Let’s be honest, the crossover and small SUV segment is an extremely busy one with about 20 vehicles coming to mind straight away. Thus, it was about time that Honda introduced their new HR-V Sport. The HR-V has been around since 1998 so it is hardly a fresh nameplate in this segment, with over 25 years of experience, it is actually one of the trailblazers in this area of the automotive world.
However, a lot has changed in those 25 years and the third generation car would no doubt need a solid revitalization to keep it in the running!
It’s just as well that Honda have certainly done their best efforts for the task at hand. The exterior is almost a complete departure from the second generation car. The look has more in common with the squarish first generation HR-V, ditching the curvature of the second gen car with only the rear doors reminiscent of the model just gone.
The front features a prominent new fascia with a blue outlined Honda badge dominating the nose, a nod to what’s under the bonnet. Despite the prominent bonnet and sloping roofline, HR-V still measures under 4.5m (4.34m) in length, making it an ideal city SUV/crossover! Note the 195mm worth of ground clearance, ideal for Auckland’s constantly heightening speedhumps and ever deepening potholes.
It’s not just the exterior dimensions which make it suited to city driving, visibility is uncompromised, thanks to some large windows, not to mention the raised driving position! Livability is a strong point of the HR-V and it offers plenty in the way of storage spaces with premium finishes for all the key touchpoints. My personal favourite being the rotary knobs with their satisfying click action.
It doesn’t come up short in the way of luxuries either with heated front seats and a leather appointed heated steering wheel. The audio system is decent too with plenty of charging and connectivity options available for your mobile phone, all of which completes a well rounded cabin, though not quite as versatile as the rear seats.
HR-V’s party trick is the Honda ‘Magic Seats’ which can be arranged in 18 different combinations, the most impressive of which was the ability to fold completely flat. As brilliant as the rear seats are, they are equally peculiar with a third seat being completely omitted, making the HR-V a strict four seater. The obscured rear door handles may be a ‘hit or miss’ for some as well, although I am partial to them.
All said and done, when the seats are folded, they transform the luggage capacity from 304L to a van rivalling 1274L. One can’t deny that they certainly have used the space efficiently!
And efficient is exactly what the HR-V is, particularly in this e:hev guise. As is typical with Honda, they hybrid powertrains are only available on the top spec cars, hence why this car came with heaps of other goodies as well!
Power comes courtesy of a 1.5L hybrid unit mated to an e-CVT gearbox, the result is 78kW from the engine and 96kW from the electric motor with torque figures weighing in at 127Nm and 253Nm respectively. Not terribly impressive but then this isn’t a Type R! What it is meant to deliver is fuel efficiency and with a claimed figure of 4.3L/100km, it sure does. My fortnight with the HR-V saw me travel over 1200kms, achieving an average of 4.9L/100km and I am convinced that this could have been ever lower with more urban driving mixed in. HR-V does feel more at home in city environments when compared with the open road where it doesn’t feel quite as surefooted, no thanks to an overly enthusiastic lane departure system. I found the automatic high-beam assist a little overzealous as well, requiring a manual override every now and then.
However, just like missing out on the fifth seat, the handling is equally as peculiar. Yes, it doesn’t feel extremely steady while traversing over a gusty Harbour Bridge but push it around a good back road and it serves up a confidence inspiring drive!
The Verdict
For every bit as sensible as the HR-V’s hybrid powertrain is, its ‘Magic Seats’ offer a hint of eccentricity while the strict four seat capacity and dual personality handling are just downright strange. It manages to tread the fine line of being a characterful crowd pleaser with a certain panache. And at $45,800, it’s right on the money for its target market too!
For those that really found favour with this HR-V, Honda are also running a ‘test drive and win’ promotion at the moment so make sure you take your chances!
2024 Honda HR-V Sport e:hev: 4/5
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Words and photos by Matthew D’Souza.
Car courtesy of Honda New Zealand via Honda Store Newmarket.
