CR-V gets sibling, the HR-V
USING expertise accrued in building the award-winning CR-V, Honda has created the HR-V to be a vehicle larger than the sum of knowledge put into its development.
This theme starts from the very first sight of the HR-V. From the profile, there are hints of the larger CR-V, with a nod to its curved rear-door glass. Yet the HR-V charts its own path with a sporty coupe look due to a slight sweep in the roofline and the lack of standard rear-door handles.
Keyless entry makes getting inside the EX trim HR-V very convenient. Again, the HR-V is its own vehicle. The leather covering the seats and traditional hard points hint at the up-market feel, a feel that hits home due to the stylish dashboard. Wrapped in soft-touch leather that swoops down between the front seats presents a premium experience with no buttons, just icons behind a glossy black finish and completed with a surrounding chrome flourish. Interaction is as simple as the modern smartphone, especially as the EX trim comes with a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system. Connect your favourite device, through USB, HDMI ports, or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Space is plentiful for both rear and front passengers of all ages and the just above average heights, despite its compact appearance. For those wanting even more cargo space, the HR-V pulls a Houdini, generating more interior space out of thin air with its Magic Seating arrangement. However, it’s no illusion as the second-row rear seats with a 60/40 split can be folded flat or have their bases flipped up.
Driving the HR-V is a simple pleasure. The 1800cc pulls easily, never struggling, but rewarding economical throttle application with a pleasing green ring around the speedometer. As the first Honda with an electronic handbrake, the brake hold function is a godsend in stop/start traffic.
When the road is clear, one can slip the smooth and quiet CVT transmission into sport mode bringing the HR-V’s performance side to the forefront. This tempts the driver to push even further with the EX’s seven virtual gears accessible through steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The suspension is firm, but never unpleasant, delivering predictable handling and allowing the HR-V to run the gamut from comfortable family cruiser to high-speed hauler to corner-carving fun machine.
