Yes, it’s another hybrid but one that Honda have given some thought to. The HR-V model has, over the years, proved very popular with buyers who know that the Japanese car maker is one of the most reliable brands around. This latest model brings the HR-V bang up to date with the latest trend in automotive engineering.
The HR-V compact SUV continues to offer a mix of exceptional hybrid efficiency, class-leading passenger space and an enjoyable driving experience where premium SUV styling meets Honda’s modern design philosophy incorporating class-leading interior comfort and practicality. What’s more, it is good to drive.
The Exterior
All grades feature a new, sharper front-end design, with a new upper moulding finished in crystal black, and darkened headlight internals for a more defined face. At the rear, the full-width LED light bar also features a revised internal design to give it a fresh appearance. When designing and developing the latest generation HR-V, the company have completely reimagined the popular compact-SUV from the ground up. As a result, its contemporary coupé-like body has achieved a desirable yet rare combination of dynamic design and exceptional space efficiency.
The body sides still present a contemporary, uncluttered aesthetic, with a crisp horizontal shoulder line running from the rear light cluster to the front headlights, generating a sense of forward momentum. The raked A-pillar and appearance of an elongated bonnet create a premium look that visually moves the cabin volume rearwards to further accentuate the sleek proportions. At the rear, the wide and tall aperture, low entry point and flat cargo floor continue to facilitate easy loading access, despite the coupé inspired roofline.
Aerodynamic efficiency is achieved through the application of an air curtain slit at the front bumper, discreet lips at the rear side-sills and the sleek rear light bar shape, which have all been individually shaped to help to reduce air turbulence. This is further aided by the rear side-spoiler that continues to reduce turbulence behind the vehicle without spoiling that sleek, clean design.
The sculpted front bumper features more pronounced character lines, complimented by revised lower trim sections finished in a high-gloss black to ground the car and give the HR-V a more purposeful and prestige appearance. Higher level ‘Advance’ grades onwards also gain adaptive driving beam technology.
The Interior
Inside, the lower central dash and centre console have been re-profiled to make access to the wireless charging mat easier from both the passenger and driver’s seats. Trimmed in high-gloss piano black, the centre console is now flatter, and more ergonomic in design. Other changes to enhance the user experience and increased sound deadening within the cabin further enhance the HR-V’s interior comfort. In addition, the new ‘Advance Plus’ grade features a glass roof, while greater security and cabin comfort on warmer days is offered by privacy glass as standard on all grades.
Honda have also reduced the size of the power control unit by 20% compared with the previous-generation component. This allows the auxiliary 12 Volt battery to also fit into the engine compartment, freeing up room at the rear for passenger space and luggage. Also key to maximising cabin room was the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats. Further, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit were made much more compact, for an increased forward view, and a greater sense of, again, space, despite the compact exterior width of the car.
The new HR-V is more comfortable too. Honda’s thinking about interior design still centres on the interaction between the occupant and the car, to better support and integrate with their everyday lives. Thus, the sense of connection with the outside world is achieved via excellent forward visibility, with windows shaped to admit as much light as possible, whilst sight lines are aided by the flat line of the bonnet and rear-view mirrors located lower down on the door.
For additional comfort while driving, the interior controls are carefully positioned within the driver’s field of vision. The uncluttered, simple-to-use layout adds to the sense of spaciousness, with instantly recognisable audio and ventilation controls allowing for safe and intuitive operation.
The Drive
The e:HEV power-train consists of the two compact, powerful electric motors that work alongside an Atkinson-cycle 1.5 litre ‘DOHC i-VTEC’ petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission coupled to a power control unit. As such, the HR-V has a total power output of 129bhp (131PS) and 253Nm of torque, with acceleration to 62mph (100kph) in a respectable 10.6 seconds. Using this system, emissions are lowered and fuel consumption improved. Hybrid technology is coming of age.
The e:HEV system’s three drive modes seamlessly interchange to ensure optimum performance of each component in both urban and motorway driving. The intelligent Electronic Control Unit automatically and constantly cycles between Electric Drive, Hybrid Drive or Engine Drive depending on which is the most fuel-efficient mode at that specific situation.
For example, when driving at a constant high-speed, such as on a motorway or major auto-route, the system operates on Engine Drive as that is the most efficient for that scenario. If further acceleration is required, as when overtaking, the car will switch to Hybrid Drive for that additional performance boost. Additionally, when in this mode, power from the petrol engine-driven generator can be diverted to recharge the battery, offering additional efficiency benefits.
‘Sport’ mode can be activated via the drive selector, enabling even sharper throttle response, whilst ‘Econ’ mode adjusts the air conditioning system and throttle response for an emphasis on fuel efficiency for those long distance journeys. In addition to ‘Normal’ mode, where the car is best balanced between both worlds, drivers can switch across all driving modes at the toggle of a switch.
It gets better too: For an increased EV-like experience, drivers can also select B-range from the transmission, which offers selectable levels of energy recovery when coasting or braking. The level of energy recovery and the resulting strength of the deceleration effect can be substantially increased over the regular D-range, by using the paddles behind the steering wheel.
The transfer between these drive modes – including the start of the engine to generate electric power – is virtually unnoticeable to the occupants. Rather than using a conventional power-split system with a planetary gearbox which causes high levels of friction, the fixed-gear transmission creates much less friction, ultimately leading to less energy consumption when driving purely electric.
The updated HR-V continues its offer of a wide range of safety measures, to ensure that all occupants are offered the highest levels of protection. ‘Auto High-Beam’ and ‘Blind Spot Information’ are standard across the entire range, whilst ‘Advance’ models add ‘Cross Traffic Monitor’, and the range topping ‘Advance Style’ grade further adds LED Active Cornering Lights.
MHH International export a broad range of vehicles from many prestige car manufacturers, including Honda, to various different global destinations like New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya and the Caribbean. Browse the website and get in touch for more information.
