For:
- Sleek, modern design
- Class-leading practicality
Against:
- Only available as front-wheel-drive
- Lack of engine choice
Engines & Powertrains
Despite being a crossover, the HR-V is only available in front-wheel-drive. Although Honda has entered the incredibly lucrative compact crossover segment, it may come as a surprise that there are only two engines on offer.
For those who favour diesel power, the 1.6-litre i-DTEC unit offers in excess of 70 mpg and CO2 emissions from as little as 104 g/km. There's 118 bhp on offer, however the 300 Nm of torque does come in quite late at 2,000 rpm. Nevertheless, it is capable of reaching 62 mph in a not-too-shabby 10 seconds exactly.
If petrol is more your style, the 1.5-litre i-VTEC is what you'll end up with. It's the only petrol-powered engine in the HR-V range. It offers 10 more bhp over the diesel engine, but a significant drop in torque to a total of 155 Nm. Yet again, the i-VTEC engine will require a lot of revving to get the most power, with torque and power peaking between 4,600-6,600 rpm. Honda claims that this engine will return more than 50 mpg and emit 120 g/km.
Both engines come as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, however the 1.5-litre i-VTEC can be specified with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fiddling with the software, Honda says the CVT delivers power through a 'multi-gear' technology, making it feel more like a traditional 7-speed automatic. This can be noted when braking, where the system seemingly downshifts to provide more engine braking. Of course, it's still a CVT which does not make way for the most exhilarating of drives.
Some buyers may find the HR-V to be quite expensive to insure, with the petrol falling into group 18 and diesels a bit higher at 20.
Interior & Practicality
The chic one-piece touch-sensitive panel that houses all of the controls for the car's climate control oozes sophistication and helps entice those who wouldn't usually consider a Honda. The infotainment display with minimal buttons also looks great in the centre console.
The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel is a great feature, but some may find the amount of buttons to be overwhelming at times. All models feature an electronic parking brake which helps promote the feeling of airiness.
The giant central speedometer dominates the instrument cluster, sitting amid the equally-sized rev counter to the left and driver information display to the right. A nice little touch is the fact that the whole cluster glows green when being driven in an eco-friendly manner.
Entry-level 'S' has a 5-inch infotainment display as standard, but it's the 'SE' that adds Honda CONNECT - a 7-inch touchscreen that runs an Android operating system. Nevertheless, all models have DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
Even the standard HR-V is equipped with alloy wheels, daytime runnings lights, all-round electric windows and cruise control with a speed limiter.
It's the top-of-the-range 'EX' that gains leather upholstery with heated front seats, LED headlights, a reversing camera and keyless entry.
All members of the HR-V family have Honda's Magic Seat system. For those who are unfamiliar with this innovation, the seat bases can be folded into the backrests of the rear seats so that, in the case of the HR-V, you can transport items that are up to 124 cm high, in the rear footwells (and where the seat base usually is!).
Behind the wide-opening tailgate is a 470-litre boot with easy access thanks to a low load lip. Fold down the 60:40 split folding Magic Seats to uncover a total loading area of 1,533 litres. Thanks to the flat folding rear seats, the HR-V can carry items up to 184.5 cm long. When equipped with a flat-folding front passenger seat, this length grows to 244.5 cm.
Safety & Reliability
Passive safety equipment, such as the 8 airbags as standard, aren't enough to secure top marks in safety ratings nowadays. That's why all HR-Vs are equipped with the City-Brake Active System. A radar senses moving objects ahead and can automatically apply the brakes, although the system only works at speeds of up to 20 mph.
Optionally available is the Advanced Driver Assist System. As well as a radar, it incorporates front- and rear-facing cameras. At speeds of over 9 mph it is able to alert the driver of a possible collision, and the Lane Departure Warning System does exactly what it says on the tin. Other features are the High-beam Support System and Traffic Sign Recognition which can display a maximum of two signs in the instrument cluster. This works hand-in-hand with the Intelligent Speed Limiter to ensure the driver is sticking to the speed limit at all times, whether it means slowing down the car gradually and gently or alerting the driver should he or she exceed the speed limit by more than 2 mph. Don't worry, it can be disabled!
The Honda HR-V, therefore, earned the full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The HR-V is covered by a 3-year 90,000-mile warranty, however this can be upgraded to 4 or 5 years for £460 or £850 respectively.
Rivals & Competition
If you're in the market for a Honda HR-V, it's worth checking out some of its closest rivals:
- Nissan Juke
- Renault Captur
- Vauxhall Mokka
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