Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has always been known to install notable features even at the baseline trims of its offerings.
Take the case of the Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT that we have reviewed earlier: the sport utility vehicle’s (SUV) entry-level option has enough goodies that are found even in the mid to top-tier variants.
But is it the same with the all-new Honda HR-V S CVT? Here are some of the details we have found out.
While it does not have the attributes to displace the more famous CR-V nameplate in terms of size, the Honda HR-V has grown over the years.
However, when compared to the RS Turbo CVT, the all-new Honda HR-V S CVT is 55 millimeters (mm) shorter (4,330mm) but has higher ground clearance (196mm) than the top-of-the-line variation (181mm). The differences resulted in the all-new Honda HR-V S CVT being 117 kilograms lighter than the nameplate’s top variant.
In the aesthetics department, the differences among all the trims of Honda HR-V are very slim. The higher trims have their headlight extensions in aluminum (RS Turbo) or platinum (V CVT Turbo) while the S CVT is in black.
However, all the variants of the all-new Honda HR-V share numerous commonalities, their illumination systems (headlights, daytime running lights, fog lamps, high mount stop lamps, as well as tail lamps) are all on LED and the door handles are wearing the same hue as the body.
For its wheels, the all-new Honda HR-V S CVT sits on 17-inch black and silver alloy wheel wheels, which does not look, in any way, cheap.
The all-new Honda HR-V S CVT’s cabin is rich in black color because of its urethane and fabric components, which makes the crossover easy to clean.
Round elements make up a lot of the crossover’s interior: its gauge cluster is fitted with analog speedometer and tachometer, and rotary knobs to control the air-conditioning system and the center of the steering wheel.
Further, cool air is assured even up for the rear passengers, thanks to the rear vents that are found at the back of the center console.
Driving it around Metro Manila, road noise inside was almost nil and the SUV managed to keep its composure over ruts and bumps.
Under the hood of the all-new Honda HR-V S CVT is a 1.5-liter double overhead cam i-VTEC four-cylinder that can deliver a peak performance of 119 horsepower and 145Nm of pulling power. It is matched to a continuously variable transmission that sends power to its front wheels.
Although it does not dish out instantaneous oomph compared to a turbocharged offering, the vehicle assures an enjoyable cruise. Driving it for a week on a mix of highway and city roads, the all-new Honda HR-V S CVT did 13.3 kilometer-per-liter reading.
Drivers can get the most out of its 40-liter tank capacity with the help of the Eco Assist system that consists of the Econ mode button and coaching light.
The design of the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment seems to be less modern compared to competitors in the segment. However, that can easily be overlooked since the unit is already Apple Carplay and Android Auto-compatible. It also has Bluetooth, hands-free telephone, audio-streaming, and a pair of USB Type A sockets at the front.
Apart from the usual glove compartment and center console, the five-seater SUV comes with four bottle holders, four cup holders, bottle holders, two slots in front of the shift knob, and two shelves just below air-conditioning knobs.
But what makes it special is that even at entry-level, Honda equipped the all-new HR-V S CVT with the Honda Sensing suite of technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high beam, and lead car departure notification.
Although a base trim variant, the Honda HR-V S CVT is still a bang-for-the-buck offering. Getting the Honda Sensing technology is enough reason for you to get one, much more with good aesthetics and relatively-efficient power mill.
The P1.25-million price tag might be a little stiff when compared to its Chinese-built counterparts, but having available parts is one price that we have to pay.
We are just hoping that the issue on the arrival of the units would be resolved the soonest.
Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV
Also read:
Cabin comparo: Honda HR-V vs. MG HS
2022 Honda HR-V receives 4-star rating in latest EuroNCAP test
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