The third era of the Honda HR-V is a worldwide SUV, although North America is getting a distinct mannequin with the identical identify. We had the possibility to check the EU-spec model, which is completely accessible in self-charging hybrid type, and see how effectively it stacks up in opposition to the quite a few opponents from each the small and the compact SUV segments.

Premium Design And Market Positioning

Let’s begin by saying that the brand new HR-V represents an necessary step up from its predecessor by way of styling, wanting extra mature than ever earlier than. Honda’s newest design language introduced a cleaner profile with an extended bonnet, a single horizontal character line, nicer surfacing, customary 18-inch wheels, and an aerodynamic roofline.

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The LED headlights look fairly aggressive, with the body-colored grille (non-compulsory black-painted) hinting on the electrified nature of the mannequin, and the sculpted bumper paying homage to the bigger CR-V. On the again, the closely inclined rear windshield is blurring the strains between SUVs and coupe-SUVs, with the high-mounted full-width LED taillights giving it a sexier stance and making it look extra premium than its predecessor.

Honda has priced the HR-V in opposition to the compact SUV section, together with giving it loads of customary equipment and the aforementioned premium seems to be. Nonetheless, the truth that it’s mechanically associated to the Jazz / Match makes it higher fitted to the highest finish of the small SUV section. The footprint of the HR-V has grown, and it’s now measuring 4,340 mm (170.9 inches) lengthy, 1,790 mm (70.5 inches) extensive, and 1,582 mm (62.3 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of two,610 mm (102.8 inches). This makes it barely bigger than the entire rival B-SUVs such because the Peugeot 2008, however smaller than mainstream C-SUVs just like the Nissan Qashqai. The closest rival by way of footprint is the Toyota C-HR which additionally comes with a self-charging hybrid powertrain.

Roomy Cabin, Upmarket Really feel

Shifting inside, the upmarket really feel is accentuated by the minimalist design of the dashboard. The driving place is a bit increased than the earlier era, with good visibility and a barely low roof. Regardless of the onerous plastics on the dashboard, all the things is effectively put along with a horizontal line connecting the local weather vents and the great patch of upholstery beneath growing the perceived high quality. Total, the inside of the HR-V feels much more upmarket than the Jazz / Match, bringing it nearer to the premium feeling you get in a Honda e.

Ergonomics are superb, with the bodily controls for the air-conditioning being each fashionable and simple to make use of. The buttons on the steering wheel want a bit of little bit of getting used to, however they supply entry to many options. Honda’s infotainment has a quite simple menu construction, always-on contact shortcuts, bodily buttons for the Dwelling and Again capabilities, plus an precise quantity knob. The usual high-mounted 9-inch touchscreen – identical as within the Jazz – is responsive, regardless that not as fancy wanting because the multi-screen setup of the Honda e.

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By way of connectivity, the HR-V has all the things you want, in addition to the truth that the Android Auto is wired-only, not like the wi-fi Apple CarPlay. Our mid-spec Advance trim had 4 USB ports for charging (two for the rear passengers) however no wi-fi charging pad which is barely customary within the flagship Advance Plus alongside fancier upholstery colour combos and a greater sound system. Nonetheless, our six-speaker audio was ok, particularly for Honda requirements.

What’s much less spectacular than different SUV rivals is the semi-digital instrument cluster which doesn’t supply many customization choices. You’ll be able to select the knowledge you need to present up contained in the left dial, since there is no such thing as a rev counter, however you don’t get any fancy graphics like within the Ford Puma, numerous layouts like within the Skoda Kamiq, or 3D-style dials like within the Peugeot 2008.

Cabin area and practicality are crucial for SUV patrons, and the HR-V is healthier than common on this regard. There are heaps of legroom for the rear passengers who additionally get entry to rear local weather vents, however the rear headroom is a bit restricted for taller individuals because of the inclined roofline. Anybody that’s as much as 6 ft tall will probably be very comfy on the again, aside from the center seat which isn’t comfy as a consequence of a bump on the rear bench. One other factor we didn’t like that a lot is the central armrest which feels a bit clumsy whereas resting on the rear bench.

There are not any correct rear door bins however the seatbacks have good pockets with additional room in your smartphone. Additionally, Honda’s signature Magic Seats have the power to flip upright individually, making area for bigger objects. The seats may fold utterly flat, making a van-line cargo area of as much as 1,305 lt (46.1 cubic ft). In five-seat configuration, the cargo area is 335 lt (11.8 cubic ft), which doesn’t sound like a lot on paper, particularly should you examine it to the five hundred lt (17.7 cubic ft) of C-SUV fashions just like the Nissan Qashqai or the Peugeot 3008. In actuality, it feels bigger than numbers counsel, due to its sensible form that will probably be appreciated by households. It additionally has an additional compartment hidden beneath the ground, aside from the highest trim the place this area is occupied by a subwoofer.

A Hybrid For Clean Drivers

The e:HEV system on the Honda HR-V is improved in comparison with the Jazz / Match with elevated energy output and a bigger lithium-ion battery. Thus, you get a mixed 129 hp (96 kW / 131 PS) and 253 Nm (187 lb-ft) of torque from the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and a pair of electrical motors which is lower than within the Civic e:HEV. Don’t let the variety of engines idiot you, for the reason that HR-V is FWD-only in Europe (solely Japan will get AWD variants). More often than not, one of many electrical motors will probably be powering the entrance wheels, and the ICE will activate and off mechanically when wanted, working as a generator.

Within the metropolis, the HR-V is quiet due to the intelligent hybrid setup, the improved noise insulation, and the refined experience. It additionally feels moderately fast and responsive, with the sunshine steering wheel making it agile regardless of its beneficiant footprint. Gasoline consumption within the city cycle may be as little as 3 lt/100km (78.4 mpg) because you largely experience on EV mode in heavy visitors, whereas the common we noticed in several sorts of situations was 5.6 lt/100 km (42 mpg).

Issues are a bit of bit totally different once you begin to push the hybrid powertrain on the freeway. The beforehand quiet combustion engine turns into very loud, with the eCVT gearbox maintaining it continuously in excessive rpms with the intention to extract the utmost mixed output. After the preliminary 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration which feels quicker than the marketed 9.7 seconds, you get quite a lot of noise and little motion. Because of this, the acceleration above 120 km/h (75 mph) and as much as the 170 km/h (106 mph) prime velocity feels a bit sluggish in comparison with turbocharged rivals.

The scenario is comparable on twisty roads the place the driving force will assume twice earlier than stepping on the fuel pedal with the intention to keep away from the fuss. The Sport driving mode makes the powertrain a bit of bit extra responsive than within the Regular and Econ modes, however doesn’t actually encourage you to push. For many who beloved the handbook gearbox of the earlier era, the conduct of the eCVT may be irritating. In contrast to different producers who use fake gears on CVT transmissions, the paddle shifters behind the Honda’s steering wheel are solely there for selecting the extent of regenerative braking, displaying that it is a comfort-oriented proposal.

Nonetheless, the HR-V has good dealing with capabilities, with noticeable however not extreme physique roll and excessive ranges of grip. The suspension is tender over bumps however not too tender within the corners, which is ideal for this SUV’s character. The steering initially feels properly weighted across the middle however in B-roads, it has a sterilized really feel to it although it’s nonetheless quick and direct. Brakes are additionally good regardless of the hybrid nature of the automobile. Off the crushed monitor, the FWD-only structure (as with most of its SUV rivals) limits its capabilities, however the beneficiant floor clearance of 188 mm (7.4 inches) and the great off-road angles gives you nice confidence.

Total, the HR-V doesn’t get close to a Ford Puma by way of dynamic capabilities, received’t go as far off-road as an AWD Suzuki Vitara, nor method the plush experience of a bigger Citroen C5 Aircross, however it strikes a pleasant stability for the common driver due to its refined chassis and premium traits.

Pricing And Gear

The Honda HR-V has a quite simple lineup in Europe, with a single powertrain possibility (e:HEV) and three trim ranges – Class, Advance, and Advance Type. All three include loads of customary equipment, supporting Honda’s upmarket transfer. From the entry-level Class you get all the Honda Sensing ADAS suite with the entire fashionable driving aids together with the graceful Adaptive Cruise Management and Lane Conserving capabilities, a 9-inch infotainment, heated entrance seats, rear A/C vents and 18-inch wheels. The Advance provides dual-zone air con, LED lights, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, an computerized tailgate, and two further USB charging ports for the rear passengers. Lastly, the Advance Plus is visually distinguished by the two-tone exterior with roof rails, orange accents and particular badging on the grille, and the leather-style upholstery contained in the cabin. As we talked about earlier, it will get a premium sound system and a wi-fi charging pad.

Sadly, all this gear comes at a really excessive price. In Greece the place we drove the HR-V, the entry-level Class begins from €33,800 ($35,555), our mid-spec Advance sells for €36,800 ($38,711), and the flagship Advance Plus reaches an eye-watering €39,900 ($41,972), with costs being nearly an identical within the UK market.

With a beginning worth of £28,825 ($35,498) within the UK, the HR-V is considerably dearer than the B-SUVs, together with the restricted variety of hybrids on this section. For instance, the equally roomy ICE-powered Skoda Kamiq begins from £21,805 ($26,658) whereas the plug-in hybrid Renault Captur E-Tech begins from £24,795 ($30,539).

Getting into the C-SUV section we discover the equally priced Toyota C-HR hybrid ranging from £28,470 ($35,066) though in Greece and different European international locations the Toyota is quite a bit cheaper ranging from €25,140 ($26,447). Different examples of C-SUVs which are extra reasonably priced of their entry-level trim than the Honda HR-V embrace the Mazda CX-30 at £24,645 ($30,354), or the bigger Kia Sportage at £26,775 ($32,977). As for the flagship Honda HR-V Advance Plus, this comes dangerously near the extra premium and bigger Volvo XC40 and BMW X1, limiting its function as a distinct segment product.

Verdict

The EU-spec Honda HR-V has matured in its third era, changing into a extra fashionable and premium SUV whereas retaining most of its practicality traits. It’s barely much less roomy than its predecessor, however the inside seems to be nicer with heaps of rear legroom, the Magic Seats, and a boot that feels bigger than the numbers counsel. The e:HEV hybrid powertrain is kind of environment friendly however can get noisy once you actually push it to its limits. Driving-wise, the HR-V isn’t on the sporty facet of issues, being extra of a comfort-oriented proposal with a refined experience and a reasonably beneficiant floor clearance. It comes with loads of customary gear however pricing is among the most important hurdles, inserting it in opposition to bigger and extra competent rivals.

Images: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops