Honda HR-V : The small SUV market is exploding, and Honda – long known for its reliability and refinement – now stands in this segment with the new HR-V.
Sitting between the WR-V and the CR-V – India-spec version has now been put out to pasture – the HR-V combines a premium design with space, features and tech to lure young urban families and professionals.
A worldwide hit that is now under consideration for the Indian market once again, the HR-V blends Honda’s reliable craftsmanship with a flash design and fuel efficient ride.
It’s not showy — it’s practical and smooth and premium in its own quiet way.
Minimalist Yet Modern Design
There’s a nice blend of upscale and sporty design in the Honda HR-V. It gets a sleek front grille with swept-back LED headlamps and an unadorned, unfussy side profile.
Honda maintains the uncramped look so the HR-V can attract young urban professionals and their elders.
It’s a clean look further enhanced by flush-fitting door-handles, a coupe-like roofline and 18-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims).
At the back, the attached LED tail-lamps lends a modern twist but not too over-the-top. The language of the HR-V is subtle but assertive.
Functional and Comfortable Cabin
The HR-V’s interior is comfortable and user-friendly, with plenty of room to stretch out in and nice, useful touches.
High-quality plastics, with a clean design across the dash, give the cabin a more upmarket vibe than many competitors.
The touchscreen infotainment system measures either 7 or 9-inches diagonally and it’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to keep you connected.
The instrument cluster is digital and displays all the information you need.
One of the HR-V’s best features is Honda’s Magic Seat system, which lets the seat fold multiple ways for a variety of cargo and folding options, and best-in-class versatility when it comes to luggage, groceries or even taller items.
The cabin is spacious too, with a big panoramic sunroof (not with the base spec), and there are appretiable levels of legroom and headroom for to both front and rear seat passengers for a compact SUV.
Engine and Driving Dynamics
Globally, the HR-V is offered with 1.5L petrol, 1.5L hybrid e:HEV, and 1.8L petrol engines, depending on the market.
For India, it will borrow the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine and potentially the hybrid setup from City e:HEV if and when it’s launched here.
The petrol is very refined and is perfect for the city and occasional highway duties. The CVT gearbox is capable of making driving very easy, but it’s not very slick.
Among the positives of the hybrid version: It gets better mileage (and is nearly silent around town, where the electric motor operates in low speeds).
The riding experience is superb, bumps are very well dampened. The handling is composed, the steering is light but accurate — ideal for getting around urban traffic or squeezing into a tight parking spot.
Safety and Tech
In the HR-V, safety gets top billing and includes:
6 airbags
I thought it was the VSA?
Hill Start Assist
Parking sensors and camera at the back.
Honda Sensing (ADAS features) where available, such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking
This means peace of mind, whether you’re cruising the city or travelling long stretches of highway.
Pros:
Premium, minimalist design
Magic Seats with Ultimate Tanka Tanjin Magic: flexible and roomy interior.
Smooth engine, Ride is refined and comfortable
State of the art safety features including optional ADAS
High fuel efficiency, particularly with hybrid
Cons:
Unlikely to be offered with diesel in India
CVT is commodious but boring for sporty drivers
Rear seat recline angle fixed
Local assembly may result in them being priced at a premium
Honda HR-V: Conclusion
The Honda HR-V is a popular SUV that attracts sensible consumers desiring a comfortable, attractive, and economical vehicle.
It’s not a car that shouts for attention, but one that delivers where it needs to: daily usability, elegant driving feel, and clever use of space.
If Honda gets it right placement-wise in India, the HR-V can be a go-to urban SUV as far as premium conscious car buyers are concerned, those who simply won’t compromise when it comes to quality.