Honda’s new HR-V: more efficient and stylish

Honda introduced the third generation of its HR-V crossover SUV to the Irish market last October. Its arrival completed the brand’s updated SUV line out.

This model is only available with a hybrid powertrain and competes in the busy B-segment populated by other models like the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq, SEAT Ateca and Ford Puma, so it has to be at least equally as good to make its mark among such company.

An efficient small family-sized SUV, and styled to look more substantial than its two predecessors, it is now longer and wider but retains the same wheelbase. My car was in a dark grey exterior colour which showed it off to perfection as did the contrasting silver roof rails. But buyers can choose from a number of exterior colour options.

My car (Advance Style trim) had a smart-looking two-tone roof and some unique exterior finishes to do with bumpers, grille, door garnish, mirrors etc. Rear external door handles are located high on the side rear windows. A full-width light bar features across the rear. Privacy glass is standard on all trims.

The redesigned and very well-finished interior is way better than before. Key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats which enables the car to utilise the versatile rear Magic Seats that offer both ‘fold-flat’ or ‘flip-up’ flexibility depending on the cargo space required for transporting bulky items. Honda owners love these Magic Seats for the flexibility they allow.

You sit up high so feel as if you are in a bigger SUV machine. I was able to get an excellent driving position with the narrow front A-pillars and big side windows allowing me very good visibility especially when approaching junctions. Side mirrors are placed well away from the sides of the car and it has good blind spot monitors.

The lower central dash and centre console have been redesigned to make access to the wireless charging mat (from Advance Style upwards) easier from both the passenger and driver’s seats. Here also are two USB ports and a number of storage areas.

Comfy seats, clad in beautiful leather/cloth mix, looked inviting when I stepped into the car. Their good looks were matched by their comfort. Just manual seat adjustments, though, and no lumbar support is offered with any trim. Front seats can be heated in cold weather. While there are three head restraints in the rear, the middle seat cushion is very narrow and higher than the other two, suitable only for a child. Tall people in the outer two seats have generous knee room but may find headroom a bit on the tight side. There are two small USB ports here.

All grades get a relatively small 9-inch infotainment touchscreen which is designed to minimise driver distraction. This display can be configured to suit any usage requirements incorporating shortcuts to frequently used functions and audio sources. The 7.0-inch instrument cluster shows two large dials, one customisable for audio, phone, navigation, range and fuel. You see your current speed digitally in big white numbers centre top. Both screens have dark backgrounds but graphics are not as good as some of the competition. A suite of in-built apps can be supplemented by smartphone mirroring, enabled by wireless Apple CarPlay (through WiFi or cable) and Android Auto (cable). The design emphasis is on traditional physical knobs for climate and audio volume switchgear.

The power-operated tailgate opens up access to a 335-litre boot with a customised rubber mat and an underfloor area for storage.

Trims are Elegance, Advance, Advance Style (my car) and Advance Style Plus. The entry-level Elegance trim has Honda Connect with Navigation, smart entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, LED headlights and LED rear lights, heated door mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control, leather steering wheel and two front USB ports. Advance Style has a premium audio including four tweeters, centre speaker and subwoofer while Advance Style Plus adds a panoramic glass roof.

This is a full hybrid that delivers strong electrified performance, with automatic transmission. The e:HEV powertrain consists of two electric motors, a 1.5 DOHC I-VTEC petrol engine, offering a total combined output of 131hp and 253Nm torque, with acceleration to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds; rated fuel economy is 5.4 L/100kms.

I was impressed with the hybrid setup’s very good fuel economy. It includes short city driving using electricity alone before the system automatically switches to petrol power. The car charges up as you drive. Steering is accurate and well-weighted. Drive modes are Sport, Normal and Eco.

The car comes with a full suite of advanced safety features and driver assist aids including a Multi-View Camera System (from Advance Style level upwards) that displays a full 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings with a choice of side or overhead views available.

Honda are always big on safety. The Honda Sensing safety package comprises of Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and front and rear Collision Mitigation Throttle Control.

Euro NCAP awarded the HR-V four stars out of a possible five when it was tested for safety.

PRICES: from €41,750-€49,750. The road tax is €200.