Review: Honda HR-V

Honda’s HR-V has historically been a sound offering in the mid-size SUV segment, delivering excellent practicality alongside the excellent reliability that comes with any model in the Honda stable. The previous-generation car though, by the end of its life, was starting to look a little long in the tooth, which is why a completely new version has been introduced. 

Promising efficient running as well as a more technology-focused interior, this latest HR-V could prove popular indeed. We’ve been trying it out to see what it’s like. 

What is covered:

• What is the Honda HR-V?
• What’s new for the Honda HR-V?
• Performance of the Honda HR-V
• How does the Honda HR-V drive?
• How does the Honda HR-V look/
• Inside the Honda HR-V
• The spec on the Honda HR-V
• Verdict on the Honda HR-V

What is it?

Honda is a company that is really pushing hard for electrification. In fact, by the end of the year, everything the firm offers will be either a full EV or hybrid. So it’s only part of that process to see the HR-V arrive with a hybrid engine. Now into its third generation, this is a particularly important car for Honda, given that the SUV segment is currently experiencing huge popularity. It does also mean that the HR-V has quite a lot of competition. 

What’s new?

This isn’t some mid-life refresh. No, this new HR-V has very little carryover from the model it replaces, while a striking new exterior design means that this latest model looks significantly different to the older one. You’ve got a wide variety of driver aids, too, as well as a new infotainment system which looks to replace the rather creaky one fitted to the older HR-V. 

What’s under the bonnet?

The HR-V utilises a similar powertrain to the one you’ll find in the latest Jazz, but has more power to ensure that there’s still plenty of performance. It’s based around a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is then linked to two electric motors for a combined output of 129bhp and 253Nm of torque. Efficiency is the name of the game here, of course, and the HR-V does well. Honda claims up to 52mpg and CO2 emissions of 122g/km - not bad for a car of this size. 

What’s it like to drive?

Honda has been able to pack more cell-rich batteries into the HR-V. As a result, you’re able to travel on electric-only power for more of the time - particularly around town and at slower speeds. It’s in urban areas that the HR-V feels surprisingly capable, thanks to good visibility and well-judged suspension. But the HR-V is just as well suited to life on the open road, too, thanks to relatively little body roll and smooth, linear acceleration. 

How does it look?

The previous HR-V wasn’t exactly a masterclass in exciting design, so it’s pleasing to see that this new version has some real theatre when it comes to the way it looks. The body-coloured grille is a standout feature and helps to give it a particularly futuristic appearance. Standing on 18-inch alloy wheels the HR-V has quite a lot of presence, while a sloping rear window helps to give the car a more coupe-esque look. 

What’s it like inside?

Honda has really upped the level of quality that you get inside the HR-V, with top-spec Advance Style models feeling particularly upmarket thanks to high-end materials and a classy grey upholstery. The new nine-inch touchscreen is a huge step up compared with the older version, with Honda saying that new shortcut buttons help to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to conduct certain functions. A new air diffusion system channels air around you, rather than firing it directly at your face, too. 

What’s the spec like?

There are three trim levels to choose from with the HR-V - Elegance, Advance and Advance Style. Priced from £26,960, all versions boast heated front seats, LED headlights, a digital dial display and a nine-in touchscreen. Move up to Advance and you’ll find a heated steering wheel added alongside LED front fog lights and a blind-spot monitoring system. Top-rung Advance Style models, meanwhile, get a two-tone paint scheme, roof bars and a grey and orange interior theme. 

Verdict

The Honda HR-V feels like a big step up for the firm, ideal for drivers who maybe want something larger than a Jazz, but not as big as the firm’s CR-V. It’s comfortable and well-finished too, while its excellent level of standard equipment means that the HR-V is well worth considering if you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV. 

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