Honda’s new HR-V promises to challenge sector leaders for efficiency

2015-04-28 15:50:12

Honda’s new HR-V is going to be one of the most efficient cars in the sector, the company has promised. The most efficient model will emit just 104g/km and return 71.0mpg. Even the least efficient model will emit just 130g/km of CO2 whilst still managing to return 52.0mpg. And this from a crossover SUV. On sale from the summer, the rival to the likes of the of Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka will be a beneficiary to a vast array of technology and sophisticated in-car entertainment features.

From launch, two engines will be available. Petrol lovers will be able to get a 129bhp 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit, whilst diesel lovers will be able to secure themselves a 118bhp 1.6-litre i-DTEC unit. The latter is the same unit that is used in other Honda models, such as the Civic and larger CR-V. Both engines are the result of Honda’s advanced “Earth Dreams Technology” series.

Obviously, the diesel model will be the most efficient available. Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, the diesel HR-V will be able to return up to 71.0mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 104g/km. Despite the efficiency, it is no slouch, being able to reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.1 seconds. This makes it almost like-for-like with the Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi, but trounces the figures posted by the Vauxhall Mokka 1.7 CDTi.

The petrol model will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox too. However, if automatic is your thing, then the petrol engine is your only option, and in this instance, will be mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Depending on the wheel size selected, with the auto ‘box, Honda says the CR-V will be able to return 54.0mpg and emit 120g/km of CO2. Manual models achieve around 2mpg less and CO2 emissions from 130g/km. Acceleration to 62mph is managed from rest in 10.3 seconds with the manual and 10.9 seconds with the optional CVT.

Honda attribute the HR-V's impressive efficiency and performance credentials to its design and class-leading aerodynamics with underbody panels optimising air flow.

Whilst the HR-V looks like it has all-wheel drive ability, in reality it will only be possible to power the front wheels.

With the rear seats in place, there is 453-litres of boot space available. However, fold the rear pews down, and there is up to 1,026-litres to pack. Additional usability is achieved by the standard fitment of Honda’s versatile ‘Magic Seat’ system. This allows the bases of the rear seats to be flipped up like those you experience at a cinema. This means that even more luggage space can be freed up between the two rows of seats – ideal for impromptu shopping trims or carrying bulky purchases, like large mirrors or picture frames.

The general ambience of the interior is described by Honda as “sporty” and “enveloping”. There is evidence of high-quality materials being used throughout.

Option equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, a comprehensive stereo system and an infotainment screen which runs the Android smartphone operating system.

As you would expect of a Honda, there are plenty of safety features available, including various driver assistance gadgets such as speed assist, forward collision, lane-departure warning and a traffic-sign recognition system.

Despite is lofty off-road stance, Honda says that the HR-V has been engineered to give a “saloon-like” driving experience. A high level of rigidity helps with the handling whilst the cabin remains a serene place in which to spend time thanks to plenty of noise insulation.

Honda says that it will announce more information, including UK prices and specifications, closer to the official launch date.

This article was prepared by our car news team First4Auto

Reported By

Andrew Merritt-Morling

Chief Editor

Associate Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers