Honda HR-V (2015-2022) Review

• 1999: This futuristic lightweight crossover featured true four-wheel-drive system that was activated when the front wheels lost traction. Small and featherweight, it also boasted low emissions levels and great fuel economy. 
• 2015: A second generation arrived some 16 years later but lost its all-wheel-drive capabilities to compete with the new crop of crossovers. 
• 2018: A facelifted variant goes on sale with refreshed exterior styling to bring it in line with the new Civic and improved interior technology.

1.5-litre i-VTEC and 1.6-litre i-DTEC

Unfortunately, those wanting their HR-Vs to venture off-road will be slightly disappointed, as there is no four-wheel-drive system offered on UK vehicles. Honda will likely push you towards the larger CR-V if that's a deal-breaker.

But on-road manners are very good and this is partly due to the quiet and perfectly powerful petrol and diesel engines that are offered across the range.

Despite the current trend towards diesel taxation, the 120hp 1.6-litre i-DTEC remains a popular choice thanks to the excellent fuel economy it manages at motorway speeds. Expect to hit a miles per gallon figure in the high 60s if you have a particularly feathery touch on the throttle.

That said, the addition of a more powerful 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit for 2018/19 proved to be the peppier and more entertaining engine of the bunch, with its free-revving nature perfectly suiting the slick gear change via the stubby little lever.

Fuel economy figures won't be quite as high, nor is there as much torque for towing or low-down lazy acceleration, but it is quiet, refined and borders on the entertaining when mated to the manual gearbox.

It's a shame, then, that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the automatic of choice for the HR-V. Despite Honda's attempts to simulate gears, it remains harsh, noisy and nowhere near as sharp under heavy load as a dual-clutch transmission or DSG found in the Seat Arona, for example.

S, SE and EX

At £19,795 for the most basic 1.5 i-VTEC models, the Honda HR-V is expensive compared to rivals, especially if you look at the Kona and Stonic offered by Hyundai and Kia respectively.

But it does come well equipped across the range, with this entry level cars receiving LED daytime running lights, halogen headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels on the outside, as well as climate control, fabric seats and an electronic parking brake.

On top of this, Honda has elevated the levels of luxury on its top spec SE and EX models with the addition of the previously mentioned LED daytime running lights, additional chrome accents and new alloy wheel designs.

However, Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’ (seats that flip and fold) are present as standard from S models and above, as is an impressive suite of safety features that includes: brake assist, hill start assist and a dual stage inflation airbag for the driver for improved occupant protection.

Unfortunately, Honda has scrimped on the entertainment and these models receive a basic radio tuner unit that features CD input and a USB point for plugging in an iPod or other music device.

However, it's worth noting that even these basic models feel very well put together, with smooth touch plastics used throughout the cabin and switchgear that manages to be both functional and stylish.

Step up to SE level and Honda throws in plenty of additional niceties, including 17-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors at the front and rear, auto wipers, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking camera and a lane departure warning system.

This level also sees the introduction of a 7-inch touchscreen media display that boasts digital radio and runs a number of online apps when tethered to a smartphone or SIM card. It's a far nice system than the one found in S models but it's certainly not class leading in terms of its looks and intuitiveness.

Finally, EX sits at the very top of the specification tree and as a result, comes complete with a multitude of executive toys.

Keyless entry and push-button start, a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, LED headlights and heated seats up front lend it a more premium feel inside, although it doesn't feel like a massive step up from the SE models, despite the hefty price increase.

Honda holds a long and well-established reputation for creating products that last a lifetime and there's no reason why the latest HR-V would be any different. The 3-year/90,000 mileage warranty might not be as long as those offered by Hyundai or Kia but it is still above standard.

The CR-V (the HR-V's older brother) placed particularly well in the 2018 Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction, ranking 6th overall in the 'Most Reliable Cars to Buy' category, with the magazine admitting that "finding an owner who has had issues with their Honda CR-V was no easy task,"

The HR-V might be slightly smaller, but it is based largely on the Jazz, which came in 17th in that very same list.