Hip rider: Honda HR-V sneak peek

By Jason K. Ang June 10,2015
THE HONDA HR-V goes for coupe-like styling, with a swooping greenhouse and hidden rear doors.

THE HONDA HR-V goes for coupe-like styling, with a swooping greenhouse and hidden rear doors.

HONDA Cars Philippines has launched the all-new HR-V compact crossover, and enters one of the hottest market segments, currently occupied by the likes of the Ford Ecosport.

What is it. The HR-V is Honda’s take on the B-segment-size SUV. The name stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle.

Like the recently-launched Mobilio MPV, the HR-V is built on the Jazz platform. The aim is to combine the fuel economy and maneuverability of the subcompact hatchback with the taller driving position and larger cargo area of an SUV.

The HR-V occupies a small footprint, coming in at 4924-millimeter length x 1772-mm width.

Styling. Older readers may remember a vehicle that looked like a shipping carton with wheels—this was the first HR-V circa 1999. Thankfully this one looks much more attractive.

With windswept-looking creases on the hood, bumper and doors, this fits well with the sleeker styling of Honda utility vehicles like the Odyssey, CR-V and Pilot. Honda says that the look is modeled after a coupe’s, with sharp dynamic lines contrasting with the stable and planted-looking lower body.

Interior. Despite the un-box like exterior shape, Honda says that the interior is one of the most spacious in its class.

Adding to the cabin’s usefulness is Honda’s trademark ULT rear seat. As in the Jazz, the rear seat can fold in various ways to change to Utility (to carry a bicycle), Long (surfboard) or Tall object mode (houseplant).

DESPITE the compact exterior, the Honda HR-V packs a long wheelbase to maximize interior space.

DESPITE the compact exterior, the Honda HR-V packs a long wheelbase to maximize interior space.

Honda HR-V Cargo Space

With all seats up, the HR-V can fit 393 liters of cargo. With rear seat folded, the space expands to 1,665 liters.

HR-V is a five-seater vehicle. The center-fuel-tank location, used since the first-generation Jazz, once again proves its usefulness by creating an interior relatively free of protrusions from the footwell.

The 2,610-mm-long wheelbase helps to maximize interior space. Tires are 215/55 R 17 on alloy wheels.

The driver faces a three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio controls. Air-conditioner controls use a touchscreen panel, and a 7-inch touchscreen audio unit is available. Multiple HDMI and USB power ports are mounted below the center console.

 HONDA HR-V seats can fold in various configurations to allow for maximum utility (stroller or bike), long objects (surfboard), or tall cargo (houseplant).

HONDA HR-V seats can fold in various configurations to allow for maximum utility (stroller or bike), long objects (surfboard), or tall cargo (houseplant).

The air-conditioner vents stretch across the entire passenger side of the instrument panel. They’re designed to optimize cool air flow throughout the cabin. Doors lock and unlock via smart key, and the engine also uses a start-stop button. Leather seats are standard on the top variant.

Further conserving space are compact controls and switchgear. The gearshift is a slim stub, while the parking brake uses push-button actuation.

Engine and transmission. Honda HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine, good for  139.07 horsepower and 172 Newton-meters. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission. Drive goes to the front wheels only. The Honda Econ button is standard, and the gauges change color to encourage judicious use of dinosaur juice.

HONDA HR-V cargo space: rear space can fit nearly 400 liters with all seats up, thanks to a space-saver spare tire

HONDA HR-V cargo space: rear space can fit nearly 400 liters with all seats up, thanks to a space-saver spare tire

Safety. The HR-V comes with a slew of active safety features. Standard on all variants are ABS brakes with EBD, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, auto hold for the electric brake, emergency stop signal and dual front airbags.

The middle E and top EL variants get a reverse camera, while the EL variant adds four-corner sensors, as well as side and curtain airbags. The top variant gets LED daytime running lights and headlamps.

Those who wish to customize the looks of the HR-V can order from the Modulo and Mugen styling catalog. These include aftermarket grille, front and rear spoiler, running boards, door visor, and aero bumper parts.

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