By Ian Strachan.
The excellent Honda HR-V is a vehicle that seems to have got under the radar. This cross between a coupe and an SUV probably isn’t top of people’s choice lists.
Which is a shame, because the HR-V is a very good car indeed. And its latest revamp means smart design and higher spec. As well as looking good, it has class-leading interior space and versatility, remarkable frugality and bags of technology.
I test drove the HR-V e:HEV hybrid in Advance Style Plus spec. The 1.5 litre petrol engine is helped by a 96kw self-charging electric motor, allowing it to run on electric power only. As a full hybrid it is self-charging, drawing power from braking, with no need for a charging point.
The HR-V hybrid’s engine gives a more-than-adequate 107 bhp, with a low 94 g/km CO2 emissions and a combined economy of 52.3 miles per gallon in mixed driving. It gives a remarkable 460 miles on a full tank.
This latest Honda has a sporty but solid look, with an impressive and purposeful front end, roof rails and chunky alloys. While this is no serious mud-plugger, it certainly looks robust.
The inside is a comfortable and airy place to be, with excellent visibility all round and pleasant trim and seat materials. The 1.5i Advance Style specification which I drove gives you a high specification including dual-zone climate control, all-round airbags, rear view camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, front foglights and cruise control You also get lane-keeping assist, a good sound system with Bluetooth, phone-charging plate and satellite navigation. My test car had stepless CVT automatic transmission.
Clear, centrally-placed well-lit instruments and easily accessible controls help the overall feeling of well-being inside the cabin.
Handling is good, with crisp steering. The suspension set-up is quite soft but body roll on cornering is minimal. The car is packed with safety technology including an active braking system and a speed limiter with traffic sign recognition function.
The HR-V deserves to do well, particularly in its latest hybrid form. It looks good, has a nice driving environment and good performance combined with low running costs and a five year 90,000 mile warranty.
The HR-V e:HEV 1.5i Advance Style Plus comes at £37,995 on the road. My test car came with Seabed Blue pearl paintwork at £650.
