We are with the Honda HR-V at Lisbon.
The HR-V, which is the younger sibling of the CR-V, sees the light of day again after a long absence.
Let’s see if the HR-V that ranks as small crossover has features to have a corner on the market?
Let’s analyze it together.
Even though the design of the HR-V looks as if it has similarities with its elder brother the CR-V,
in my opinion, it is very different.
The grill with chrome strip and headlamps with LED make the car looks powerful from the front.
From the sides, muscular fenders, ascending shoulder line towards the rear and rear door handles hidden in the C column,
which liken HR-V to a coupe, draws attention.
The rear of the HR-V succeeds to look quite different from its rivals by doubled triangle taillights and projecting rear bumper.
The cockpit of the HR-V just as in the other Honda models is again driver oriented.
In other words, asymmetrical designed cockpit looks at the driver.
I personally like this type designed cockpits.
In the interior an elegant steering wheel and eligible indicators welcome you.
At the right, touchscreen multimedia and under it touch-operated A/C controls are situated.
To reach and use both of them are extremely easy.
For your small items a large area is offered behind the gear lever.
Furthermore, at the bottom section of this gear console there is also a small place.
The most remarkable design factor here is the ventilating duct completely covering the right side and
the new electrical hand brake.
At the rear better knee and headroom than will be expected in the small crossover class is offered.
Besides, because there is no transmission tunnel, there is ample room for the feet of the third passenger.
The most important feature at the rear is the removable seats that the Honda calls ‘Magic Seats’.
Due to this variability the rear seats can be designed just like the boot for more loading.
Even at first glance, the 470 liters loading capacity signify that it is bigger than its rivals and
will satisfy the expectations completely.
Let us consider the engine and driving features of the HR-V.
The HR-V is manufactured with 2 different engine alternatives;
one is 1.6-liters diesel and the other 1.5-liters petrol.
Both of these engines transfer their power to the front wheels.
In other words, I can say that the HR-V has no 4-wheel drive version.
Both engine alternatives can be bought with manual gearbox.
The automatic choice is only offered with the petrol engine.
The 1.6-liters diesel engine and 9-speed automatic gearbox combination that is started to be used in the CR-V is nonexistent in this car for now.
I also have no information if it will be available in the future.
But in the end I think the demand will be abounding.
Under the bonnet of the HR-V I have driven 1.5-liters i-VTEC petrol engine is functioning.
This engine, which develops 130 HP and 155Nm of torque, is not assertive in the matter of performance.
It has calm disposition that satisfies the daily expectations.
But if you like rapid accelerations,
it is not possible for you to be happy with this engine and CVT gearbox.
In that case it will be better for you to choose the more flexible manual gearbox and 1.6-liters diesel engine.
With the HR-V I have been driving, you can advance on straight road and highway smoothly and silently.
But on overtaking or on gradients you should be patient.
By intervening the CVT’s pre-locked 7 ratios with the pedals behind the steering wheel and
you are able to use it manually.
About the fuel consumption,
I can clearly say that, the HR-V with this engine is better in this subject than its performance.
I have been driving this car for 2 days around Lisbon and covered 150 km.
Even though I have driven with performance at the moment the trip computer indicates 7.7-liters fuel consumption averages.
Even if this value may sound high,
I think it is very good and by driving style, it is possible to lower it.
The suspension of the HR-V in my opinion is better than many of its rivals.
They filter the impacts well and work silently.
And this naturally increases the driving comfort.
The HR-V did not evoke any deficiency in road handling.
On the crooked mountain roads that I drove it really gave confidence.
The weight and the reactions of the steering wheel in my judgment are quite good.
And there is no negation about insulation.
Neither road noise nor wind noise penetrate the cockpit.
Only when you want to accelerate rapidly you hear the engine noise in the interior as it works at high rpm.
The HR-V is face to face, on the small crossover class where the number of models is increasing every day such as the Jeep Renegade,
Nissan Juke, Opel Mokka and Renault Captur which are very powerful rivals.
Apart from sportive and powerful appearance,
with its successful driving features the hand of the HR-V seems strong.
But time will show what the HR-V can do.
Ok I have a question for you, if it was you, would you buy the HR-V.
Don’t forget to leave your answers under the video as a comment and of course don’t forget to share this video.
See you…