2015 Honda CR-V to Welcome Smaller Sibling in L.A.

2015 Honda CR-V ・ Photo by Honda

Fresh from launching the significantly updated 2015 Honda CR-V, Honda has confirmed it will add an entirely new crossover to the roster at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. The new HR-V is scheduled to fill out the brand's crossover lineup beginning this winter, when it's expected to go on sale alongside the 2015 Honda CR-V and Pilot.

In terms of specifics, well, they remain few and far between at this point. Honda did confirm a few specifics when the HR-V concept launched in New York earlier this year, noting that the production model would:

• Leverage the same global compact platform as the brand-new 2015 Honda Fit
• Offer a similar "Magic Seat" cargo system for extra versatility
• Rely on Earth Dreams powertrain technology, which helps the Fit achieve 41 mpg highway
• Showcase next-generation Honda telematics

The fact that the HR-V and Fit share their underpinnings could be particularly important for the new crossover's safety ratings, too. After all, the 2015 Fit already has achieved a Top Safety Pick recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The new HR-V also will help break open a new segment for mainstream automakers, which have begun testing customer demand for smaller-sized utility vehicles with choices like the upcoming Chevy Trax and Jeep Renegade. All three of those just-mentioned entries are expected to be less than 170 inches in length, which compares to the 2015 Honda CR-V at 179.4 inches.

Speaking of which, it's worth remembering that the 2015 Honda CR-V is setting the bar fairly high for its new sibling, scoring two impressive industry honors in its first few weeks on the marketplace. First, the Texas Auto Writer Association lauded the CR-V as the Compact CUV of Texas in this year's Texas Truck Rodeo, and then, soon after, the experts at Motor Trend selected the 2015 Honda CR-V as their Sport/Utility of the year.

Stay tuned to Autobytel.com for more info about both the new Honda HR-V and the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.