HR-V is all style, charisma

AN all-new urban crossover joins the Honda product line-up in South Africa this month. The new Honda HR-V’s arrival in local showrooms coincides with its European debut, and promises to shake up the crossover segment in South Africa.
While most contenders in this segment reflect a scaled-down SUV approach, the new Honda HR-V combines the sleek aesthetics of a coupé-inspired design with the rugged attitude of a sports utility vehicle, and the space and versatility of a MPV. The result is a unique offering in a highly competitive segment.
At the same time, the HR-V retains all the coveted hallmarks of the Honda brand, including innovation, tactile quality, reassuring safety and an engaging motoring experience.
The all-new HR-V has a highly individual exterior design, thanks to the pronounced curve of the roofline, which creates a unique, coupé-like impression. However, the short overhangs, raised stance and wide tracks reflect the rugged attitude typical of a SUV.
The front-end treatment is unmistakably Honda, with tapered headlights framing a V-shaped grille in contrasting charcoal, while a meshed lower air intake adds further visual aggression.
The tidy rear-end treatment is dominated by the large tail light clusters, a tailgate that opens all the way down to bumper level, and a bumper finished in contrasting charcoal to further underscore the HR-V’s rugged attitude. Alloy wheels and slim roof rails add a classy touch.
Despite its compact footprint, the HR-V looks and feels spacious inside. The interior design focuses on intelligent packaging to deliver a spacious front and rear cabin, while the luggage compartment offers generous stowage space.
Honda’s unique Magic Seat system, already a hugely popular feature in the Jazz and Civic models, is also included, adding further practicality and flexibility to the interior.
The new HR-V offers an extensive list of comfort and convenience equipment across the two-model range.
Highlights include:
• Electrically operated windows and mirrors.
• Remote central locking.
• Air-conditioning.
• Cruise control.
• Multi-function steering wheel.
• Multi-information trip computer.
Depending on the model, the new HR-V’s integrated infotainment system is controlled via a five-inch monitor, or a seven-inch colour touchscreen display. Both systems feature Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and audio streaming, USB connections, a CD player, and multiple speakers.
Active systems include:
• ABS anti-lock brakes.
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) activation.
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).
• Hill Start Assist (HSA).
• High-mounted LED rear brake light.
The new Honda HR-V is available with a choice of two efficient petrol engines, both linked to a new-generation, Earth Dreams technology Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT). Regardless of engine, drive is to the front wheels.
Electric power steering is standard in the interests of overall efficiency, while a lower front and raised rear roll centre benefits overall stability and neutral, confident handling traits. The ABS braking system features discs all round.
The locally available Honda HR-V range consists of two models, with the 1.5 Comfort variant on offer initially. This model is comprehensively equipped, with exterior highlights including halogen headlights and front fog lamps, roof rails and comprehensive colour coding.
The Comfort derivative gets a five-inch monitor providing the interface between the HR-V’s occupants and the on-board infotainment system. It includes a 150 watt, four-speaker sound system, USB and AUX inputs, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.
An alarm system with integrated immobiliser provides peace of mind.
The 1.8 Elegance offers all the standard features of its 1.5 Comfort stablemate but augments the list with some additional upgrades. These include larger alloy wheels, and auto-activating LED headlights with daytime running lights.
Recommended retail pricing:
• HR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT – R299 900.
• HR-V 1.8 Elegance CVT – R354 900.
The pricing includes a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a four-year or 60 000km service plan, and a one-year AA roadside assistance package. Services are at 15 000km intervals.