Review: Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo V - A punchy, practical, and stylish all-rounder!

Launched just before the new car SST exemption period expired in the middle of last year, the new generation Honda HR-V crossover SUV seems to have picked up where its predecessor left off. It definitely had big shoes to fill considering how largely popular said predecessor was amongst many Malaysians.

Evidently, Honda covered all its angles well when planning this successor, bringing forth no less than three powertrain choices across four variants in total. Though the partially electrified e:HEV hybrid has the spotlight with its high-tech powertrain and sporty RS trimline treatment, we’re certain that the 1.5 Turbo V variant slotted just below it is a true gem, especially for those looking for an all-rounder of sorts.

Having spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel of one recently, we’re certain that, despite lacking the electrified tech and sportier styling of the e:HEV RS variant above it, as well as a rather lengthy waiting period, this turbocharged ‘mid-plus’ variant is the one to have from this line-up.

Allow us to digress further, then…

OVERVIEW

While styling is indeed a very subjective matter for us to gauge, there’s no hiding the universal appeal held by the new design bestowed upon this new generation HR-V model – regardless of trimline and variant.

We’re certain this new HR-V’s looks has garnered plenty of fans and admirers already as it sports all the right curves and just enough sharpness overall despite having grown in size. Couple that with striking touches, like the new taillight running across the tailgate, snazzy full-LED headlights with sequential turn signals, prominent new grille design with gloss black-treated inserts, as well as snazzy 18-inch alloy wheels, there’s little to loathe with the way this crossover SUV looks.

Clearly, Honda’s design team knew what they were doing when they were – presumably – given the difficult design brief of fashioning an otherwise squared, boxy crossover SUV into something desirably pretty.

ON THE INSIDE

Unlike its predecessor, this new HR-V’s innards feel a lot more spacious, especially for those seated in the rear. The new chassis architecture’s lengthened body and wheelbase ensures that life in the rear seat is no longer the slightly cramped and moody space as its predecessor was.

Adding to that are the partial-leather and fabric upholstery present, as well as the addition of both rear air-cond vents plus USB charge ports –features absent in the outgoing HR-V, in fact.

Of course, the real star of the cabin lies up front, which is where much of the cabin’s new high-tech furnishings shines, as does its sleek and up-market new design. Key tech present here include the fully-digital and interactive 7-inch digital instrument display, the respectably-large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit mounted front and centre offering various functionalities, as well as two USB charge ports up front, amongst many.

Overall, it’s evident that the new HR-V’s innards, even in this ‘mid-plus’ trimline featured, will sate the needs and wants of many, even those with small families. The latter is further fuelled by the versatility of the cabin thanks to the second-row seat’s ability to fold upwards or forwards and flat, the latter to further expand boot space for oversized cargo or luggage.

If we were to nit-pick, perhaps the addition of wireless smartphone charge pad would’ve sweetened the package further, especially given the price this crossover SUV commands – more on this in a bit.

DRIVING

The news gets even better once we thumb the start button and got the HR-V going. This is where we got to savour this HR-V’s impressive driving dynamics. Much of this stems from the powertrain package primed, and also the well-sorted chassis it underpins.

We’ll start with the oily bits and, for this spec, as well as the HR-V 1.5 Turbo E variant slotted below, Honda have primed its familiar 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo 4-cyl mill mounted up-front. Boasting 179 HP (181 PS) and rather meaty 240 NM, this mill isn’t short of pep, granting 0-100 KM/H in 8.8 seconds too – respectably rapid indeed, more so considering that this crossover SUV tips the scales at a rather hefty 1,403 KG.

Drive goes to the front wheels via a CVT automatic which, though not the most dynamic nor direct thing around, is in fact smooth and seamless. If anything, this setup promises decent fuel economy to boot, with Honda claiming an average of 6.5 litres/100 KM. The inclusion of Honda’s ‘ECON’ drive mode ought to bolster the need for frugality as well.

Speaking of drive modes, the HR-V also sports both ‘NORMAL’ and ‘SPORT’ modes too, the latter being nifty should you need a little more oomph when overtaking on highways for instance.

In terms of drive dynamics, the HR-V’s mannerisms on the asphalt are predictably good to say the least.  While not as dynamic in the corners as something more grounded like the Civic RS for instance, the HR-V makes up for this lack of dynamism through high comfort instead.

Indeed, the high pliance and damping dialled into the suspension makes for a crossover SUV that will easily traverse some of Kuala Lumpur city’s infamously bumpy and pothole-ridden streets in great stride. Above all, we know this is one trait that many prospects eyeing up the HR-V will be glad to bask in.

If that’s not enough, then the sleuth of Honda Sensing active driver assistances (ADAS) present ought to seal the deal. These easily make any high-mile road trips or even long-duration commutes less taxing, not to mention very safe too. Speaking of which…

SAFETY

Though not the range-topping flagship variant, Honda didn’t skimp on the notion of safety, thus explaining the full-swing of Honda Sensing ADAS features present in this HR-V 15 Turbo V variant. The list includes a host of acronyms like FCW, CMBS, LDW, LKAS, RDM, ACC, LSF, AHB, LCDN plus the nifty LaneWatch. Altogether, it all make for a crossover SUV that feels like it could almost drive itself at times.

Moreover, all of which comes as standard equipment on this ‘mid-plus’ spec option on top of key basics such as 6 airbags, ISOFIX childseat anchors, as well as the all-important combination of ABS plus traction and stability control suites. Simply put, all of these combined really puts the HR-V at the very top of the field when it comes to safety, arguably helping to justify its asking price even further too.

RUNNING COSTS & RELIABLITY

In general, mechanical gremlins are seemingly rare amongst most Hondas, more so when they’re not electrified. Predictably, the added pep from having a turbocharger unit primed does mean slightly higher maintenance costs, but it’s something we know many will bear and put up with over time.

If anything, Honda’s thrown in a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty for all variants of the HR-V, which ought to keep any long-term ownership worries at bay indeed.

Also, provided you drive this right – read: FRUGALLY – and based on the aforementioned 6.5 litres/100 KM claimed fuel economy average, each full fill-up on RON95 ought to cost about RM100 and grant at least 600 KM of travel, which is decent to say the least. Want more frugality? Then you’d best opt for the range-topping e:HEV RS petrol-hybrid instead, which costs more. Speaking of which…

SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?

It’s plain to see that, as far as crossover SUVs of this size go, the HR-V in 1.5 Turbo V as tested stands as a rather perfect all-rounder. Essentially, Honda has kept all the good traits of the past HR-V iteration in this new one, and improved it in as many ways possible too without compromising too much in terms of drive dynamics and styling.

At RM134,800 sans insurance and on-road costs, there is no denying that said figure is a steep one to meet indeed. However, given just how well-endowed this new ‘mid-plus’ HR-V is, there’s enough going for it to convince many into its favour, and you don’t need to take our word on this. This is one winning package that’s high in demand, so much so that there’s actually a rather lengthy waiting period for one…

As reported prior, Honda Malaysia is in the midst of meeting its deliveries. Though the firm says things are ‘almost back to normal’ now, the HR-V in particular is taking longer – up to 12 months, in some instances – due to the overwhelming demand it received since launch.

Though you’d probably have better luck with acquiring a similarly-priced or slightly cheaper rival, they lack this Honda’s charms and brilliance to say the least. Effectively, if you’re keen on this Honda, the real question is whether you’re willing to wait for it. Considering what it delivers, this might be a crossover SUV that’s worth the wait indeed…

SPECIFICATIONS