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Honda HR-V EX Review

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 Driven: Honda HR-V EX Review

We tested the Honda HR-V EX for one week and this is what we thought of this micro-SUV.

What is the Honda HR-V all About?

Honda took a gap in production of the HR-V for a few years and last year they came back with a completely new design. The Honda HR-V is a super small SUV that has lots of practicalities and a lot going for it.

Honda HR-V-125

Looking at the HR-V you will be quite pleased with how the new car looks. The car that we had on test was in Morpho Blue which looks great, but the actual design elements of the car are pretty good in whatever colour you choose. The car was quite tall and from front to back the design is pretty curvy and bubbly making the car a little bit more exciting than you would expect from any micro SUV.

Honda HR-V-148

The car we are testing is the HR-V in EX spec which is the top of the range model that features options such as heated leather seats, panoramic sunroof and LED lights over the lesser models.

Honda HR-V-83

The car is powered by a 1.6 litre diesel engine that creates 120 PS and 300 Nm of torque. The car does 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds and has a fuel efficiency rating of 69 mpg. Whilst only putting out 108 g/km of CO2.

How Does it Drive?

The HR-V is one of those cars that is super easy to drive. Despite its big looks the car is fundamentally based on a Honda Jazz, so its footprint on the road is smaller than you would think. Sitting in the car you have good visibility all round and the seating position is very natural and not too lifted from the road as you may believe you would sit in a micro SUV.

Honda HR-V-159

Sitting inside you hit the start button on the car and the 1.6 litre diesel engine kicks in. The car we have on test has a 6-speed manual gearbox that works very well with this small diesel engine. The ratios feel like they work very well and there always seems to be lots of power from low down the rev range making manoeuvring around in this car feel easily achievable.

Honda HR-V-89

The ride quality of the car is really good. The suspension used does a great job of absorbing the potholes. Although we do have a fairly large set of alloy wheels, the tyre profile is still fairly large helping to absorb the bumps nicely. This makes it a pleasurable place to be on long journeys, and it doesn’t appear to have a negative effect on body roll either.

Honda HR-V-91

One of the things that stands out the most about the driving experience in this car is the economy performance. The car does have an eco-mode which has a green dial surround that lights up with harsh acceleration, showing you whether or not you are driving efficiently. I think this provides extra value to the driver by giving them extra information on how to make the most out of their fuel.

What is it Like Inside?

Inside the Honda HR-V, especially in the EX spec, is a really good place to be. The completely redesigned interior looks fantastic and there were a lot of key features which really stand out. The car does use a conventional infotainment system that sits in the middle of the centre console, but underneath that there is a digital touch element that controls the climate system, looking futuristic and actually works really well when compared to some touch systems. This is the first time I have seen this in a Honda range and really brings a bit of new pioneering look whilst being inside this car.

Honda HR-V-20

We can’t talk about the interior without mentioning the internal practicalities. So, considering it is a small car, the space inside is exceptionally good and it has been really well designed. If you need to get larger things in the boot, the back seats can fold completely flat with no effort whatsoever. The Honda HR-V also comes with Magic Seats that means that the base of the rear chairs flap up allowing you to store tall objects in the back of the car. This is one of the great little benefits that you don’t truly see the value in until you spend some time with the car. But it certainly adds a unique bit of practicality that others don’t have.

Honda HR-V-14

Other nice touches are the leather seats which give a good taste of class and give the interior a premium feel. The sound system in the car is exceptionally good quality for a standard system and the other noticeable touches are the LED lights that light the interior of the car at night.

The Experience

The owning experience of the Honda HR-V is one that will surprise most people. For such a small car, it is packed with a huge amount of practicality and the modern, curvy styling is one which will take people by surprise. I found myself continually looking back at this car in its Morpho Blue colour, stunning.

Honda HR-V-147

Verdict

I think most people will be happy to see the Honda HR-V back in action. The looks of the old car have been long forgotten and the new car is here to take over. I don’t know if Honda have left it too long to bring the car to market but the car certainly has lots to offer at a good price. We will have to let the market decide if it is too late.

Honda HR-V-131

Video Highlights

See the video review by Daniel Barnett.

Honda HR-V EX

  • Price: £26,580
  • Engine: 1.6-litre Turbocharged Diesel
  • Power: 120bhp
  • Torque: 300Nm
  • Transmission:  6 Speed Manual
  • 0-62mph: 10.5 Seconds
  • Top speed: 119mph
  • Weight: 1,404kg
  • Economy: 68mpg
  • CO2: 108g/km

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Author: Paul Hadley