2021 Honda HR-V leaked? New-look MG ZS, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos rival seemingly given an early mark

A week before its big debut, the next-generation Honda HR-V small SUV may have been leaked, with what appear to be patent images of its exterior design doing the rounds on Facebook.

Several users claim the supposed patent images were taken from a filing belonging to Honda, and upon closer inspection, they are consistent with last month’s HR-V teaser as well as spy shots of a camouflaged development mule published on Twitter last September.

It’s therefore likely this is our first clear look at the new MG ZS, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos rival, with its front end similar in style to that of recent Mazda and MG models, specifically in regard to the headlights and grille.

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Around the side, the likely HR-V’s steeply raked tailgate comes into view alongside its ‘hidden’ rear door handles, which are a signature for the model, adding further weight to the theory that these patent images are the real deal.

At the rear, the likely HR-V’s tail-lights are linked by a bar, an element that’s shared with the next-generation Civic small hatchback, patent images of which were leaked last September. And let’s not forget the perfectly shaped placeholder for a ‘Honda’ badge.

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The likely HR-V’s tail-lights are linked by a bar, an element that’s shared with the next-generation Civic. (Image credit: Facebook)

Either way, it won’t be long until the new small SUV goes official, exterior design and all, with its full reveal set for Thursday, February 18.

Thanks to the aforementioned teaser, we already know the HR-V will be available with a hybrid powertrain, dubbed e:HEV, which combines a petrol engine with an electric motor.

At the same time, it was confirmed the HR-V would get a large ‘floating’ central touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay support and a physical volume/tuning knob as well as a separate panel for the climate controls.

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