IMAGINE a vehicle with the robustness and functionality of an sport-utility vehicle, comfort and ride of a sedan, and the touch of a coupe. That is just about the ideal platform for drivers with a balanced lifestyle. Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) recently launched the All-New Honda HR-V, its entry in the compact crossover segment, at the Harbor Tent, Sofitel Plaza, Pasay City.
“Almost two decades later, the engineers from Honda’s research and development team worked hard to improve this model to match the changing needs of customers in the market today.
The All-New HR-V was developed with a new definition in mind. HR-V now stands for “Hip and Smart Runabout Vehicle.” The All-New HR-V presents the uniqueness in all dimensions, a premium and sporty crossover with high-class appeal that will fulfill the demands of a diversified lifestyle,” said Toshio Kuwahara, HCPI president and general manager.
Notable elements of the HR-V are the solid wing face design; concealed rear door handle and LED guide tail lamps radiating from the rear. The interior projects a combination of elegance and ergonomics with numerous smart features intended for the driver. The flexibility of the 60:40 folding rear seats create space for a variety of cargo modes—utility, long and tall. Under the hood is the 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine producing 141 Ps of power at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm.
Coupled to an automatic seven-speed continuous variable transmission (CVT) with Earth Dreams Technology that adjusts to the driving conditions and enables the engine to operate at efficient rpm range.
Confident in showcasing the HR-V’s performance, HCPI invited select members of the media for a 400-km test-drive to Bolinao, Pangasinan. Barely 12 hours after its introduction, we were assembled for a morning meeting and briefing at Seda hotel. A total of six All-New HR-Vs—Modulo and Mugen accessorized variants included—were commissioned together with the Accord V6, CR-V and Pilot as lead cars. Joining the media drive was no other than HCPI President and General Manager Toshio Kuwahara, aboard another Accord V6. Teamed up with my BusinessMirror colleague, Ronald de los Reyes and STV cameraman and initial driver, Matt Mallari, we manned the morpho blue pearl top variant. I opted to take the backseat as it was a perfect opportunity to feel the cabin’s space and comfort. It didn’t take long to notice the expansive leg room even if the front seats were set toward the rear. It was so spacious that even a relatively tall person will find the space adequate.
The convoy took the Edsa and North Luzon Expressway route until the first stop at a gas station near Angeles exit to swap drivers. With Ronald behind the wheel, we resumed traversing the expressway all the way to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. Cruising at high speed, the noise, vibration and harshness insulation demonstrated an impressive quietness inside the cabin with the exception of the engine grunt starting at 4,000 rpm. Next thing we knew, the convoy reached the area of near Subic where we stopped for lunch at The Lighthouse hotel and resort. While resting, we had a chance to speak with Kuwahara-san and shared our experience. He pointed out the insulation plate installed underneath and the position of the gas tank, which allow us to move back the rear seats.
We moved on to the provincial highway of Zambales with this author seated in front. The cockpit was uncluttered even with the presence of touch-operated infotainment and automatic climate controls. Despite the humidity, the wide-flow air vents on the dashboard distributed enough cold air around the cabin. Soon, we started encountering congested roads requiring frequent and swift passing.
The 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine worked well with the CVT inasmuch as the revs stayed within the power band before upshifting. At moderate speeds, the powertrain delivered such seamless operation that we could not determine what gear we were in. After a short break somewhere in the town of Candelaria, we resumed until it was time for another driver change with less than 200 km to go. This writer took the wheel in the final stretch where the town greeted us with the occasional bad pavement and road works.
This is where the crossover demonstrated its sedan-like ride and comfort. The grippy steering wheel with embedded controls is endowed with paddle shifters. Prominent and bright analog gauges discharged an appealing illumination with floating effect. On winding roads, the vehicle stability assist in conjunction with the electronic steering made the handling responsive and accurate as we conquered apexes and curves.
The manual mode gave this scribe full control over shifting within the optimum torque range for speedy overtaking. We reached the town of Bolinao, Pangasinan, just before sunset and proceeded to its majestic lighthouse for a brief snapshot. Our last stop was in Puerto del Sol beach resort where we had dinner, relaxed and enjoyed our accommodations. The next morning, our group took a spin in search for a spot to do another photography session.
We found a scenic beach front along Patar road. The perfect backdraft complimented the way the Modulo and Mugen variants were positioned and highlighted the unified sporty grille and LED headlights with day time running lights (DRL).
We headed back to the resort for a hefty breakfast and prepared for our departure. Assigned this time to the Modulo variant, we navigated the roads leading to Tarlac and had lunch at Matutina’s restaurant where we savored sumptuous Filipino cuisine. We then resumed our long yet steady stretch. The driving experience was smooth and relaxed all the way to the Balintawak toll plaza thanks to the cruise control.
Almost two hours later, we made it back to Seda hotel safe and sound, had dinner in second restaurant for a gastronomic experience and checked in to the hotel to unwind and call it the day. As for the All-New HR-V, it definitely delivered on its promise of driving dynamics and comfort, which are essential for a long, out-of-town drive.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino