Honda HR-V Compact SUV

Honda HR-V Hybrid Compact SUV. 

Honda's HR-V Hybrid is a compact SUV with a 1.5 petrol engine and an electric motor. I took it up to Yorkshire, where I have been working a lot lately, so it covered hundreds of miles on all types of roads. In a competitive sector, would the HR-V drive me to buy one?

When working away from home, I need a practical, versatile car that can carry all my kit, crunch the miles economically and be comfortable. The Honda HR-V definitely meets all these requirements and backs this up with outstanding reliability and build quality. On my trip to Yorkshire, which involved motorways, A roads and country lanes, I got around 50 mpg, and I wasn't hanging around, so I was impressed.

The Honda HR-V was also comfortable over the entire trip, with plenty of room for the driver and all occupants. Seats are supportive and allow everyone to spread their legs out. The driving position is good, with all-around visibility excellent, helped by large side windows. The driver's display is clear, with all relevant information, including a handy Honda safety system check on the left. You can alter the display by using the buttons on the steering wheel. 

On my journeys, I enjoy listening to music on the radio or via connection to my phone, and the Honda HR-V's infotainment system allows this and sounds excellent. A 9.0-inch colour touchscreen is located in the centre of the dashboard and is easy to view and use. You get the usual icons, so you can select which menu you want. Rotary dials operate the heating and ventilation, which is much easier to do on the go than faff about with touching screens.

Storage is not an issue in the Honda HR-V as you get decent door space in the door panels allowing for a large bottle if required. The glove box can take plenty of bits and bobs to hide out of sight. Ahead of the gear lever, you get a tray to hold your phone, and where there are USB and 12-volt chargers. Two cupholders are behind the gear lever, and further back, there is a large cubby hole with a lid. 

Children will love that the HR-V has two USB chargers in the rear and a dedicated pocket to hold their phone when charging. You have storage in the seat pockets and two cupholders in the dropdown central armrest. The three rear seats have triple-point seat belts, and the two outer seats have ISOFIX points.

The space for luggage and cargo in the boot is not that large, but it is flush and well-shaped to allow easy loading. The rear seats fold 60-40 split creating a flat floor and improving the carrying volume. The Magic Seat design will let you flip up the back seat bases and leave the upper cushions in place, creating ample space for bulky objects. 

Performance and handling are good, and you will find the Honda HR-V an ideal town car. The 1.5-litre petrol engine combines with two electric motors driving the front wheels. The petrol and electric motors produce 130bhp, so the HR-V can feel quick when putting your foot down. Instant power is fed to the wheels from the electric motors up until you get to about 40 mph when the petrol engine takes over. The vehicle maintains good traction even when pushed along at speed when you can get out of town.

Three driving modes help you get the best from the car—Econ, Normal, and Sport. Econ is ideal in town, and the automatic gearbox eases stop-start driving. The Honda HR-V includes safety features, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and distance awareness. I liked the blind spot warning system, which makes a sound and lights up in your door mirrors. 

Overall the Honda HR-V SUV is a solid, reliable car which is pleasant to drive and practical. The safety features are superb, and occupants will be happy with the storage space and accessories. 

The Honda HR-V comes with three models to choose from,

1.5 eHEV Advance 5dr CVT

1.5 eHEV Elegance 5dr CVT

1.5 eHEV Advance Style 5dr CVT

Price from £29,410 - £34,850

https://www.honda.co.uk