Road test review: Honda HR-V Limited

Wednesday, 18 September 2019

**HONDA HR-V LIMITED

Base price:** $35,500

The HR-V's 1.8-litre engine does the job, but doesn't particularly impress.

Powertrain and performance: 1.8-litre petrol four-cylinder, 105kW/172Nm, continuously variable transmission, FWD, fuel economy 6.9 litres per 100km, 158g/km CO2 (source : Rightcar).

Vital statistics: 4348mm long, 1605mm high, 2610mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 437 litres, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 tyres.

We like: Comfortable and clever interior, ridiculously practical, brilliant around a city.

We don't like: Fiddly and irritating infotainment controls, not as economical as it should be, its a CVT…

Here's something you probably haven't considered before: I would suggest to you that, dollar for dollar, the small SUV segment represents arguably the best value for money area of the new car market today, particularly in terms of standard equipment you get for the money you spend. A small SUV priced between $30k and $35k is generally extremely well-equipped, with a number of features that are optional on higher spec cars in other segments. And Honda's latest addition to its HR-V line up - the Limited - only adds to that argument.

So what's new?

The Limited drags a whole lot of extra equipment previously only available on top-spec models down to the masses by adding leather seats (heated in the front), automatic LED headlights, LED tail lights and fog lights, rear parking sensors and piano black and chrome interior detailing for only a $2,500 bump over the more basic $32,990 HR-V Active model.

The HR-V boasts a comfortable, high quality, well laid out interior, but a fiddly, intuitive infotainment system.

* Orange and black is the new Honda SUV

* SUVs and utes are still taking over New Zealand roads**

Everything else remains the same, however, with the Limited being powered by the same 105kW 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the rest of the HR-V range (apart from the AWD model, which gets a wheezy 96kW 1.5-litre engine). This is, of course, hooked up to a continuously variable transmission. Sorry about that.

How does it all come together?

Despite the presence of a CVT to potentially screw things up; surprisingly well, actually.

Drive the HR-V in an unhurried fashion around town and it is a pleasantly smooth and agile runabout. Climb up in the top third of the rev range and it does become a bit grating though, as small engines hooked up to CVTs do.

Around town the little HR-V is comfortable and surprisingly responsive, with a strong mid-range keeping the worst of any CVT flaring at bay. Out on the open road it is equally strong and while the CVT becomes more noticeable, it is still a long way from the worst of the lot. The engine doesn't exactly put its best foot forward here either, being a stronger, more refined thing lower in its revs around town.

It is, however, a surprisingly capable handler, with an impressively nimble chassis tucked under the tall body that actually doesn't feel that tall through the corners.

The strongest point of the HR-V, however, is its cabin. Impressively comfortable and roomy, it is also packed with clever little touches - like the central cup holder that transforms into a deeper bottle holder when needed - as well as Honda's brilliant and insanely practical 'Magic Seats' in the rear and a great driving position.

But while the interior is sensibly laid out and pleasantly appointed, the touchscreen infotainment system is just outright annoying to use. It's fiddly physical buttons, illogical layout and distinctly aftermarket look is the biggest black mark on an otherwise impressive interior.

Any other cars I should consider?

The is certainly no shortage of options in the small SUV segment, with nearly every manufacturer offering something, particularly in the ultra-competitive $30-35K range.

The Mazda CX-3, Holden Trax, Mitsubishi ASX, Subaru XV and the Suzuki Vitara are all very credible options, while if you want something a bit different, then the Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade and Kia Soul all bring a bit of quirky personality.

Fancy something European? Then there's the likes of the Citroen C3 Aircross, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur and Seat Arona. How about something a bit cheaper? The Ford EcoSport, Haval H2 and MG ZS are all decently-equipped budget options too.

But the HR-V's biggest competitor is almost certainly the Toyota C-HR with its similar pricing, comparable spec, equally agile chassis, similarly average engine/CVT combo and looks that will either appeal to you or… not.