The new subcompact crossover HR-V gets a completely refreshed look in its latest guise as a two-model option, the Comfort and Executive - with both powered by a 1,5-litre engine driving through a CVT transmission.
In comparison
The HR-V plays in the same sandbox as nameplates such as Mazda CX3, Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Venue.
A little bit of history and background
Originally based on the Honda Logo, the first generation hit the showrooms in Europe in 1999 until it disappeared from the line-up in 2006. It reappeared in 2013 based on the Honda Fit and again with the third generation built on the Honda Civic platform.
According to Honda, the ‘HR-V’ stands for ‘Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle’.
A new look and new convenience features
The new coupe-SUV body gives it a sleek and dynamic design.
The Comfort model features 17-inch black/silver diamond-cut alloy wheels, while the Executive model gets 18-inch alloy wheels painted in gunmetal black.
The rear leg room has increased by 35 mm with an additional two-degree recline compared to the previous generation HR-V because of the revised centre tank layout and packaging of powertrain components.
New features include a hands-free Power Tailgate with Walk Away Close function. The SmartKey function detects the proximity of the key to the car, thus automatically closing the tailgate when it moves away.
Digital access to infotainment
The new HR-V upgraded the storage space and connectivity points around the cabin, adding two USB charging sockets in the front and two in the back, along with a wireless charging pad located in the lower section of the centre console.
Exclusive to the Executive model is a panoramic glass roof that features ‘Low-E’ glass technology to minimise the intensity of infrared, ultraviolet and solar heat rays entering the cabin by 75%t.
Power, performance, and emissions
The new HR-V enjoys the power of Honda’s 1,5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, offering 89 kW at 6 600 r/min and torque of 145 Nm at 4 300 r/min, and Honda claims a fuel consumption figure of 6,0 l/100 km and a CO2 emission figure of 144 g/Km.
The fuel consumption figure is quite significant as it falls just short of the 40 miles/gallon that becomes a requirement for all vehicles in the USA by 2026 – perhaps the next refresh featuring hybrid or full-electric up front.
Safety powered by modern technology
Stopping power comes via 293 mm ventilated front discs and 282 mm solid discs at the rear coupled to Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Automatic Brake Hold (ABH). The Hill Descent Control is available for the first time in South Africa on the HR-V.
All black interior powered by modern technology
The HR-V has front, side, and curtain SRS crash bags – six on the Executive and four on the Comfort derivative.
The HR-V Executive model offers a broad range of driver assistance features and driver aids as standard, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Auto High-Beam (AHB).
Warranty and maintenance
All models come standard with a 5-year / 200 000 km warranty and a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.
Pricing:
• Comfort R 469 000
• Executive R 554 500
