Honda HR-V

HR-V Overview

Back in 1999, the world had a huge demand for compact crossovers and then, Honda launched its HR-V. its design was boxier and it followed a pragmatic approach towards functional design. Thereafter, the global market shifted its demand to SUVs and crossovers. And then. Honda came with a bang with its second-generation HR-V. its design was bold and sharp and it did make an entry to compete against all its rivals during those times. HR-V stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle, is a premium 5-seater crossover. The other from the Honda lineage that changed fortunes for the automaker was the Honda BR-V and CR-V Honda offers HR-V in six color options, which are- Carnelian Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, Tafetta White, White Orchid Pearl, and Lunar Silver Metallic.

Available only as a petrol model with one engine option, the HR-V is offered in two different variants, E and EL, with CVT transmission which is paired to a 1.8-liter mill as standard. Prices for the Honda HR-V in the Philippines start at PHP 1,260,000.

Honda HR-V Interior & Features

Talking about the interior aesthetics of the car, the black cabin with an asymmetrical design portrays Honda’s approach towards practicality and functional design. HR-V has a sport appeal from the outside and a premium look from the inside. The steering wheel is a signature wheel that is found in most of the Honda cars, with round buttons for audio, cruise, and Bluetooth controls. The buttons have sparky silver garnishing at the bottom, to enhance the appeal of the steering wheel. The shiny blue instrument console comes with a linear theme and vertically placed AC vents on the passenger side are something that is usually not found on all Honda models of this class. 

The infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen but surprisingly it does not have the basic ubiquitous features like smartphone connectivity and navigation. The cabin space inside also feels less spacious with limited legroom and the sloping roofline also cramps the space for the headroom, especially for taller passengers. 

However, the cabin of the HR-V is fully loaded with all the features one expects from a premium compact crossover, such as cruise control, push-button start with keyless entry, electric parking brake, tilt and telescopic steering, leather upholstery, touch-sensitive panel for automatic climate control and electrical adjustments for rearview mirrors.

HR-V Exterior

The current generation of HR-V has sharp appeal and is curvacious enough to make its choice for the modern-day drivers. The looks are modern and contemporary in all senses. Talking about the exterior aesthetics of the car, the wide front grille, and a wide Y-shaped face is very signature to Honda models. The front hexagonal grille and chrome finished top grills, has the Honda logo sandwiched in between. The front fascia is highlighted with the sharp and angular headlamps at the upper corner of the large grille. 

With all such prominent designing hues, the front fascia looks masculine. On the contrary, the side profile of the car is subtle and smooth, making the overall profile look boxier. The curvy roofline makes it look like a coupe. The side body covering and big diamond cut alloy wheels add some sharp look to the design, the doors come with integrated C-pillar handles and the curvy roofline makes it look sportier than all other crossovers in the segment. As much as the front fascia is appealing, the rear fascia is not that engaging mainly due to the scrapped up windscreen. The small tailgate design also brings down on the style quotient. 

Honda HR-V Ride & Handling

The coupe-like profile of HR-V might give you a thought that is a convertible car, but you can’t really make out of its functional dynamics unless you have driven it. The HR-V is here to offer you an amazing on-road experience, be it busy city roads or a bumpy rough terrain ride, all thanks to the 17-inch wheels and a ground clearance of 198mm. The HR-V comes with the industry-standard McPherson prance at the front and torsion beam at the rear, incorporated on the stiffer side. 

HR-V Engine & Fuel Consumption

Honda tried and tested a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor engine for HR-V, which was also placed at the heart of Civic. This powerful machine runs like smooth butter on the roads and becomes silent or wild, as you want it too. The engine sparks a maximum power output of 142 bhp and a maximum torque output of 172 Nm. The engine is mated to a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) transmission.

Honda HR-V Braking & Safety

Like an all-rounder crossover, apart from all the styling cues and top-notch functional dynamics, the Honda HR-V is also on-point in terms of braking and safety features. The crossover is well-equipped with all basic and standard safety equipment like dual, side and curtain airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), vehicle stability control, emergency stop signal, lane change assist, hill start assist, brake assist,  parking brake, parking sensors, ISOFIX mounts and seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters.

HR-V Verdict

HR-V has all the qualities that make it worthy of the Honda lineage, with slight crossover touches. The HR-V feels strongly built from the inside and its engine scores high on dynamics and power delivery. The car is a stylish crossover that offers everything you might be looking for. From really bold and sporty exterior design to excellent driver comfort and an overall decent cabin layout with all modern features, the HR-V is good bet for money.