TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The stylish and versatile Honda HR-V crossover vehicle, the 2016 Green SUV of the Year, adds a new color for 2017 and goes on sale tomorrow with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $19,365 for the LX 2WD with a 6-speed manual transmission.

With bold and sporty coupe-like styling, SUV versatility and a 34-mpg EPA highway fuel economy rating (2WD CVT), by any measure the 2017 Honda HR-V is a standout in the entry crossover market. Delivering outstanding value with a long list of standard features and technologies, including 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button electric parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold, rearview camera with guidelines, Pandora^® radio and Bluetooth^® HandsFreeLink^®, the 2017 HR-V also adds a sophisticated new color – Lunar Silver metallic – to its palette, replacing Alabaster Silver. 

Available in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims, the 2017 HR-V is powered by a highly refined and efficient 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC^® engine producing a peak 141 horsepower and 127 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with one of two efficient and responsive Honda transmissions: a seamless and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT), available on all models, or an engaging 6-speed manual transmission, available on LX and EX models with 2WD.

Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology

The HR-V is designed to achieve class-leading safety ratings and features including Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision protection. For 2017 HR-V carries forward the 2016 model's five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA^®) electronic stability control system; a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags; side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Honda LaneWatch^® display is included with EX and EX-L Navi trims.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Power comes from a highly refined and responsive 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC^® valvetrain, producing a peak 141 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is mated to a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda "G-design" shift logic, or a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (LX and EX FWD only). The HR-V is available with front-wheel-drive or with Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ for outstanding all-weather traction and control.

Body and Chassis

The HR-V utilizes a unique center-mounted fuel tank layout that enables the 2^nd-Row Magic Seat^® to fold completely flat into the floor, creating a more spacious and versatile interior package. Driving efficiency, handling performance and cabin quietness are further aided by an aerodynamic shape and a lightweight yet rigid body structure with significant noise-insulating materials and design features. Twenty-seven percent of the body is composed of advanced ultra-high strength steel for improved rigidity that enhances collision-protection, handling response, ride quality and a quiet cabin environment.

Fully independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension systems with amplitude reactive dampers maximize rear seating and cargo space while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality. Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides a refined and sporty steering feel while minimizing energy requirements. All models feature power-assisted four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Hill Start Assist, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 215/55R17 all-season tires.

Features and Trims

The HR-V offers a high level of standard equipment for an affordable crossover vehicle, along with a long list of available premium features to accommodate a wide variety of consumer needs. LX and EX trims with front-wheel drive can be equipped with either the 6-speed manual transmission or sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all models can be specified as front-wheel-drive or equipped with Real Time AWD™.  Models with Real Time AWD™ are available only with a CVT.

The 2017 Honda HR-V is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Honda Roadside Assistance, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance during the 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty term. The HR-V was developed by Honda R&D Co. Ltd. in Japan, and is manufactured at Honda's eighth and newest auto plant in North America, in Celaya, Mexico.

More Information
Additional media information including high-resolution photography and video of the 2017 Honda Fit is available at www.hondanews.com/channels/hr-v. Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com/hr-v.

About Honda 
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic and Accord passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 33 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835 destination charge, and options. Dealer prices may vary.

² Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

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SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.