Review: 2015 Honda HR-V

The rand might be trading at its worst levels yet and the sale of new cars may be down, but that has not stopped motor manufacturers from unleashing a plethora of new vehicles in the past few weeks.

One of the latest additions is from Honda — the HR-V — and it falls into the increasingly popular crossover segment. It follows the Civic Tourer and precedes the CRV in the evolution chain.

The HR-V range will consist of just two models: the 1.5 Comfort and 1.8 Elegance, both of which have a CVT (continuous variable transmission) gearbox. One gets the impression Honda is expecting a lot from the HR-V, which is the bestselling vehicle in its category in Japan — with sales in excess of 140 000 units. Management exudes a quiet confidence that it has a vehicle with the potential to do well. And it may well be right.

The design of the new Honda will find favour with many motorists who are turning to the crossover segment as an alternative to the more traditional sedan. An arched roofline, raked windscreen, raised stance, short overhangs and the wide tracks typical of a SUV make an extremely attractive package. The shape and styling of the two derivatives is almost identical.

However, setting the two apart are the larger 17-inch wheels on the 1.8 Elegance (16-inch on the 1.5). Furthermore, the 1.8 is 15mm lower, the headlights are full LED designs with integrated daytime running lights and, as a final distinguishing exterior feature, the Elegance gets a chromed exhaust finish. In the cabin, the 1.5’s cloth upholstery makes way for leather on the 1.8, which also has heated seats for the driver and front passenger. Instead of a conventional ignition key, the Elegance has been fitted with Honda’s Smart Entry system, which allows remote locking and unlocking, and only requires the push of a button to start the engine.

The 1.8’s leather - trimmed, multifunction steering wheel is height and tilt-adjustable. Turning to the dashboard, the big difference between the two models is the presence of a 7-inch full-colour touchscreen display in the 1.8 as the interface with the Honda’s infotainment system. The 1.5 has a 5-inch screen. The touchscreen controls Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and also displays a rear view from the reverse camera when reverse gear is engaged.

Other features include auto rain-sensing windscreen wipers, auto headlight activation, six loudspeakers and rear parking sensors. Honda has provided a vehicle with tons of features. And that’s equally true when it comes to safety: the manufacturer has installed ABS, EBD, brake assist, vehicle-stability assist, hillstart assist, and emergency stop signal, and dual front, side and curtain airbags— all standard.

Last but not least are the little conveniences, such as front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, and indicators integrated into the exterior mirrors. At the launch in the Western Cape last week, just the high-end 1.8-litre Elegance was made available for a 250km test drive. What is noticeable inside is the space: there’s plenty for those in the front as well as in the back. The designers have also installed Honda’s “magic seat” technology, which allows various configurations of storing the rear seats depending on your needs.

There has been a lot of debate about CVT gearboxes over the past few years, with those in favour citing the fuel consumption and improved transmission, and those opposed to the technology complaining of the droning noise. And the gearbox on the HR-V (with Sport mode) is unlikely to end the controversy. What I did find, though, was that if you work the gearbox with the paddle shifts the changes are quite fluid. In conclusion, the Honda name equates to quality for many consumers.

From engine reliability to build quality, materials used to finishing touches, the Japanese almost always deliver. The HR-V appears to be no exception. However, if you are mainly going to be driving at altitude, you should consider the more powerful 1.8-litre engine, because those extra 17kW will probably come in handy. Plus, the extra R55 000 over the cost of the 1.5 Comfort does pick you up some nice additional features

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-Bruce Fraser

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