Honda HR-V
Honda’s HR-V is an attractive package that has a stylish exterior and spacious interior writes Hannah Gordon
What is it? A mini SUV that goes head-to-head with the popular Nissan Juke, Opel Mokka X and Renault Captur.
Who is it aimed at? The Honda HR-V benefits from bundles of interior space which overshadows its rivals, it also has the added extra of the ‘magic seat’ system which gives even more space. Perfect for a small family or people who just need more space and comfort.
Styling? A well designed small SUV that keeps the distinctive Honda styling which leads to a fairly awkward rear end, apart from this the HR-V has a coupe type shape aided by hidden door handles in the C pillars.
Under the bonnet? Two engine options are available keeping the decision simple, there is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol which produces 128bhp and the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel which generates 118bhp. The diesel does look a better option when reading through the economy figures. The manual gearbox is available for both the petrol and diesel engines and gives a slick and precise change on progress, the CVT automatic option is only available with the petrol engine currently.
What about inside? The HR-V’s main selling point has to be the abundance of space inside, compared to the Nissan Juke its like Narnia’s wardrobe with a boot space of 470 litres, that is even larger than the Nisan Qashqai. Interior quality feels good and the dash set up feels unique and driver focused. Plenty of gloss black inserts and easy to use switchgear that seems to have been taken from the Honda Civic makes the cabin a pleasant place to be. The infotainment system is a small let down as its not as easy to use and seems slightly dated. Driving position feels more hatchback than SUV as you sit lower, whilst many people buy an SUV to have a higher commanding seating position.
On the road? The Honda HR-V is comfortable and handles well, body roll is minimal whilst the steering is light, responsive but with limited feedback. The HR-V feels well set up even though it is taller than a hatchback anyone who purchases it will enjoy the drivability whether in town or motorway tarmac. The diesel engine grumble is noticeable but wind noise is kept to a minimum, the petrol is more refined but not as quick to 0-100kph.
What about safety? To get the full range of safety features choose the ES trim level which includes the Driver Assistance Safety Pack as standard, with this you will get forward collision warning, intelligent-speed limiter, lane departure warning, high beam support system and traffic sign recognition system. Cruise control with speed limiter comes as standard from SE trim and the HR-V benefits from a full 5 star Euro NCAP test result.
What are my options? In standard specification the HR-V benefits from Climate Control Air Conditioning, City-Brake Active System, Bluetooth HFT, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, 16″ Alloy Wheels, Dusk Sensing Auto Headlights and Alarm with Remote Locking, ES adds Front & Rear Parking Sensors, 17″ Alloy Wheels, Honda Connect, Dynamic Safety Pack, Dual-Zone Climate Control Rain Sensing Auto Wipers and Front Fog Lights. The Top of the range EX adds Smart Entry & Start, Satellite Navigation, Leather Upholstery, Panoramic Opening Glass Roof, Rear Parking Camera, Heated Front Seats and LED Headlights & DRL’s.
Will it break the bank? With just two engine choices it is easy to compare the economy figures, the 1.6-litre diesel has a CO2 output of 108 g/km and a combined economy of 4.1 litres per 100km whilst the 1.5-litre petrol manual CO2 output is 134 g/km and 5.7 litres per 100 km the automatic gives slightly better results with 125 g/km of CO2 and combined figure of 5.4 litres per 100 km.
So the verdict? An attractive package that has a stylish exterior and spacious interior, a simple choice of engines and trim levels that makes comparing easier. An extremely competitive market that the Honda HR-V is in, it is slightly more expensive than its rivals and the infotainment system lets the interior down but Honda have a great reputation for quality and reliability.
The Honda HR-V is extremely versatile and well worth a look if you’re in the market for a quality, spacious, economical and safe small SUV.
Why you’ll buy one? Versatile; Reliability; Spacious
Why you won’t? Pricey; Fiddly infotainment system
Rivals
Opel Mokka X
Nissan Juke
Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC
Engine: 1597cc
Max speed: 192km/h
0-100: 10.2seconds
Emissions: 108g/km
Model price range: from €23,995 (test car €33,495)
No of Doors: 5
Euro NCAP : 5
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.1 litre per 100 (68.9 mpg)
Boot Capacity Seats up(down): 470 litres (1533)
Length: 4294 mm
Width: 1772 mm
Height: 1605 mm
Wheelbase: 2610 mm
For more information on the HR-V check out Honda.ie, the Honda Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Hannah Gordon
19th September, 2017
