[Auto-Moto] New Honda HR-V 2021 review

[THē-GHōST]

 

Honda claims that the new HR-V’s hybrid powertrain provides the perfect stepping-stone to all-electric motoring, but it’s the weakest link in an otherwise pleasing compact SUV package. The HR-V is well made, grown-up to drive and comes with a slick infotainment system, but the electrified powertrain eats into boot space, reducing practicality in a class that requires it, while it isn’t the most refined solution either. To take on the ultra-competitive small SUV segment, the new Honda HR-V has quite a task on its hands. It faces off against an array of rivals that include the sharp-handling Ford Puma and our current class favourite, the Renault Captur. It’s a crowded class with each competitor offering its own take on the family crossover. With the HR-V, Honda is pinning its hopes on a self-charging hybrid powertrain and sleek, minimalist styling to win buyers over. First impressions are positive. The HR-V adopts a stance that sets it apart from some crossovers, with a coupe-SUV-style roofline that gives the car a distinctive silhouette. The design is a departure from Hondas of late, with uncluttered surfacing and minimal creases. It looks fairly contemporary and fresh in the metal, although the large, bluff front end does look awkward from some angles. With a 20mm lower roofline than its predecessor, but increased ground clearance, you might expect headroom to be at a premium inside. The new HR-V’s packaging puts paid to these concerns, however. Unlike some rival brands, Honda hasn’t housed the battery for its e:HEV hybrid powertrain within the floor of the car, instead mounting it below the boot area. This allows for a lower floor, and in turn lower seats, providing added headroom. This solution has impacted boot capacity though. At 319 litres load space is a significant 32% down on its predecessor’s, and the HR-V gives up 103 litres to the Nissan Juke, the car that coined this class. The Honda does have a trick up its sleeve though, with the HR-V’s clever Magic Seat set-up making a return for this new-generation model. The rear seats can be folded into the floor of the car, giving a more respectable 1,289-litre capacity, and the seat bases can also be folded upwards - like a cinema chair - to carry large items in the second row.

Link: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/hr-v/356255/new-honda-hr-v-2021-review