Exactly which model established the crossover segment is an on-going dispute. Honda’s HR-V is just one of the models thrown into the ring when the topic comes up. According to Honda, it was indeed the one that created the now-booming crossover craze when it was originally launched back in 1999.
Forming part of its 2015 overhaul, alongside models like the Civic, CR-V and Jazz – the HR-V aims to offer both coupe and SUV styling, as well as the versatility of an MPV, which means eye-catching style and a practical interior. Honda has said that “the HR-V will probably be the most important car we launch this year.”
As with many other models that call themselves ‘crossovers’, it can be tough to pigeon hole the HR-V with its respective competitors. Honda has openly said that it aims to compete directly with the Nissan Qashqai and that it is “not a [Nissan] Juke.” But as the HR-V sits somewhere in-between the Qashqai and Juke for size, it must also contend with the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Renault Captur, Kia Sportage… the list goes on.
When you first sit in the cabin there are plenty of features that catch the eye, from its new Honda Connect system to the soft material inlays on its doors. The scratchy plastics on the top of the dash however, do let it down a bit. The Honda Connect Sysytem comes newly-upgraded, as in the Civic and CR-V, with new pinch and swipe features and a much more systematic layout.
A few other small but notable features include the 3D-looking speedo behind the steering wheel and the raised centre console which houses the compact, palm-sized gearstick. And apparently this centre console design took inspiration from the Honda S2000 sports car.
Kit is generous across the range, but if you really want to splash out then the EX trim does the job, with a glass panoramic roof, full leather upholstery, a rear view camera, Garmin sat-nav system, heated seats and roof rails.
Aside to funky tech and comfort niceties, the HR-V’s safety kit is definitely worth a mention. Standard across the range is Honda’s City Brake Active System, helping to prevent accidental collisions in the likes of city traffic. If you go for the next trim above entry-level (SE) you get a massive catalogue of safety and driver assist doodads, such as Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition System and Forward Collision Warning.
On to the driving. Honda claims that the HR-V is fun. That unfortunately isn’t the case when it comes to driving dynamics as the steering is very light and lacks feedback – an extremely common trend with crossovers. The plus side however is that its light steering means urban and city driving is a doddle.
Instead the HR-V’s strengths lie in its comfort levels. The suspension absorbs large potholes and even speedbumps at speed. Insulation in the cabin is also worth mentioning as it is up to luxury saloon standards. Given, you will hear a slight bump if you go over uneven surfaces, but that is expected.
The 1.6-litre diesel we drove is unsurprisingly expected to be more popular than the 1.5-litre petrol. Only offered in manual, the six-speed action is incredibly slick, making the HR-V a pleasure to drive.
Offering 118bhp and 300Nm of pull, the power in the 1.6-litre diesel is evenly spread to allow for swift overtaking when necessary. This diesel is also the nippiest engine in the HR-V range, with a zero to 62mph sprint time of just 10 seconds – the quickest petrol stands at 10.2 seconds. If that wasn’t enough to sway you into picking it, then maybe its CO2 of just 104g/km and a combined 70.6mpg (108g and 68.9 respectively in our EX model) will be.
You really have to stop and have a mooch around the HR-V to appreciate how practical it really is. With a boot offering 470 litres of space (40 litres bigger than the Qashqai) you can pretty much fit in anything you would possibly need on a day to day basis. If that isn’t big enough, then you can fold the seats down – or away if you are feeling ‘magic’ and want to use Honda’s ubiquitous clever folding seats system – and play around with up to 1,533 litres. Not only that, but head and leg room for rear passengers is also on the money, making its interior feel much bigger than it appears from outside.
With the entry-level model just a smidgen under £18,000, the HR-V undercuts the Nissan Qashqai and toes the line with the new Renault Kadjar. If you go all out for the EX diesel we had, you are looking at just under £25,000.
The HR-V offers almost everything you could want in a crossover. Is it fun to drive? Not really, but those after a crossover won’t be too fussed with handling, instead they will be more concerned about its design, whether they can fit a bike in the back and if they can hook-up their smartphone to the infotainment system.
