Honda is debuting a new vehicle this year: The 2016 HR-V.
What type of alphabet soup is it, you ask? It’s a five-door, compact, entry-level crossover with all-wheel drive. And it’s the little brother to Honda’s ever-popular CR-V. The vehicle blends the styling of a coupe — thanks to concealed, integrated door handles — the toughness, space and utility of an SUV and improved gas mileage.
Of course, the vice president of American Honda thinks it’s much more: “The new HR-V crossover is a true segment-busting vehicle, unlike anything else on the market today,” said Jeff Conrad, who’s also general manager of the Honda Division. “It’s got all the essential elements of our Honda DNA, our packaging innovation, fuel-efficient powertrain technology, leading safety technology and, above all, Honda quality, to make this an incredibly compelling, sporty and value-packed new member of the Honda family.”
The HR-V seats five adults, with a surprising amount of cargo space easily accessible via the fifth door hatchback. A second-row “magic seat” provides multiple seating/cargo modes that will serve multiple masters. And the rig manages to provide 32 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway.
The only negatives I could muster (sorry, Mr. Conrad) were cabin noise, somewhat claustrophobic front seats, and pokey acceleration. On the flip side, the HR-V parks easily, rides and handles like a car, yet provides a slightly higher view of the road.
Power comes from a 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valve-train, producing a peak 138 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is mated to a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda “Gdesign” shift logic.
HR-V is pleasing to the eye from either outside or inside. A curved sheet metal wrinkle that descends from the rear-door handle to front fender catches your eye, along with 17-inch alloy wheels and a tailgate spoiler. Inside, leather-trimmed seats, brushed chrome and piano-black highlights, and an instrument cluster with floating illumination rings and a speedometer that changes color from white to green – depending upon your driving habits – garner attention.
My upscale EX-L trim level (top-of-the-line) adds a navigation system, Sirius XM radio, auto day/night rearview mirror and roof rails to the previously mentioned leather-trimmed seats. Other goodies included are Honda’s 7-inch touchscreen display audio telematics interface, Honda LaneWatch, Smart Entry/Push-Button Start, paddle shifters, heated front seats, power sunroof and Honda Digital Traffic.
Standard features on the LX, EX and EX-L are power windows, mirrors, door and tailgate locks, electronic parking brake, rearview camera, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth phone interface and Pandora radio.
In keeping with Honda’s commitment to safety, the HR-V is expected to deliver top-in-class collision safety performance and incorporates next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, designed to more efficiently absorb and disperse the energy from a frontal collision. Standard safety and driver-assist features include four-channel, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and hill-start assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control, multi-angle rearview camera, and dual-stage front airbags.
2016 HONDA HR-V
Base price: $25,840
As tested: $26,720
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
