Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC (2016) review (Month 6)

Two years ago I sat down with Phil Crossman who was then CEO of Honda UK. At the time the carmaker was going through a tough patch as a result of the yen’s punishing exchange rate and a lack of new product. One of the forthcoming vehicles he mentioned at the time, which he believed would help turn around the brand’s fortunes, was the HR-V. This would be Honda’s long awaited return to the crossover sector it created back in the late 1990s only to exit before it became the fastest growing segment of the new car market.

We’ve been running an HR-V for six months but it took just a few miles to realise just how well placed Crossman’s optimism was. The original HR-V was not a big seller, hence it’s withdrawal, but owners liked the way it combined a small hatchback’s flexibility with the high stance of an SUV.

The latest iteration has a clever design. As a sub-compact crossover it’s ostensibly up against the likes of the market leading Nissan Juke as well as the Vauxhall Mokka and Mazda CX-3. Based on the same platform as the latest Jazz, it measures 4,294mm from bumper to bumper making it 159mm longer than the Juke but inside it’s as roomy as a Nissan Qashqai. This category straddling approach means dealers are able to present it as an alternative to both these popular crossovers, while customers benefit from a spacious family car with a relatively compact footprint.

The longer wheelbase helps to differentiate the HR-V stylistically. It looks sleeker than the current competition with attractive sweeping crease lines providing an aerodynamic stance which benefits from some neatly concealed rear door handles.

Our test model was in top of the range EX trim so was fully loaded with creature comforts. These included a tilt and sliding panoramic glass roof, full leather interior; smart entry; reversing camera; dual zone climate control; cruise control; and 17-inch alloys. Combined they added to the premium feel of the tastefully designed interior.

Also appreciated was Honda’s so-called “Magic Seat” system, lifted from the Jazz, which cleverly enables the rear seats to fold flat to create a long and wide load bay, which enabled us to transport bicycles, large pieces of furniture and bulky DIY gear.

The car featured Honda’s CONNECT infotainment system, which, even after six months, felt a little clunky. Operated by touchscreen or from the steering wheel, the interface was fiddly and felt a little too proprietary compared with other systems that more intuitively mimic the functionality of a smart phone or tablet. The main drawback was its inability to interrogate a mobile phone for streaming services whilst on the go. However, the Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls was good, the SatNav was easy to operate and we appreciated the inclusion of a CD player, a rarity in new cars these days.

Our model was powered by Honda’s new generation 120PS 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The unit delivered dependable low-end torque for urban driving and plenty of all-out power for motor journeys. Throughout its stay it proved to be flexible and refined with minimal noise intrusion.

Fuel economy was a mixed bag. We achieved 62mpg on one long and steady motorway journey and our best tankful was 56.3mpg, which delivered an impressive range of 540 miles; our worst was 49.3mpg. The running average over the full six months was 53.7mpg. However, even with the Econ button deployed for the last two months, which adjusted the performance of the climate control and rewarded eco driving with a green light around the speedo, we never came close to achieving the 68.9mpg claimed combined figure in our real world test.

However there was a lot to like about the HR-V. It’s looks, practicality, comfort and clever use of space. The limited functionality of the Infotainment system may have been niggling but could not deter from the fact that this is an impressive all-rounder. It also scored on price. Our test model retails for £26,580 and is available on a PCP, complete with a £500 Honda contribution, for just £249 a month. That’s a lot of car for the money.

The HR-V is a welcome addition to the sub-compact crossover sector. Buyers will appreciate the practicality of a vehicle which effortlessly punches above its weight by providing generous cabin space in a compact package. It is also a stylish upmarket looking alternative to the established players. Honda is back in the crossover game.

Month 1 report
Month 2 report
Month 3 report
Month 4 report
Month 5 report