Hondas aren’t as affordable and simple as they once were. Ditto for 90% of its competitors, all of whom also offer a bewildering array of luxury crossover SUV’s like this HR-V.
You should know: Much like the majority of its countless rivals, the HR-V is a fairly new product with less than a handful of preceding versions. At 4.3m length and 1.6m height (plus 1.8m width) it certainly stays true to the “compact” part of its description, adding extra ride height and decent ground clearance of 180mm for that desirable city SUV feeling.
More info: In true Honda fashion, the rear seats are so utterly manoeuvrable that they’re called “Magic Seats” and culminate in one of thee most practical car interiors you can get. The boot may only swallow 304L (also because of a full-size spare wheel) but triples or quadruples that when you play origami with said furniture: to offer up to 1,275L of luggage carrying capacity.
What else? The HR-V is only available in two spec levels: the already-impressive Comfort trim with most acceptable comfort and safety features, or this fancier Elegance spec. Bragging rights over the cheaper version include bigger (18-inch) alloys wrapped in sensible 225/50 rubber. The Comfort version has equally generous 215/60R17 wheels.
Oh, and there’s also a panoramic glass roof (with removable covers at the back), wireless charging tray, leather seats, auto wipers, a smarter rear view mirror, plus a few more powered goodies and colour-coding. This model also has “Honda Sensing” which includes active lane assist and guidance, collision mitigation (auto braking), adaptive cruise control and high beam assist.
Some folks might not want that, which bodes well for the cheaper Comfort derivative.
Why you shouldn’t: Hand-on-heart, my driving experiences of compact SUV’s have all blended into a grey soup. They all steer, handle and go equally well, and while I would usually caution anyone against the fairly weak 1.5L engine and rubbery response of its CVT (gearbox), it’s no worse than the dozen-or-so highly similar rivals.
Why you should: Like its main competitors, Honda has done extremely well to program virtual gears into the peppy drive train, which eliminates most everyday driving woes. Drive it sensibly and the manufacturer claims average fuel use of just 6L/100km from the rather small 40L tank. Honda has no performance claim but we hit 100km/h in 11.8 seconds in a similar model last year.
To start summing up, the new Honda HR-V comes in four vibrant colours (this one is called Opal White), offers excellent versatility and favourable spec levels at decent prices of R520,900 and R622,900. It becomes a really enticing offer once you factor in the amazing 5-year/200,000km warranty and acceptable 4-year/60,000km service plan.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,498cc i-4 petrol |
| Transmission: | 8-speed Automatic, AWD |
| Max. Power: | 89kW @ 6,600rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 145Nm @ 4,300rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 6L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 11.80 seconds (2023, no claim) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R622,900 |
