Honda HR-V - BACK ONCE AGAIN

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A HONDA HR-V FROM OSV: bit.ly/2SE9ALA
Honda's second generation HR-V lifestyle crossover SUV revived an idea that was originally ahead of the game. Jonathan Crouch looks at the improved model.
Ten Second Review
This improved second generation Honda HR-V aims to stake a strong claim for the Japanese brand in the growing compact crossover market. It's a little pricier but more smarter, more spacious and better equipped than segment leaders like Nissan's Juke and Renault's Captur. Buyers choose from either a 1.5 petrol unit - now with a couple of output options - or a 1.6 diesel, both sending drive to the front wheels. It's Honda's idea of what a small SUV should be.
Background
The original Honda HR-V, launched in 1999, was the model that should have started the current seemingly insatiable craze for small Crossovers. But it didn't have either the marketing, the peppy handling or the visual pizzazz that would characterise the segment-defining Nissan Juke, launched eleven years later. That original HR-V - marketing as 'the Joy Machine' - was withdrawn from Honda's range in 2006 and, amazingly, not replaced. It was a wasted opportunity.
Driving Experience
The engine range is as it was, though Honda has improved the interior quietness and refinement of the HR-V by adding greater levels of insulating material around the car. Plus certain grades have Active Noise Cancellation which reduces low-frequency noise in the interior by monitoring for such noises using two in-cabin microphones, and then cancelling them out with precisely-timed 'reverse phase' audio signals through the speakers. As before, this model's available only in front-wheel drive guise.
The HR-V features a low centre of gravity, with the driver's hip point more akin to a conventional hatch than an SUV. The body is extremely rigid due to a high percentage of high-tensile steel, and this in turn helps isolate the suspension to do its job properly.
Design and Build
Honda reckons the MK2 model HR-V combines the 'personality of a coupe with the solid stance of an SUV' and they're not too far wrong. Think of it as a shrunken BMW X6 in appeal and you're not too far off the mark. The design is neat and interesting, with hidden rear door handles, deeply sculpted lower body panels and has been smartened up in this revised form. At the front, there's a sleeker interpretation of Honda's 'Solid Wing Face' graphic, with a re-styled high-gloss dark chrome panel and a revised front bumper with deeper air intake sections that house circular fog lights. The headlights now have projector lenses with re-designed LED daytime running lights. At the rear, a dark chrome garnish across the tailgate mirrors the trim at the front, and the rear lights sit within darker lens casings.
Market and Model
Pricing-wise, this HR-V is pitched at the higher end of the small Crossover sector - so against cars like the Mazda CX-3 and the Jeep Renegade rather than at models like the Nissan Juke and the Renault Captur. Prices start at around £20,000 for the entry-level 'S'-spec variant, rising to around £27,000 for the flagship 'EX' diesel model. There's an £1,800 premium to pay if you choose the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel rather than the 1.5 i-VTEC petrol unit.
As for safety, well comprehensive active safety systems combine data from radar sensors and forward and rear facing cameras.
Cost of Ownership
The i-VTEC engine has been enhanced by 'advanced plateau honing', that lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinder bores by creating an ultra-smooth surface. Its timing chain guides also feature a new friction-reducing coating, which further helps to reduce long-term wear and boost engine efficiency. Petrol buyers selecting this 130PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC powerplant can expect combined fuel economy of up to 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions from 148g/km. The 182PS 1.5-litre petrol model manages up to 42.2mpg and up to 151g/km of CO2. As for the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel variant, well the combined cycle figure is up to 56.5mpg, with CO2 returns of up to 132mpg. All the figures quoted are WLTP-rated.
Summary
We like the HR-V. It's a touch more spacious than other cars in this class, with superior practicality you can really make the most of thanks to the brilliantly flexible 'Magic Seat' system that offers MPV-style interior flexibility. Alongside sophisticated design and class-leading safety, this set-up aims to justify premium pricing and if for you it does, then there's plenty else to like about this Honda. The brand won't import enough for it to become a mainstream choice but then this was never going to be a high volume model. It will instead appeal to those in search of the cleverest and classiest car of this kind. For these people, this car will, in Honda's own words, be 'precisely, pleasingly perfect'.
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[@tiyukitv6508]

Honda corrected the looks of the hrv and it clicked... and then made it ugly again in 2023 🤐

[@reaality3860]

Very comprehensive review. Well done! What ever salary paid to the producers of this KZbin video is well spent.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks very much for watching! Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@williamharvey9103]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply by

[@Masters_Sprinter]

I have a 2020 EX 1.5 Petrol. We changed from the Civic (1litre turbo) to accommodate our dog. The petrol engine is bearable but lacks any punch, compared to the Civic. The audio system in the new HR-V is actually an earlier version of the one used in the Civic and is really quite poor in comparison with flaky Digital radio reception and no Apple CarPlay. For moving the dog around, etc. it is great but is really lacking in the driving power and audio fronts.

[@kevinelders7124]

Othing to compare this one is the 1.5 T 182 hp . Not available in US , luckily i live in Belgium and have this one

[@qasimansari7540]

Excellent review! Keep up the good work.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks very much Qasim! 👍

[@FlyingGentile]

This is the car i want. Its a shame that it is not offered in the states.

[@mickles1975]

Back once again for the renegade master, D for damager, power to the people, Back once again for the renegade master, D for dama... with the ill behavior Sorry. The video title gave me a flashback.

[@czedulazsolt7407]

you need a like. I have spoken

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Whoop Whoop! 😝😜

[@-DC-]

Honda's petrol engines always need you to use them properly through the entire rev range, just how they are it's always been the same. List pricing is a tad salty on these unfortunately !

[@maloukification]

Very good work 👍

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching, Malek 👍

[@pradeepmagan6951]

what happen to aircon controls

[@richardwilliams3839]

This is labeled different than the ones in the USA smbh

[@chrispenn715]

More like HRT..... :-)

[@zokonjazokonja]

I just don't like this washed out red leather interior, it looks like it came from some brothel, seen it on several pictures and I don't like it, and all 1.5T have it. Standard 1.5 is just too anemic. Seems that only option left for me is diesel, although I personally prefer gas, now I'm driving 1.8 Civic. Seems that it will need look elsewhere.

[@kevinsugrue]

Ford Puma will be slower but better to drive.

[@molestant]

did not understand about transmission, is automatic good or not ? thanx

[@peteg8920]

Significantly less eager but safer. Why car reviewers encourage faster driving on public roads is beyond me.

[@callum4035]

Incorrect, these facelift hrvs are NOT. Produced in Mexico any more, they are built in Japan

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I am sure its nicely screwed together and all that but the dash already looks 5-10 years old.

[@thisispw]

The diesel is excellent and very economical.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's great to hear 👍 How are you finding the HR-V overall?

[@donooetomo5213]

HONDA HRV MOST PERFECT SMALL SUV AMAZING .. MADE IN JAPAN

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hello Dono 👋 Thanks for watching, if you liked the video make sure to subscribe for future car reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@hadtobe4502]

The reason for a CVT is to save on gas. Just go straight to electric and make them affordable. Saving a lot on gas then.But I suppose there are too many employed with jobs to do with ICE. This, and profits, are the drag on change.

[@zimben8]

In Japan there was an All Wheel Drive.

[@redhondafk8357]

nice review !

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching!

[@razalisaad8343]

Hrv good car

[@williamharvey9103]

We

[@lucaparker1084]

I wouldn't describe the Peugeot 2008 as bland I think it looks better then this face lifted honda.

[@instars2027]

But is it as reliable as Honda HR-V?

[@neilleng9188]

Don't be silly, it's French, dreadful reliability.!! 😂😂​@@instars2027

[@seanmackey8552]

Isn't the 1.5 L Turbo , the engine with the oil dilution problem? Gas mixing with the oil.

[@wiesawkrauz1683]

It was in USA and Kanada. I have 1,5 sport for June 2019, and without problem with them

[@DrEdwardTsang]

Thank you for a detailed review!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Our pleasure, Edward. Many thanks for watching! Are you interested in getting a Honda HR-V?

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Mobile rasberry pie & an entertainment system worse than Toyota! but using CVT like them. I wouldn't give this garage room.

[@_monoman]

1.5 Liter engine... :( OMG.. It will be a high rev (short life) grinder.. No thanks.

[@jblondon1327]

The centre console looks bad, why put your phone there at the bottom, you can't even see it . Rubbish

[@kevinelders7124]

Didn't know you needed to see your phone while you are driving

[@MrMintoni]

Honda late 2000s screwed up nicely. Horrible cars, lack of diesel engine etc. Even they destroyed type r. What an idiot car maker

[@chrispenn715]

Agreed - Honda have lost their way; ~The original Honda Jazz was one of the best cars I've had (and that includes Jaguars, Mercedes and Rolls Royce!) The latest Jazz is just an also ran - like most of Honda's cars alas.

[@mustafabilek7290]

German crossover suvs better than the japans

[@michaelsimpkins5178]

Japanese more reliable and the Germans spend more time off road than on it

[@OstRundfunk]

...in your mind

[@TurkumCaliskanim]

Yes, but a german SUV with same full options like Honda HRV Executive, costs twice the price.

[@lfcms1892]

My mate’s VW Tiguan breaks down and goes back for maintenance every now and then

[@erikloupias7511]

Obviously you do not have any clou of which you are talking.