Honda HR-V 2015 Car Auto Review

Honda HR-V 2015 Car Auto Review

Honda Honda HR-V X Auto

Unknown 10:41:00 PM Add Comment

Good looking, fun and unrivaled interior space all terms that Honda itself has claimed embody its new HR-V. It also claims that back in 1999 the HR-V was the model that created the now-booming crossover segment and it has said that the latest-generation will compete directly with the Nissan Qashqai. Now, so far in 2015 Honda has revamped its Civic and CR-V models and has done so with aplomb, so let’s see what the latest HR-V model has to shout about. 

Exterior wise, the HR-V has clearly combines the ingredients of an SUV and a coupe, with a sloped roof-line and yet a muscular stance, similar to that of its larger CR-V sibling. Honda is making a big deal of interior practicality with the new HR-V, specifically on boot size, and with 470 liters on offer it trumps the Nissan Qashqai. Honda’s magic seats are also offered as The first thing that caught my attention in the cabin was the now-revamped Honda Connect system, which looks very clean-cut, it was certainly a welcomed feature on the new Civic and CR-V models. 

All-round interior quality is very good, with soft touch materials conveying an upmarket feel and if you go for the flagship EX model, you get things like full leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof. An ongoing trend in the crossover segment is driving dynamics falling by the waist side – and unfortunately the HR-V has traits of that as there isn’t much feedback through the steering wheel. But what it lacks in fun it comes up for in comfort, with a spongy suspension and brilliant sound deadening from the outside world. Highlights in the engine range include a 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel that emits just 104g/km of CO2 and returns a claimed combined figure of 71mpg. Not only is this engine the most efficient, but it is also the quickest in the HR-V range, boasting a zero to 62mph sprint time of just 10 seconds. 

The diesel is only available in the manual though, with the CVT automatic reserved for the 128bhp 1.5-liter petrol options. It is clear that Honda has acknowledged the stiff crossover competition with the new HR-V and focused on making it practical and stylish it doesn’t stand out when it comes to driving dynamics though. 

Honda CR-V 2015 Car Auto Review

Honda CR-V 2015 Car Auto Review

Honda Honda CR-V X Auto

Unknown 9:23:00 PM Add Comment

This is the fourth-generation Honda CR-V and as part of its 2015 mid-life refresh Honda has made a host of tweaks. These include a new front-grille, a better infotainment set-up and – the main attraction, a new high-powered 1.6-liter diesel, unique to Europe, along with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Now, Honda has said that it aims to challenge models like the BMW X3, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC60 with its latest CR-V incarnation, so it will be interesting to see how its interior luxury and practicality compare. Following the success of the 118bhp 1.6-liter diesel in the last CR-V model, Honda decided to introduce a higher output of the 1.6-liter with 158bhp, and this replaces the previously available 2.2-liter diesel. 

This new 158bhp 1.6-liter, which is only available in 4WD and is expected to be the most popular derivative, sprints from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds and our model emits 139g/km and returns a combined 55.3mpg. These figures aren’t massively impressive, however Honda claims that they make for an “unrivaled power to consumption ratio”. The lower powered 2WD 118bhp 1.6-liter diesel is still available however, emitting just 115g/km. A 153bhp 2.0-liter petrol is also available. Although a smooth shifting six-speed manual gearbox is on offer, it’s the new nine-speed automatic that is grabbing headlines. The reason for this is because of its two-stage turbo, which makes it more efficient and allows steady acceleration throughout the gears, as opposed to a regular turbo that tends to give you a single boost of acceleration. And hats off to Honda, it really does work. 

Honda has actively looked at cabin insulation by adding the likes of thicker door seals, but the diesel still sounds noisy. Comfort and assurance is still good all-round, with a suspension set-up that is not too stiff or soggy and well-weighted and responsive steering. But it doesn’t offer the same engagement as a BMW. In an attempt to offer that luxury feel of its competitors, Honda has added loads of new soft touch materials about the place, but scratchy plastics are still quite prominent. The seats on the other hand are top notch, with great back support, adjustment and head rests that are more like pillows. These seats also give you a great, superior, high-riding position. Those who know the previous CR-V well will quickly notice the improvements to the infotainment system, as this new 7-inch Honda Connect display gets rid of its numerous buttons. This touchscreen also has a Garmin sat-nav with new smartphone-inspired swipe and pinch feature. 

This goes hand-in-hand with its Mirror-link functionality, allowing for wi-fi tethering, again giving a more modern, user-friendly feel. This system is standard on our flagship EX model but optional on all others. There are a host of safety enhancements as well, the halo feature being a new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which can predict if someone is going to cut in front of you in traffic. In terms of overall practicality in the cabin, storage compartments are aplenty, with clever things like these shelves on the doors. Visibility wise, the large wing mirrors and windscreen and relatively skinny A pillars mean it’s very good, but the C pillars seem unnecessarily chunky and as a result, obstruct rear visibility. Rear practicality couldn’t really be any better in the CR-V, with tons of head room and leg room, even if your front passenger over indulges with their own leg room. 

The likes of no transmission tunnel and an arm rest with cup holders are also nice features. Now, on to the boot and Honda’s renowned ‘Magic seats’. The boot offers a very handy 589 liters, which is more than the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q3, and also has a low loading level – but its party trick is revealed when you pull this lever, folding the seats down and the headrests away. And this allows for a flat loading surface and up to 1,669 liters of space. The CR-V definitely has impressive family-friendly credentials, but Honda may be aiming a little high when it comes to competition. So instead of BMW, Volvo or Audi, think Nissan, Kia and Volkswagen. But what do you think of the CR-V?