Long-term test (Introduction): Honda HR-V 1,8 Elegance CVT
Comfort: it’s one of the most important car-buying factors when you know you’re going to spend hours behind the wheel of a car stuck in traffic. And my new Passion Red Pearlescent long-termer confidently ticks that box.
In flagship form (there’s also a 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol on sale), the recently revised Honda HR-V is fitted with a 1,8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (105 kW/172 N.m) and, as I’ve discovered while driving the CR-V for a year, Honda’s CVT is
a very relaxing transmission. I rarely see the needle move be- yond 3 000 r/min, which helps to minimise any unnecessary noise intrusion into the cabin.
The interior highlights include snug leather pews, a transmission tunnel sporting partially hidden storage spaces, a 12 V socket up front (with another one in the rear) and two
cupholders. During fresh autumn mornings in Cape Town, I opted to use the standard seat warmers, if only for the first few minutes of my trip. During our road test of this vehicle (February 2019), we mentioned the infotainment system with its 6,8-inch touchscreen can be clumsy to use. However, I seem to have mastered it and it now connects automatically to my Android phone via Bluetooth. The system also offers a USB port which I use to charge my phone, as well as an HDMI socket.
The 60:40-split seats in the rear are part of Honda’s Magic Seat system; they fold flush to offer up to 1 112 litres of space, more than some of the HR-V’s competitors. The luggage compartment cover is a lightweight unit that slides in or out of its position with only a few fingers. It’s quiet and notably easy to remove.
However, it’s the absorbent ride quality and easy-going demeanour that have been the most enjoyable characteristics on my 70 km commute. The steering system is nicely weighted, with some heft to it, which I prefer, and the ride is absorbent across broken surfaces.
The frugal engine is helping lower my heart rate, too; the average fuel consumption is just 6,97 L/100 km. The onboard computer indicated 7,0, making it one of the most accurate systems I’ve yet experienced.
After 1 month
Current Mileage: 461 km
Average fuel consumption: 6,97 L/100 km
We like: overall interior comfort; frugal engine
We don’t like: aftermarket infotainment system
Long-term test (Update 1): Honda HR-V 1,8 Elegance CVT
While I enjoyed the HR-V’s forerunner, the Amaze, I really prefer the midsize crossover over the small sedan. Having more power and torque under your right foot makes all the difference both in town and on the highway. I’ve been able to keep the fuel consumption close to 7,0 L/100 km, resulting in an impressive fuel range of just below 700 km. Although the design of the dated infotainment doesn’t tie in with the contemporary look of the rest of the cabin, it’s proven easy to use, while the heated seats are handy in the Cape’s blustery winter months.
After 2 months
Current Mileage: 2 031 km
Average fuel consumption: 7,10 L/100 km
We like: overall interior comfort; frugal engine
We don’t like: aftermarket infotainment system