Honda goes big time with subcompact HR-V crossover
Sometimes, an odd thought crosses one’s mind.
For example, there were times in the past when I’ve read a review in which the reviewer, obviously suffering from dyspepsia (a word I always wanted to use somehow, someplace), skewers a show, some artwork, or a new product.
I always wondered if said critic had been affected by another event in his or her life. You know, a fight with the boss, domestic troubles, someone spilling a drink on them that day.
Unfortunately, I found out.
This week’s test car arrived on a Tuesday.
Tuesday night, another “guest,’’ this one unwelcome, announced its arrival: a kidney stone.
When you can’t get comfortable standing up, lying down, or trying every position in between, nothing feels good, unless you’re riding as the guest of honor in a hearse.
It’s not a good time to try the seats in a test car, or the engine, or the controls.
So, Mr. G, outside of this little setback, how’d you like the car—in this case, Honda’s new 2016 HR-V “entry-level’’ crossover?
Well, our first drive did get me to the ER at Massachusetts General Hospital, but I don’t remember many of the specifics of that initial trip other than that the slightly elevated driving position was good, we made good time, and it was easy to fit into the MGH garage parking spaces.
TOUCHY SUBJECT: Instead of knobs and buttons, touch screens control audio, climate, phone, and navigation functions.
The HR-V is part of the latest growth segment of the auto industry, the subcompact SUV (crossover) market. There it’s competing with the likes of the Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax, Buick Encore, Subaru Crosstrek, Fiat 500x, Mini Countryman, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Our test vehicle, as is the norm with all-new test models, was top of the line (to familiarize reviewers with the full range of options). Technically, that’s the HR-V AWD EX-L with Navigation version at $26,720, including destination. In contrast, the AWD version of the base LX has a sticker of $22,045.
The HR-V comes in three trim levels: LX, EX, and EX-L Navi. The LX and EX can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission but only in 2-wheel-drive. Otherwise you get the CVT (continuously variable transmission) in either 2WD or AWD configurations. The CVT can be operated in normal drive (D) mode or switched to Sport (S).
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A large ECON button alters the drive-by-wire settings, causing the driver to have to push much farther on the accelerator to get the same results as in normal driving. Cruise control and air conditioning also work within larger speed or temperature parameters in this setting.
For the last five years or so, the industry has been trending towards filling small cars with lots of premium features. Our HR-V was a prime example.
About the only thing we found that wasn’t available that savvy shoppers might want is an adaptive cruise control with auto braking capability. And, oh yes, there was no temperature gauge, at least that we could find. There is, however, Honda’s lane watch system that shows the right side blind spot on the main screen when you signal for a right turn, and the rearview camera has good guidelines when the vehicle is in reverse.
Power in all versions comes from a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with programmed fuel injection and drive-by-wire (all electric) throttle control. Our HR-V had EPA rating numbers of 27 city, 32 highway and 29 combined. We averaged 30.4 mpg.
The AWD system plays off the HR-V’s normal 2WD system, sending power to the rear as needed and decoupling itself during highway cruising.
While the HR-V looks like it might be a scaled-back version of the hugely successful compact CR-V crossover, it’s actually built on an expanded Honda Fit global platform.
Up front, there’s an aerodynamic nose with narrow multi-reflector halogen headlights, black grille, and center mounted Honda “H’’ badge. On the sides, a character line runs from the front wheel arch upwards to the C pillar behind the rear side windows and following it can be one way of finding the flush, hidden rear door latches.
Inside, taller drivers will find legroom adequate, and there is plenty of room in back for two adults. Three smaller folk can go back there in a pinch, but this really is a four-passenger vehicle with some good cargo space in back.
The rear seats flip down as a Fit-like “magic seat,’’ making room to carry tall items. Both rear seats and the front passenger seat also fold for cargo-carrying duty.
Leather appointments—seats, wheel, shifter—inside on the EX-L are good Honda quality and set off the brushed chrome and piano black trim.
A 7-inch touch screen controls audio, climate, phone, and navigation functions. It worked fine IF you hit the right spot. Miss by a tad, and you could be frustrated. While the HR-V has plenty of bells and whistles, there aren’t many knobs or buttons, making the touch screen a true centerpiece.
My patience, that week, was weak in finding the right touch so I learned to do the controlling by the steering wheel controls, which were intuitive, worked fine, and were illuminated.
Fortunately, the kidney stone eventually passed, making me see the HR-V for what it is: a solid choice in this burgeoning market segment and memorable for letting me use dyspepsia in an auto review.
2016 Honda HR-V AWD EX-L Navi
THE BASICS
Price, base/as tested (with destination): $22,095/$26,720. Fuel economy, EPA estimated: 27 city/32 highway/29 combined. Fuel economy, Globe observed: 30.4. Drivetrain: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, CVT, all-wheel-drive. Body: 5-passenger unibody crossover.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 141. Torque: 127 lb.-ft. Overall length: 169.1 in. Wheelbase: 102.8 in. Height: 63.2 in. Width: 69.8 in. Curb weight: 3,109 lbs.
THE GOOD
Interior, visibility, seating room.
THE BAD
Overall engine power, some will find touch screen confounding.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A prime contender in the expanding subcompact crossover segment.
ALSO CONSIDER
Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX3, Mini Countryman, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan Juke, Subaru Crosstrek.
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