The up and rising B-segment compact SUV segment now welcomes another worthy and quite possibly the most competent player in the segment thus far, the all-new Honda HR-V, short for Hip & Smart Runabout Vehicle.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Honda HR-V 1.8L (Grade S) | Honda HR-V 1.8L (Grade E) | Honda HR-V 1.8L (Grade V) |
| Segment | B-Segment Compact Crossover | ||
| Engine | Â 1,799cc; inline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC | 1,799cc; inline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC | 1,799cc; inline 4-cyl SOHC i-VTEC |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | CVT |
| Max Power | Â 140 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 140 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 140 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | Â 172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm | 172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm | 172 Nm @ 4,300 rpm |
| Price (OTR with insurance) | RM99,800 | RM108,800 | RM118,800 |
The HR-V is offered here in three flavours, from base model S, E and VÂ trims. Honestly speaking, the HR-V looks good to top this booming segment before it gets pitted against Mazda’s CX-3, which could very well give it a run for its money. Now, on with the HR-V!
EXTERIOR
Because its demographically aimed towards you guys in the 25 to 34 years of age, the HR-V is crafted to suit the lifestyle of the young, outgoing and sociable. As such, you get a coupe-like styling whereby the rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillars.
Now, exterior features that are standard across the range are LED rear combination lights, front and rear fog lamps, 16-inch wheels, shark fin antenna, keyless entry and auto headlights.
LED daytime running lights and headlamps and chromed outer door handles are exclusive only to the range topping V spec, whereas the S and E trims will have to settle with halogen lamps and DRLs. The base model S trim also loses out on the side mirror integrated signal indicators, but sits on the same 16-inch wheels as the upper variants.
INTERIOR
Inside the HR-V you get a raft of features that we think will justify its asking price. For instance, you get electronic parking brakes and auto brake hold as standard, including a console pocket underneath the gear lever panel. There’s also Hill Start Assist as standard, and a unique wide-flow air conditioning vent positioned on the passenger side dashboard.
The instrument clusters have ambient rings and with seven different colours, including a green-lit theme when you’re in ECON mode. Another interesting feature of the HR-V is its touch panel single-zone auto air conditioning, but whether or not it’s convenient to use on the fly is a different story altogether.
Differentiating the three from the inside is a rather simple affair, because all three variants come with a different head unit. In the Grade V variant, you get a 7-inch touch screen display panel with HDMI connectivity and a multi-angle rear view camera. The mid-spec E variant gets a 5-inch touch screen display and the Grade S gets a standard 2-DIN radio and CD player.
Six speakers are to come with the Grade V, whereas the lesser two will have to make do with four speakers.
PERFORMANCE
All three variants of the HR-V share the same 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine (also in the Civic) that’s paired to a CVT gearbox. The engine displaces 1,799cc and makes 140 hp at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm, driving the front wheels.
SAFETY
On the safety front, the HR-V is equipped with dual front airbags, though the V-spec variant benefits from four additional airbags – side and curtain airbags. Reverse sensors, vehicle stability assist, ABS with EBD and brake assist come as standard, as well as emergency stop signal and rear seat ISO Fix mounts.
WHAT ELSE?
Packaged along with the HR-V is Honda’s new service package, giving you a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and up to six free service (10,000km interval) on every alternate visits. It can be had in five different colours – Alabaster Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl and a new shade, Ruse Black Metallic.
The HR-V will go against the Ford Ecosport 1.5L and Peugeot 2008 in this considerably new segment. It will undoubtedly sell well, especially after collecting more than 1,500 bookings since the past month, even before anyone knew how much the HR-V would cost. The question now is, how will it stack up against the Mazda CX-3?
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Honda HR-V
