We spent the better part of the recent festive period behind the wheel of the Honda HR-V Executive and walk away with mixed feelings.
Double Apex was loaned a Honda HR-V Executive for the summer break. The HR-V is one of several SUV/crossover models on offer from the Japanese automaker. About half its current line-up consists of ‘high-riding’ models. We wanted to experience what it would be like to ‘live’ with HR-V for a few weeks, to find out how it would suit our lifestyle.
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Middle Child
The Honda HR-V slots in between the small WR-V and large CR-V. There are just two trim levels on offer: Comfort and Executive. It is the latter variant that we had on loan. Executive versions can be differentiated by the body-colored front grille as well as larger, 18-inch alloys (versus 17-inch items on the Comfort) to tell the two versions apart from the outside. The HR-V isn’t that new to our market, but its coupe-like silhouette and bold proportions are ageing well. We kept an eye out over the last few weeks and we gotta say that we didn’t see too many of these on our roads.
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One Powertrain
There is just a single powertrain available in the Honda HR-V range, regardless of which derivative you opt for. The petrol engine is a 1,5-litre unit. It produces 89 kW of power and a 145 N.m of peak torque. The petrol motor is mated with continuously variable transmission (CVT). We must admit that this isn’t our favourite transmission option. However, it must be said that Honda makes one of the better CVTs on the market. There are also paddles on the steering wheel, so one can control the automatic with set of pre-programmed steps.
The engine is naturally aspirated. As a result peak torque arrives at a rather high 4 300 r/min. This is in stark contrast to turbocharged engines found in some of the HR-V’s rivals, which have more torque on tap from just over idle. The net result of having a lower peak torque value higher up the engine speed range is that one really needs to lean on the loud pedal to make quick progress. We found that making a fast overtake is the prime area of concern, especially if you happen to have four occupants and lots of luggage on board.
Other than that, the Honda HR-V Executive has enough power to maintain a decent speed on the open road. And the powertrain is refined enough so as not to be obtrusive. We didn’t get close to Honda’s claimed fuel consumption figure of 6,0 L/100 km. During a thousand kilometres or so of travel we recorded a figure that was just over 7 L/100 km. That’s not too bad, especially considering that we spent a lot of time sitting in Cape traffic during the summer break. The softly sprung suspension soaked up all road imperfections with ease. There is no sporting pretense with the HR-V, even with those 18-inch alloys. All in all, the HR-V’s cabin is a relaxed place to spend on a commute.
Mod-Cons
The Honda HR-V Executive has pretty much all the mod-cons one needs. There’s a full-colour touchscreen infotainment system with the usual connectivity, USB ports and a wireless mobile phone charger. The infotainment system does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for added convenience. It also acts as the display for the rear-facing camera. Annoyingly, you have to a agree to disclaimer every time you start the car before the system will fire up. The multiple-diffusion-mode climate control system delivered nicely chilled air whenever required.
From a space perspective the HR-V is ideally suited to smaller families, and smaller rear seat passengers. The rear bench isn’t ideal for more than two occupants, and not anyone too tall as the sloping roofline feels low. The latest versions of the HR-V are also fitted with glass panels in the roof that flood the cabin with natural light. Although, we kept the covers in place almost all the time during the searing hot summer. There is enough luggage room in the boot for an extended break, although we didn’t quite manage to squeeze a mountain bike into the car with the rear seats folded unless we removed both wheels. We found the keyless entry and powered tailgate convenient when carrying (too many) items to and from the car.
Summary
We were generally impressed with the Honda HR-V Executive. It is an agreeable little crossover that will suit the needs of most buyers. The HR-V looks snazzy enough, has a level of power, as well as standard specification, that most buyers will find more than handy. It is also backed by Honda’s well-known reliability. A reputation that was built on the likes of the Ballades and CR-Vs of years gone by.
But, and this is a big one, this little car costs just over R620 000. Most folks, who asked about the Honda during our December break, did a double take when we told them the list price. We’ll admit that many people are unaware of current new-car prices across the board, but the price of the HR-V is quite an eye-opener. One can have the Comfort version for about a R100 000 less, and we’d have to say that makes a lot more sense. You don’t really lose out a lot by doing so. But even at the price of the ‘lesser’ version there are lots of other options in the SA market right now, which probably explains why HT-Vs are such a rare sight.
Model: Honda HR-V Executive
Price: R622 900
Engine: 1,5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: CVT FWD
Max power: 89 kW
Max torque: 145 N.m
0-100 km/h: n/a
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 6,0 L/100 km (7,1 during review period)
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