Featuring sportier styling and detailing, the Honda HR-V is now the company’s most sophisticated subcompact crossover model. Every aspect of the car has been improved and it now benefits from enhanced driving dynamics and a wider choice of fuel-efficient engines that include 127 and 179bhp versions of the 1.5-litre petrol (non-turbo and turbo) and a 117bhp 1.6-litre ‘clean’ turbo-diesel. All engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the petrols are also offered with Honda’s truly intelligent (7-speed, reactive) CVT automatic.
Inside, the 2019 HR-V offers impressive interior space and, thanks to innovations like Honda’s wonderful Magic Seat system, high levels of versatility. Higher grade soft-touch materials define the cabin as an optimal blend of new-found practicality and refinement. The car combines the elegance and fluidity of a coupé, with the utility and strength of a crossover.
On higher-grade models, the alloy wheels have a new 17.0-inch diameter design, while headlights and rear lights are upgraded to full LED units. Noise insulation improves interior refinement and extensive aerodynamic developments below the car enhance vehicle stability at speed. Very few aspects of the previous generation car remain untouched.
The HR-V Sport variant features a dynamic styling pack, which comprises a slim front splitter, side skirts, wheel arch mouldings and a more aggressive rear bumper, all finished in black. It also includes black door mirror caps, dual exhaust pipes and 18.0-inch alloys. This version cracks 0-60mph in 7.5s (9.9s for the lower-powered petrol engine), with a top speed of 133mph, while emitting 151g/km CO2 and up to 42.2mpg (WLTP figures). If you desire fuel economy, the diesel returns up to 56.5mpg.
A Synaptic Damping Control (SDC) system is fitted to all models as standard and enhances both ride comfort and handling by modifying damping forces according to the road surface and driving conditions. Thanks to increased frame rigidity, the HR-V delivers reassuring handling characteristics that whisk it to the top of the class. Its motion adaptive electric power-assisted steering system helps to minimise understeer, to result in exceptionally linear driving behaviour making HR-V one of the most confidence-inspiring cars in the crossover segment, especially if driven enthusiastically.
Its boot capacity of up to 470-litres with the rear seats upright, increases to 1,103-litres with the rear seats folded. Honda’s renowned Magic Seat system serves to increase overall cabin practicality. As you might imagine, the new HR-V is packed with driver and safety aids and connectivity levels are at an advanced level. All of which combines to make the new HR-V one of the most complete examples of Honda’s sometimes troubled lineage. I admit to having stated that Honda had fallen off my personal new car radar but the new HR-V serves to re-hike it into ‘superbrand’ status!
