Comparo: 2015 Honda HR-V and Peugeot 2008

Before someone accuses me of comparing apples and oranges, let me point out that the Honda HR-V is built on the same platform as the subcompact Honda Jazz while the Peugeot 2008 is based on the Peugeot 208 mini hatchback’s extended chassis.  So the HR-V and 2008 can be said to belong to the same subcompact SUV/ crossover segment as the Ford EcoSport, which has the same platform as the Ford Fiesta.

The HR-V is the third new model to be launched by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) this year, preceded by the Odyssey last March and the Mobilio in April. If the Honda family of SUV/crossovers were to be compared to the Three Bears, the Pilot would be the Papa Bear, the CR-V the Mama Bear and the HR-V the Baby Bear.

Nonetheless, Honda’s smallest, entry-level SUV/crossover is bigger than the Peugeot 2008 and has a bigger engine: the 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC powerplant delivering 141 horsepower and 172 Newton meters max torque to 17-inch alloy wheels through a CVT (continuously variable transmission) developed under the Honda Earth Dreams Technology.

THE ALLURE

The Peugeot 2008 Allure is powered by a 1.6-liter engine producing 120 HP and 160 Nm peak torque to 16-inch alloy wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Yes, a four-speed AT… Yet it provided more spirited performance on the expressway when I pressed the S (for Sport) button on the chromed gearbox beside the gear lever.  Maybe it’s because the engine is more compatibly matched to the small size and light weight of the 2008.

The HR-V was smooth and suitable in highway cruising and inner city driving, but it felt sluggish when required to accelerate quickly.  The CVT’s droning sound sometimes entered the cabin.

Both the HR-V and the 2008 are gasoline-fed vehicles with coupe-like cabins that can comfortably seat four adults or a young family of five and carry a sizeable amount of luggage, sports gear or cargo items when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded fully flat down.  Both have a high-positioned driver’s seat that gives a commanding view of the road and excellent forward visibility.  Both have a wide tailgate opening for easy loading of cargo, but the HR-V’s packaging is more versatile as it accommodates bulky and long cargo items.

The HR-V has LED daytime running lights, LED dual projector headlights and LED guide tail lamps. The 2008 has LED daytime running lamps, halogen headlamps and trademark claw-shaped tail lamps with LEDs at the base that appear suspended. Mood-inducing LED running lights adorn the 2008’s panoramic “Cielo” glass sunroof, enhancing a feeling of airy spaciousness inside the vehicle. Definitely, the 2008 has more joie de vivre.  The HR-V has no sunroof or moonroof.

BUSINESS CLASS

High-quality, soft touch materials, an Eco-Coaching ambient meter, floating illumination rings  and piano black highlights create a sophisticated, business class ambience in the HR-V’s interior together with a high-deck center console.  The HR-V is the first Honda vehicle to be equipped with an Electric Parking Brake that is activated by pulling up a switch on the center console, like in a BMW.

The interior of the 2008 is elegant and luxurious, displaying French flair with sculpted leather seats, cool blue lighting surrounding the main gauges, splashes of chrome trim gleaming here and there, a compact leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a high central console, an aviation-style leather handbrake and slim white stripes accenting the borders of the black front floor mats.

Both vehicles have a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen interface that the driver and front passenger can easily access to operate the systems and functions, although the HR-V’s on-screen menu can be confusing. Both also have automatic dual-zone air conditioning and cruise control but the 2008 does not have a smart entry system with push start button nor paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

SPACE

In the HR-V and the 2008, the 60/40 split rear seat folds perfectly flat to increase cargo room. Like the Jazz, the HR-V allows three seating configurations: Utility Mode, Long Mode and Tall Mode.  When the rear seat of the HR-V is folded flat, luggage space increases from 24.3 to 58.8 cubic feet. In the 2008, when the rear seat is folded flat, cargo space expands to 1,400 liters from 410 liters.

The HR-V enjoys an advantage over the 2008 in terms of cabin space and flexible seating arrangements, but when it comes to riding comfort both are about even.  While the HR-V offers a pleasing level of on-road refinement and composure, complemented by a solid and sporty feeling when driven around town, the 2008’s ride quality is impressive even on rough roads.  The 2008’s body-hugging leather seats and driving dynamics ensure comfortable driving around town and on long journeys, as much as a vehicle costing a lot more money.

Compare the safety features of the two vehicles.  The HR-V’s top-of-the-line 1.8 EL CVT variant (P1,340,000) has six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, anti-lock braking system, Emergency Stop Signal, multi-view reverse camera with dynamic guidelines and rear sensors, seatbelt reminder, ISOFIX and immobilizer.

SUMMING UP

The Peugeot 2008 1.6L AT Allure (P1,390,000) has six airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Start Assist, ABS, parking sensor, seatbelt reminder, automatic speed-sensing door locks, immobilizer with anti-theft protection alarm, manual and automatic central locking, 3×3 point rear seatbelts and electric rear child lock.

Summing up, if you had the budget to buy, would you pay P50,000 more for a stylish, engaging but slightly smaller, relatively unknown European brand subcompact SUV/crossover?  Or choose the lower-priced, bigger and businesslike Japanese brand with a proven resale value?

Take into consideration who will do most of the driving (if it’s the Mrs. or a grown-up daughter, she may prefer the smaller, nimbler, easier to park one), whether it will be a daily driver in town or out of town, how many passengers it will most often carry, what kind of cargo it will normally carry and whether it will have to pass through flash floods.

Taking all the above into consideration, you just might end up buying a pickup truck!

Text and photos by Aida Sevilla Mendoza