Honda is accepting orders for the all-new HR-V small SUV, which will be available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.

It's priced from £26,960 and will arrive in the UK before the end of the year.

The HR-V welcomes a bold new front-end design and a more boxy stance than the previous model.

It follows the recently launched Jazz and existing CR-V by utilising the brand’s e:HEV hybrid system, in place of conventional petrol and diesel engines.

It comprises two electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with peak power output of 131PS and 253Nm. CO2 emissions start from122g/km and the car promises fuel consumption of 52mpg.

The e:HEV starts off in electric mode, changing to hybrid mode when the engine is under high-torque demand, with the petrol engine used when driving at higher, more constant speeds.

Honda says the HR-V’s new squared-off shape provides more interior space, despite the need to package the additional hybrid drivetrain components.

A new dashboard provides a less cluttered cabin than before, with a centrally mounted touchscreen providing infotainment services.

There is a unique ‘Air Diffusion System’ that directs a stream of air along the front side windows to the roof, creating a vortex of air beside and above occupants. Honda says the system addresses the discomfort issue of having air blowing directly at passengers.

The new HR-V also retains its ‘Magic Seats’ feature, which enables the rear bench to folded up, or the entire rear seat to be folded flat, to make more space for cargo.

Honda says the new model embodies its “seamless, clean, modern design philosophy seen in other recent new Honda models” and it “follows the key concepts of function and beauty.”

The range consists of the Elegance grade, starting at £26,960 which features LED headlights, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and smartphone connectivity as standard.

Sitting above this is the Advance, which starts from £29,210 and adds a power tailgate with ‘Walk Away Close and Handsfree access’, heated steering wheel, and a synthetic leather and fabric interior trim.

The Advance Style derivative is available from £31,660, and adds premium audio, a two-tone exterior paint finish and orange detailing to the cabin.