| 3 months | 3 601 km | 7,44 L/100 km |
After spending a year with a Honda CR-V and now three months with the smaller HR-V, I’m reminded why buyers are flocking to showrooms to buy these cars.
Their marginally higher driving position above that of a hatch or se- dan has its advantages. You have a better view of the cars around you, which benefits even taller drivers. What’s more, when a vehicle goes about its business without fuss or fanfare, it instantly gains my favour. The Honda did just that.
The ride quality (the HR-V is fit- ted with sensible 215/55 R17 tyres) is impressive in all conditions, absorbing road irregularities without being wallowy when taking a corner at speed. In town, the Honda is particularly at home thanks to its size; it’s easy to manoeuvre through traffic and simple to park.
Adding to comfort levels are the cossetting seats, a spot-on driving position and controls within easy reach.The central divider offers a storage space at the rear, two cupholders (with a horizontal division in the middle to hide keys or pocket change) as well as another storage space at the front below the dashboard. The door bins are also quite spacious.
The 1,8-litre petrol engine (developing 105 kW/172 N.m) has plenty of poke. Connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), revs stay at the bottom half of the rev range in most conditions (overtaking does see them soaring) We have frequently expressed our dislike of CVTs; however, they have improved over the years and that annoying “slip” effect has been lessened. The CVT also assisted the HR-V in posting an impressive overall consumption figure of just 7,44 L/100 km.
Crossovers are often chosen for their commodious rear seats and luggage space. Here, the Honda doesn’t disappoint. At 1,87 metres tall, I fit comfortably behind my ideal driving position. This is quite impressive if you consider how compact the Honda’s exterior dimensions are. The luggage compartment is larger than those of some of its main competitors, assisted by Hon- da’s Magic Seats: the rear bench folds flat, flush with the boot floor. The low loading lip is convenient when packing shopping bags. The luggage compartment cover simply slides into a rail, different to the usual covers found on other cars, but I never needed a sturdier unit.
We’ve mentioned the infotain- ment system (offering a 6,8-inch screen) before and, although there are no glaring issues or omissions, it’s in need of a design update. It does offer screen-mirroring for smart devices and there is an HDMI port, though. The piano black trim around the infotain- ment system, climate controls and the central divider add an upmarket touch.
We are used to having a USB port close to a storage space; disappointingly, the HR-V doesn’t have a sufficiently big cubby for a modern smartphone unless you count the cupholder in the centre console.
TEST SUMMARY
The HR-V might be viewed as a con- servative choice in a market filled with several modern interpreta- tions of the compact crossover (i.e., ones with turbocharged engines). However, it is ultimately difficult
to fault and impossible to ignore the brand’s stellar reputation for reliability. I would have preferred a longer service plan but, then again, the four-year period is 12 months beyond some competitors’. Other than that, I can highly recommend the vehicle.
Original article - Carmag
Article Source - CARmag.co.za CAR SEPTEMBER 2019