Honda HR-V (2022) First Drive Review: HR-V gets a glow up

The HR-V certainly wasn’t an ugly duckling, but having undergone its last facelift in 2018, consumers have been somewhat distracted by the multitude of fashionable, cleverly-packaged, compact SUVs which have been gracing the 2022 launch season. The wait was well worth it, because Honda wowed motoring media with their latest incarnation of the all-new HR-V this week!

Avant-garde styling

 

The absence of a grill seems to be all the rage, and the Honda HR-V embraces this new trend with a front-end befitting Japanese Vogue. The hexagonal anti-grille is completely body-coloured with only the chrome-coloured ‘H’ emblem in the centre. The rear-end is decidedly more generic but comes into its own once the brake lights are activated and the rear headlamps are switched on, creating a minimalistic, clean backside.

 

 

The side profile is reminiscent of the Porsche Macan, due in part to the coupé body shape, sporty rear spoiler, large wheel arches, and the way its rear-end curves upwards. It’s a sexy little city SUV but offers much in the way of practicality for people who need additional space for sports equipment.

 

 

Despite the outer dimensions staying more-or-less the same, Honda has managed to make the cabin rather cavernous. Second-row passengers have much more in the way of legroom than before, and the rear bench is wide enough for three adults to ride comfortably side-by-side. Sitting inside the HR-V makes you wonder if you’re even in the right segment - there is so much space! And, as always, Honda’s Magic Seats have the ability to turn an SUV into a temporary panel van. Flip the seats up or fold them forward, and there’s enough room for larger items such as mountain bikes or scuba diving equipment.

 

 

The boot has also grown substantially if you need more room for the normal, daily family paraphernalia. Should you be able to afford the top-spec model, you’ll be glad to hear that the hands-free, self-closing tailgate is part of the deal. Once you walk away from the HR-V, the boot lid closes automatically as the proximity sensor detects that the smart key is no longer in the vicinity of the vehicle.

 

Outward visibility is better than ever, and even the wing mirrors have been placed lower down to reduce one’s blind spots.

 

New tech and convenience features

 

The well-appointed interior features mostly soft-touch plastics with a few hard bits and edges and in-between, but the layout is clean and uncluttered, with handy rubber-lined recesses that prevent smaller objects from rolling around noisily.

Honda’s dual-mode Air Diffusion System is a nifty new feature that creates a curtain of air around passengers instead of blowing on them directly, but can be set to blast straight ahead in the more traditional way.

On our drive in the new HR-V, we appreciated the panoramic glass moonroof (In Executive trim) that reduces UV, infrared and solar heat rays by 75% but still allows you to enjoy the bright, airy cabin and the beauty of the outside world (if you reside in a nice part of SA). This means no more sunburn if your hair doesn’t quite cover the top of your head the way it used to. As for the seats, they’ve been optimised to support your lumbar spine and pelvis to prevent fatigue, and they do feel very cushy and cossetting.

 

 

On-board Infotainment (via a new high-res 8-inch touchscreen) has also been improved to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are activated the moment your smartphone is plugged in. Two USB ports in front (and two in the rear in top-spec Executive models) ensure that no one can use the old “but my battery died” excuse. Executive models also feature a wireless charging bay for compatible smartphones.

 

More advanced safety features

 

Honda’s always been very serious about safety and for the first time, the latest generation of Honda’s Sensing advanced safety system (Much like Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist) is present in the HR-V. It’s been upgraded for faster image processing (since it was released with the Honda Fit), and is now more adept at recognizing road signs, pedestrians and other traffic from further away, which translates to a quicker reaction time for the system and smoother operation. The system’s peripheral vision is also better thanks to the new wide-angle camera.

Honda’s Sensing system includes a Collision Mitigation Brake System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Following, a Road Departure Mitigation System, a Lane Keep Assist System, and Auto High Beam. We put the Sensing system to a brief test on our drive between Malmesbury and Hazendal Wine Estate near Stellenbosch and found it easy to activate, and effective on the job. Honda says the autonomous brake system (or Collision Mitigation) is now more adept at detecting pedestrians in low-light conditions, and will even alert the driver if it spots a cyclist turning into one’s path.

Lane-assistance steers around bends independently with great success, but should your hands remain away from the steering wheel for too long, the system will protest by beeping until they’re back where they belong. Honda was one of the pioneers of semi-autonomous driving, and it shows.

 

Another impressive new feature is Honda’s Lanewatch camera which provides the driver with a clear view of the HR-V’s blind spot in the infotainment touchscreen. This is activated when you switch on your indicator (see image above).

All models are equipped with two front and two side airbags, but top-spec models also have curtain airbags that stretch all the way to the rear.

Driving enhancements

 

Every structural component of the chassis has been enhanced with high-strength steel for more controlled handling and sure-footed cornering, and the HR-V feels rather hatchback-like to drive. The steering has been sharpened, the brakes have been upgraded, and a variety of electronic driver aids have been revised for better grip, stability and increased driver confidence, especially in challenging situations. Honda’s Agile Handling Assist (AHA) system, for example, will lightly apply the brakes to the inner wheels when the steering wheel is turned for more finely-tuned, predictable handling.  Hill-Descent control has also been added.

 

 

Suspension is well-balanced between sporty and comfortable but we haven’t driven the new HR-V on dirt or gravel roads just yet. On our meander through the Swartland and back roads of Stellenbosch, the HR-V’s CVT gearbox was rather loud, but quiet CVTs have never been Honda’s strongest point. The 1.5-litre engine with 89kW and 145Nm, (a new unit that powers the latest generation of the Honda Ballade) is no lightning bolt, but if you switch to Sport mode, it feels as though there’s more power to work with. 

Our combined fuel economy (in the sport setting) came to 8.4 litres per 100km which is not terrific, but not terrible either. Both the Comfort and Executive model are fitted with continuous variable transmission gearboxes, and SUV buyers don’t seem to mind what kind of self-shifter they get, as long as they don’t have to tire out their quadriceps in traffic with a manual ‘box.

Pricing

 

There are only two models in the HR-V range: The HR- V1.5 Comfort at R469 000, and the 1.5 Executive model, at R554 500. The Comfort variant goes up against some much-loved rivals such as the entry-level Kia Seltos and turbocharged Suzuki Vitara, while the Executive, at almost R86k more, competes with the likes of the upper-spec Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Grand Creta models. But what gives it the competitive edge? Well, the Honda’s cabin is rather big, its seats are magical and the Executive variant also has self-driving gizmology. Some turbocharging wouldn’t have gone amiss though - some of the HR-V’s competitors are faster, cheaper, or lighter on fuel.

All HR-V models come standard with a 5-year / 200,000km warranty, a 4-year / 60,000km service plan and 3 years of roadside assistance.

Verdict

 

The new HR-V is not just a stunner in the metal, it’s ultra-practical too and it's priced right, considering the number of features on its spec sheet. Given all of its talents, it’s the ideal candidate for work-from-home households who are scaling down to only one car. The versatile yet stylish, compact yet spacious HR-V deserves its share of sales in the segment.