The Honda HR-V and the Hyundai i20 aim for your split decision

PERMUTATIONS, variants, a dizzying array of options. No wonder the auto industry has displayed impressive exponential growth through the years, regardless of the ups and downs of the economy.

They cater to every preference, virtually every whim that the market suggests to them, and they literally have something for everyone.

A current model car in a showroom has up to eight variants to choose from on average, and that is, after you’ve narrowed down your choice from the ever-growing list of automobile categories and classes.

Just what is a crossover?

One category however seems to be expanding within itself- the crossover. It could actually look like a wagon, a compact SUV, an MPV, or anything in between.

With some effort, one could actually pin down what constitutes its classification. It’s a more rugged on-roader, but not quite suited for venturing far off the pavement.

It’s almost always a 5-seater, about the same size as a compact SUV but usually smaller.

Its ride height is somewhere between a compact SUV’s and a sedan’s, and mainly it’s packaged to look, feel and handle like a more athletic 5-door car.

So it’s not that people who choose them are indecisive as to what they want. It’s more of them opting for something that serves the purpose of a car in terms of comfort levels and usage, but with the capability to cross over to an SUV’s role when the situation or occasion calls for it, without having to commit full-on or full-time, to owning an actual SUV.

Yes, people know exactly what they, um, kinda want.

To what degree would you like to cross over?

Now we focus on two very eligible crossovers that have been released fairly recently in the market: the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai i20 Cross Sport.

Right off the bat you can tell that what the latter is positioned towards—but the two fit the classification nicely, though at polar opposites. 

The Honda HR-V is the gentleman’s crossover. Its sportiness leans more towards sophistication, as it bears sleeker, tech-inspired aesthetics that is a hallmark of the Honda lineup.

It’s equipped with a 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT). With power rated at 141 HP and 172 Newton-meters of torque, it’s no slouch.

It readily provides for an enjoyably perky drive with a refined handling feel, much like a smaller, lighter (300 lbs. less) CR-V.

The ride has a plush quality to it, complemented by low noise vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, rendering it quite effortless to drive all day.

Not quite apple-to-apple

The comparison isn’t quite apple-to-apple, since the Hyundai i20 made available for testing is equipped with a 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The i20 has a gasoline-powered variant, also with a 1.4-liter displacement, but it’s the only variant that comes with both manual and automatic transmission options.

The Hyundai i20 is, in this comparison, the crossover with spunk, mainly due to its torque-abundant diesel engine. It’s a joy to zip around in especially on open stretches, where the combination of a manual tranny and assertive acceleration is best taken advantage of. 

But of course, as with any automobile stuck in the daily horrid traffic of Metro Manila, driving bumper-to-bumper via stick shift for hours on end becomes a painful chore.

The small-displacement high-output diesel engine version of the Hyundai i20 would’ve been perfect for that situation, had it been equipped with an automatic transmission.

Still, when the roads clear up, taking full control via stick somehow makes up for it.

Thematic is the name of the game

Nifty shades of grey are complemented by black, predominantly in the Honda HR-V’s understated interior, going for the classic performance-oriented appeal.

Its leather-wrapped steering wheel is replete with controls for the entertainment system, car info display, cruise control and Bluetooth telephony. The generously-sized touch screen interface is very intuitive and convenient to use.

One look at the HR-V’s monochromatic interior, and you know it means business. You certainly won’t feel awkward alighting from it in a full suit.

On the other hand, the Hyundai i20’s interior spells fun and playfulness with its orange accents on the seats, dashboard and center console, carrying-over its “Cross Sport” namesake. 

The audio system is a much simpler 2-DIN setup, so are the controls on the steering wheel, but what’s pertinent is present—down to the dual 12V sockets, AUX and USB inputs lined-up neatly in a row.

Outside, roof rails are mounted as standard equipment, signifying its more adventurous predilection.

Narrowing it down

It’s fascinating how two automobiles pigeon-holed in the same category can be so different from each other. Both are made to be very capable, and faithful to the crossover niche, yet seem geared to appeal to even more specific people in the market for such vehicles.

The Hyundai i20 Cross Sport takes the plum for being exceptionally fuel efficient, sporty and fun to drive in general, while the Honda HR-V is more stylish- bringing sophistication and refinement in a versatile package.

To arrive at a final choice between the two in case you’re undecided, it’d help to look in the mirror to find out which one is expertly tailored for you.