HONDA’S first-generation HR-V was largely based on the Honda J-WJ concept vehicle in the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. J-WJ stood for “Wild and Joyful,” and targeted the young demographic during conceptualization.
In the Philippines the HR-V was introduced at the turn of the 21st century. It was ahead of its time as there was nothing like it during its initial run (particularly when it came to looks)—and futuristic in itself, given its “High-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle” badging.
This time the second-generation HR-V arrives with a new definition. During its launch last year, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) President and General Manager Toshio Kuwahara said, “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.”
Indeed, the new HR-V features a compact design but has a surprisingly airy interior better than its predecessor. While the exterior of the first generation was more “love it or hate it,” the new model has the right grooves in the right places. The front end has a well-sculpted hood that slightly bulges on both sides, giving it a macho appeal.
The front fascia carries the signature Honda look, the bulging wheel fenders blend nicely with the front bumper, and the latter has an integrated air dam that gave the unit a lowered look. Also, round fog lamps provide great lighting at night, especially when used in tandem with the multireflector halogen headlamps (standard on the E variant) with built-in daytime running lights. As such, the sleek headlights, together with the grille, add up to sporty flair.
The side profile has a convex design that starts from the front door and goes upward to the D-pillar, where it melds beautifully with the cleverly hidden rear door handle. The design gives the HR-V an illusion of being a two-door crossover, and the roofline itself adds to this illusion, as it slopes at the back.
The curvaceous theme continues rearward, where an integrated spoiler with third brake lamp (plus new light emitting diode guide tail lamps) combine to further enhance visibility. The shark-fin antenna completes the aerodynamic look.
Inside, one is greeted with an airplane-inspired cockpit, with all controls laid out toward the driver. The high shifter and speedometer mimic that very well, with the latter having an illumination ring that turns green if the driver is driving economically, or turns blue if driven with reckless abandon. There is a clever storage underneath the shifter, where a cell phone or a wallet can be placed.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel houses controls for the in-car entertainment (ICE), the multi-info display (located at the right side of the speedometer), cell-phone connectivity and cruise control. The iPhone compatible ICE features a 7-inch intuitive touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and plays music and videos via an HDMI port, also located under the shifter, together with USB ports and a power outlet.
The automatic air-conditioning (on the E and EL variant) also has touch-control features, but what makes the cooling system unique are the wide flow vents on the dashboard at the passenger side that eliminated the need for second-row vents and cooled the cabin quickly. This writer doesn’t recall any vehicle that he has previously tested that had them.
Other features, aside from the all-power system, are the push start and stop button and the utility, long and tall (ULT) seats taken from the Jazz, which can be configured according to occupants’ needs.
Motivation comes from a Euro 4-compliant 1.8 liter that can also be found in the Civic, rated at 139 hp and 172 N-m of torque and paired nicely with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), which Honda calls Earth Dreams Technology. The CVT always finds the right gearing depending on the engine speed. This writer’s only gripe is that the engine strained a bit when the vehicle is ascending or when moving fully loaded, and, as a result, fuel economy suffers. Activating the Econ Mode button helps, although it reduces engine performance.
The softly sprung suspension features a Macpherson strut type with stabilizers up-front and axle types on the rear soak up most road imperfections nicely. This is also its Achilles heel, as the unit leaned a lot on corners when driven hard. Thankfully, it is equipped with vehicle stability assist (VSA) that adjusts steering when sensors detect loss of traction.
Other electronic features are the hill start assist (HAS), antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (ABS-EBD) and a segment first auto brake hold, wherein the system engages automatically when the driver steps on the brake and disengages when he or she steps on the accelerator pedal.
Safety-wise, aside from passing stringent European crash standards, all HR-Vs have dual airbags (for all variants) and side airbags (for the E and EL models). Honda also offers the Modulo and Mugen variants to cater to discriminating buyers who wants to be distinct.
The HR-V is a welcome addition to their growing line-up vehicles. Honda made sure that the latest incarnation of the HR-V stays true to its credo and that is to cater to a younger set looking at the cross over segment.
Thumbs up
- Unique styling
- Loaded with features
- Responsive CVT
- Ride comfort
Thumbs down
- Thirsty when push hard
- Engine strains a bit when loaded or going up
- Pricey on Mugen and Modulo variants
Specifications
- Vehicle: Honda HR-V E with CVT
- Type: Compact five-seater CUV
- Engine: SOHC 16-valve 1.8L inline fourcylinder gasoline, with i-VTEC (intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control), PGM-Fi (programmable fuel injection) and drive-by-wire technology, naturally aspirated
- Maximum power: 139 hp at 6,500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 172 N-m at 4,300 rpm
- Transmission: Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters, front wheel drive
Dimensions
- Length: 4,294 mm
- Width: 1,772 mm
- Height: 1,605 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,610 mm
- Ground clearance: 185 mm
- Tire size: 215/55R17
- Price as tested: P1.238 million
Image credits: Patrick Tulfo