The HR-V is an achiever in its class when it comes to technological features. Although, cargo loading/unloading could have been easier if it has a flat lip. As for space, well, since nothing was changed in the car’s overall dimension, the rear remains to be perfect for those standing 5’7” and below, while the cargo space is still as flexible as the Jazz. Cabin noise has been greatly improved, as well. You can credit that to the soft leather seats and the improved ride comfort brought about by Honda’s magic on its McPherson (front) and axle type (rear) suspension. The new HR-V’s cabin remains to be more than livable staying inside the car for long hours isn’t a dreadful experience. The absence of blue ambient lighting in the cabin looks better in the black-on-black cabin theme, but the lack of rear A/C vents and cupholders at the foldable center armrest are a bit of a downer. For instance, the new leather used is an improvement from before, but the copious amount of piano black plastics is a sure way to attract fingerprints and scratches. Fact is, most of it was a carryover from the outgoing model, having only a few updates that both work for and against the car. So the HR-V isn’t as fun and frolicsome its 2019 updates will find favour with an older demographic that appreciates a four-season runabout that focuses on the fundamentals - safe, reliable, easy to drive and reasonably priced for the content provided.It’s a bit of a mixed bag for the 2019 HR-V’s interior. The large analogue speedometer - with a light ring around it that glows green when you’re being fuel efficient - and digital tachometer have also been redesigned, and on EX models and above, so has the 4.2-inch TFT Driver Information Interface display, which now offers additional selectable information including available turn-by-turn navigation directions.įor the first three months of this year, the HR-V is holding a solid second place in Canadian subcompact crossover sales, ahead of the Crosstrek but behind the Kona, the new, bright, shiny thing in the segment - and the one with the marketing push and the looks that will attract those adventure-seeking millennials as seen in the commercials. The navigation system, exclusive to the Touring, has also been improved with sharper graphics and 3D landmarks. The new Display Audio system features a simplified interface that finally includes a volume knob, and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Setting aside my beef about legroom, Honda has made some effort to make the displays and controls more up-to-date and user friendly. But speaking of the back Magic Seats (as Honda dubs them), they’re split 60/40 and when folded offer up 1,665 litres (58.8 cubic feet) of cargo volume, space rivaling some competitors’ larger SUV offerings. Yet, it’s overly generous in the legroom department for those in the back seats, kind of bass-ackward to my way of thinking. As for fuel economy, I averaged 9.9 L/100 kilometres during my week with the Touring - reasonable enough, when considering almost all of my driving was done in the city. To be fair, the subcompact crossover category isn’t known for breeding sportsters, and the Honda’s lack of urge isn’t nearly as noticeable in city driving where its compacted dimensions make it ideal for moving through traffic as well as slipping into tight parking spots. It’s slower in passing power (80 to 120 km/h) as well. Acceleration is leisurely, the HR-V taking about 10.5 seconds to get to from zero to 100 km/h - almost a second slower than the Mazda. On the whole, though, it still doesn’t provide the same driving experience as, say, either the Hyundai Kona or Mazda CX-3. So, it’s a fair assessment to say the HR-V has become a more complete vehicle in its middle years, the better to compete with the newer competition. Article content Recommended from Editorial This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Simply, anytime a right turn is signaled before changing lanes, a small camera on the passenger-side mirror turns on and displays live video on the centre touchscreen. Still, the best safety feature Honda offers, is its LaneWatch system. This includesmcollision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Other measures to reduce interior noise include additional sound deadening in the fenders and floor, plus the inclusion of Active Noise Cancelling on Sport and above grades.įurthermore, on HR-V EXs and above trims, the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive tech is standard. Of a more pragmatic nature, all HR-Vs benefits from upgrades the CVT resulting in, at least according to Honda, “a more natural driving feel and quieter operation.” I really couldn’t discern much difference the engine is still growly when accelerating.
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