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Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
@ytimesmotoring
1:00 AM 11th January 2025
cars

Honda’s HR-V Gets A Makeover

The Honda HR-V continues to impress as a stylish and practical compact SUV in the UK market. This latest iteration builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing some notable improvements.

Design and Exterior

The HR-V maintains its distinctive coupe-inspired SUV silhouette, with crisp lines and a bold presence on the road. The updated model features a revamped front end, including a new bumper and revised grille design.

The sleek profile is enhanced by hidden rear door handles and a tailgate spoiler, contributing to its aerodynamic appearance.

New colour options, including Sage Green, Seabed Blue, and Urban Grey, provide fresh choices for buyers.

Interior and Practicality

Inside, the HR-V offers a spacious and versatile cabin that belies its compact exterior dimensions. The interior follows a modern minimalist aesthetic, with a horizontal sweep of the instrument panel and carefully positioned elements that contribute to a sense of airiness.

One of the HR-V's standout features is its Magic Seats, which offer both 'fold-flat' or 'flip-up' configurations, significantly enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

Boot space ranges from 319 to 1289 litres, providing ample room for luggage. Despite the sloping roofline, rear passenger space remains generous, with impressive legroom even for taller occupants.

Technology and Features

The HR-V comes well-equipped across its trim levels. Standard features include:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Digital instrument cluster
9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Reversing camera
Heated front seats

Higher trim levels add luxuries such as a power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging. The top-spec Advance Style Plus trim offers a premium audio system and unique design elements like a contrasting roof colour.

Powertrain and Performance

The HR-V is exclusively offered with Honda's e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain in the UK. This system combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, producing a total output of 129 bhp.

The hybrid system automatically selects between three drive modes - Electric, Hybrid, or Engine - depending on driving conditions.

While the HR-V isn't particularly quick, with a 0-62 mph time of 10.6-10.8 seconds, it offers impressive fuel economy. Official figures suggest up to 52 mpg, with CO2 emissions from 122 g/km.

On test, 50mpg was easily achievable, even when cruising at the national speed limit for hours on end.

Driving Experience

The HR-V offers a comfortable and composed ride, with engaging handling for its class. The hybrid powertrain provides smooth operation, especially in urban environments where it frequently runs in electric-only mode.

However, it should be noted that under hard acceleration, the engine noise can become intrusive, and there's noticeable vibration through the controls.

Safety and Technology

Honda has equipped the HR-V with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Honda Sensing system includes:
Collision Mitigating Braking System
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keeping Assist
Traffic Sign Recognition

All models feature Auto High-Beam and Blind Spot Information, while higher trims add Cross Traffic Monitor and LED Active Cornering Lights.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2025 HR-V is available in several trim levels:

1. Elegance: From £31,495
2. Advance: From £33,995
3. Advance Style: From £37,195
4. Advance Style Plus: From £37,995

While the HR-V's starting price is higher than some competitors, Honda offers attractive finance deals, with PCP agreements starting from £279 per month with a 5.9% APR.


Verdict

The latest Honda HR-V builds on the strengths of its predecessor, offering a compelling package for those seeking a stylish, practical, and efficient compact SUV. Its standout features include the versatile interior with Magic Seats, impressive fuel economy, and a comprehensive list of standard equipment.

However, the HR-V isn't without its drawbacks. The hybrid powertrain, while efficient, can be noisy under hard acceleration, and the overall performance is adequate rather than exciting. Additionally, the higher starting price compared to some rivals may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Despite these minor quibbles, the HR-V remains a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. Its blend of distinctive styling, practical interior, advanced safety features, and efficient hybrid powertrain make it an attractive option for urban dwellers and small families alike.

The addition of the new Advance Plus trim further broadens its appeal, offering even more luxury features for discerning buyers. In a competitive market, the Honda HR-V distinguishes itself as a well-rounded package that prioritizes efficiency, practicality, and style. While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, the HR-V's quality, reliability, and strong resale values make it a sound long-term investment for those willing to pay a premium for a premium product.