.
There’s precedent for two different Hondas with the same nameplate.
In 1993, Honda Europe introduced a different fifth-generation Accord to that sold in other markets, based on the Japanese Ascot Innova.
Honda Passport 
Honda Ridgeline
This continued up until the eighth-generation Accord, with the last two sold in North America as the Acura TSX and here as the Accord Euro.
While we were in a unique position to receive two parallel lines of Accord in Australia as the Accord and Accord Euro, we’re unlikely to receive this North American HR-V.
It’ll join the likes of the Honda Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline in being restricted to markets such as the US and Canada.
Which HR-V do you think looks better? Let us know in the comments!
MORE: Everything Honda HR-V
