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Small SUVs are large enterprise now.
The rising kindergarten of soft-roader toddlers has taken over the sandpit the place hatchbacks used to play and, within the course of, has taken on a wide range of clients, starting from first-time new automotive patrons, rising households and empty-nesters.
The Honda HR-V was an early pioneer of this phase, first arriving in 1999 as a high-riding three-door with a sporty and youthful character that borrowed its underpinnings from the Civic of the time.
The unique HR-V had a sort of cheeky enchantment about it that has made it considerably of a cult basic as we speak. However now, in its third technology, the HR-V has matured and, following the demise of the Jazz hatchback, is now the entry level to Honda’s SUV-centred vary.
So, listed here are seven issues we love in regards to the newest Honda HR-V.
1. High quality
You possibly can simply declare the Honda HR-V is a premium participant within the compact SUV phase simply due to its worth.
However the proof is definitely within the pudding in relation to the standard of engineering and manufacturing, because the HR-V is correct up there with the most effective within the enterprise by way of all of the attributes you need from a automotive: consolation, security, reliability and efficiency.
Certain, it’s not overly flashy – inside or out – but it surely feels meticulously nicely constructed, to the purpose the place it may possibly justify its premium over cheaper alternate options, significantly these from newer manufacturers.
The Honda HR-V is obtainable in three mannequin grades, beginning with the entry-level petrol-powered Vi X that’s priced at $34,900 drive-away, then two hybrid choices within the e:HEV X ($39,900 drive-away) and the flagship e:HEV L we’re testing right here, priced at $42,900 drive-away.
2. Customary tools
All three mannequin variants include a good listing of normal tools that features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry with push-button begin
- Energy home windows
- Local weather management
- 7.0-inch digital instrument show
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Embedded satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto with Google Assistant
- Honda Join smartphone app accessibility
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
Nonetheless, the range-topping L provides extra luxurious options to the equation, reminiscent of leather-based inside trim, heated entrance seats and steering wheel, dual-zone local weather management with rear air vents, six-speaker audio system, two extra USB-C energy retailers for rear seat occupants, a power-operated tailgate and extra.
The cabin design is straightforward but stylish, with soft-touch supplies used all through, bodily controls for the air flow system and good small-item space for storing.
The entrance seats are snug, supportive, and supply loads of adjustment to go well with myriad of drivers, who’re supplied with a commanding view of the highway because of nice all-round imaginative and prescient and first rate headroom.
3. Magic rear seats
Nevertheless it’s the HR-V’s again seats that really set this automotive aside in its class.
Okay, initially, it should be famous that the HR-V is simply a four-seater with room for simply two within the rear, which could rule it out for some.
However, for its measurement, the HR-V presents more room within the rear than most small SUVs, with beneficiant legroom, extra supportive aspect bolsters than you’d sometimes discover on a bench seat, a fold-down armrest with two extra cupholders, rear air vents, and USB-C energy retailers (within the e:HEV L).
It’s a genuinely snug place to be – even for a few adults – which isn’t the case in lots of its rivals.
Nonetheless, past its means to hold folks, the HR-V additionally has what Honda calls Magic Seats, which may be configured in 18 other ways to offer superb flexibility when loading giant gadgets.
In its normal format, the HR-V’s boot presents 304 litres of cargo capability, which is already fairly first rate for such a small automotive. With the 60:40-split rear seatback folded flat, that house expands to a cavernous 1274L.
Ingeniously, the rear seat cushions may also flip upwards and create room to stow taller gadgets as nicely, making the HR-V remarkably versatile.
4. Seamless hybrid
Beneath the bonnet, the Honda HR-V e:HEV is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT) that homes an electrical motor and drives the entrance wheels.
The powertrain produces most mixed outputs of 96kW of energy and 253Nm of torque, and has a claimed mixed gas consumption of simply 4.3L/100km.
Whereas none of these figures set new benchmarks for the category, it’s among the many greatest in relation to performing so naturally and seamlessly in the actual world.
It actually feels extra spritely than its numbers counsel, with on the spot acceleration at any velocity because of the rapid injection of torque from the electrical motor. It additionally makes use of the e-motor to close down the petrol engine for brief bursts when cruising. And but it’s so refined and seamless when switching between the 2 that you simply barely discover.
Naturally, with solely a small-capacity lithium-ion battery (Honda doesn’t present an official determine), it makes use of the saved power fairly shortly. However the battery administration system is extraordinarily sensible and also you’re by no means left in need of electrons once you want them, because it makes use of both the engine or regenerative braking to continuously replenish energy on the transfer.
5. Snug driving expertise
Talking of which, the Honda’s regenerative braking system feels extra pure than different hybrid methods too, which may are inclined to ship a wood really feel by means of their brake pedals underneath preliminary deceleration when switching from electrical to mechanical retardation.
That’s not the case within the HR-V, the place there’s constant brake pedal really feel throughout the spectrum, which can also be reflective of the remainder of the HR-V’s driving character.
In brief, the HR-V is nearly peerless in relation to being snug and simple to drive. The suspension is superbly balanced, providing wonderful experience consolation and surefooted dealing with and physique management, and light-weight but constructive steering – and it’s quiet at freeway speeds.
If something, it’s testomony to Honda’s engineering experience that even its most reasonably priced mannequin isn’t compromised by its worth or positioning.
6. Security that isn’t annoying
The identical sentiment applies to its complete suite of superior security methods, which work successfully however with out being annoying.
And that’s saying one thing at the present time, when comparable methods in lots of different vehicles are so overzealous that you simply’d relatively de-activate them each time you begin the automotive than reside with them.
As an alternative, capabilities within the HR-V like its lane protecting help and velocity signal recognition are so nicely calibrated that they really feel like a assist relatively than a hindrance, which is the best way it must be.
All variants of the HR-V share the next Honda Sensing security methods:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management
- Ahead collision warning
- Lane protecting help
- Visitors signal recognition
- Visitors jam help
- Automated excessive beams
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Reverse parking show
- Six airbags
Each of the Hybrid variants (e:HEV X and e:HEV L) additionally add blind spot monitoring, rear cross visitors alert, adaptive high-beam and an clever speed-limiter.
The Honda HR-V was awarded a four-star ANCAP security ranking underneath 2022 protocols.
7. Reasonably priced to take care of
Whereas the flagship HR-V e:HEV L may cost a bit greater than different small SUVs to purchase, it is likely one of the most reasonably priced autos in its class to run.
Not solely does the hybrid powertrain maintain gas prices down, however Honda presents a capped worth service plan that prices simply $199 for every go to over the primary 5 years, with service intervals being each 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
That’s on prime of a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee with free roadside help, which may be prolonged to eight years if the automobile is maintained in accordance with its prescribed schedule and meets sure standards on the finish of the usual guarantee interval.
CarExpert’s Take
The Honda HR-V e:HEV L is a basic case of you get what you pay for.
And what you get right here is an especially nicely engineered and cozy small SUV that you could depend on, whereas additionally being reasonably priced to run and preserve, and ideally suited to younger urbanites or empty-nesters in equal measure.
MORE: Discover the Honda HR-V showroom
