Honda HR-V Hybrid roadtest review

Honda HR-V roadtest review Advance 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid road test review: With a power train drawing on Honda’s Formula 1 experience, DAVID HOOPER says the latest HR-V range with its hybrid engine is worth a look.

MEET Honda’s recently introduced HR-V which, it has to be said, is an attractively-styled vehicle with its cleverly concealed rear door handle at the back of the side windows giving this SUV clean, almost coupe like lines.
The HR-V has always been a little under-rated in my opinion, but this new model definitely looks the part, particularly in this Premium Crystal Red Metallic colour, with contrasting black wheels and trim.
The interior has also been improved over that of its predecessor and looks impressively premium for a car in this price bracket, and it comes with most of the self-preservation bells and whistles you would want, like lane keeping assist, collision warning systems and a plethora of parking sensors and cameras, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your favourite navigation apps and music streaming services while on the move.

The instrumentation is refreshingly clear to understand, the steering wheel has many buttons on it – mostly for the radar cruise control on the right, and volume and channel settings on the left, and the seats are comfortable for up to five people. The centre console between driver and passenger is home to a couple of cup-holders, the electronic hand brake and a switch to select the different drive modes.
The boot is also a reasonable size for shopping, or family trips out, while the raised seating position affords a good view out through the windows.
Our HR-V is powered by Honda’s e:HEV 1.5 i-MMD engine married to an e-CVT gearbox. Oh dear, it was all going so well, too. You’ve guessed it – I didn’t like the gearbox! But more of that later.
This example is a full hybrid, which means you get the best of the both worlds.
You can appease your green conscience safe in the knowledge that the car is using electricity to power it, well some of the time at least, when it’s not using its petrol engine, that is. But all you have to do is drive the car, and occasionally fill it with petrol – there’s no messing about plugging it in while it’s pouring with rain, or waiting for it to charge before you dare go out again.
Nope, this is a full hybrid which means the car charges its own batteries as you drive normally, and switches seamlessly to electric power in traffic, or when there is little or no strain on the engine, but will also contribute to the car’s performance when the loud pedal is pressed with a degree of intent.
The HR-V can return up to 459 miles from a full tank, while its emissions are just 94g/km according to the latest WLTP data, which is quite impressive, having drawn on its Formula 1 experience to develop its latest road car hybrid engines.
The engine is quiet most of the time, and when the car is running on its batteries, it’s even quieter, but plant your foot into the carpet and the engine screams far too loudly for my liking while it waits for the CVT gearbox to catch up with it and turn the engine power into motion, as the CVT’s belts expand to take up the drive.
I have to say I’m surprised how noisy this was, I would have expected better, and quieter, from Honda, whose engineering skills are legendary. I’ve never been a fan of CVT gearboxes, but they have generally become more refined in recent years, but this one was so raucous it reminded me of a Nissan Almera I drove on an international launch many years ago now.
The HR-V is a smart, practical and well equipped contender and with its hybrid engine, makes a compelling argument for the best of both worlds. The engine only really shouts when you demand full power, which most people don’t very often, so for the majority of the time, most owners wouldn’t even notice its noisy tendencies, but don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself!

If you like this, read our review on the Honda Civic Type-R

Rating:

THE VITAL STATISTICS
MODEL: Honda HR-V Advance 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid
ENGINE: 1498cc, 107bhp four-cylinder petrol engine, driving front wheels through e-CVT gearbox.
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 106 mph. 0-62mph in 10.7 secs.
ECONOMY: City: 61.4mpg.
Country: 68.9mpg.
Combined: 52.3mpg.
Wheel World test average: 52.3mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS: 122g/km.
FUEL TANK: 40 litres.
PRICE: £34,135
WARRANTY: 5 years/90,000 miles
WEBSITE: www.honda.co.uk
• All data correct at time of publication.