The small crossover will compete in a market segment expected to reach a million vehicles in the region in 2020 — double its current sales. Honda is believed to be aiming for 30,000 units of the HR-V in a full year.
A more powerful version of the company's 1.6 diesel will also allow it to drop the 2.2 diesel in the CR-V crossover, making itt attractive to owners who require more power than the 130hp available currently from the 1.6.
A new-generation Jazz is also due in autumn 2015, powered by a 1.3 i-VTEC petrol engine with either a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission. Honda's sales in Europe have diminished substantially, with market share plunging from 2.0 percent to 1.1 percent since 2007.
