Classified 60

honda hr-v

Honda has introduced the 3rd generation of the HR-V and this particular derivative certainly stands out, writes Bob Hickman.

The square design front is seriously making a statement, I am not convinced that the grille in the colour coded paintwork works, contrasting colours or chrome effect front grille I believe look better. If you get the opportunity have a look at the rear when the lights are on, it is a kaleidoscope of colour and really does look outstanding.

This latest generation has received an extensive overhaul and is now available purely as a hybrid utilising Honda’s brilliant 1.5-litre petrol engine, allied to batteries and electric power. No leads or plugs necessary, the engine recharges the battery.

The cabin is really spacious, and the HR-V comes, with Honda’s wonderful magic rear seats, so when you are not utilising the rear seats you have almost van-like carrying capacity, check them out.

A combined petrol engine with the electric motors is the source of power, the transition between petrol and electric is seamless, the only way you know is a little EV light on the dashboard, but the economics of the HR-V are outstanding. The petrol engine produces 107bhp, add in to that the electric motors and you have quite a powerful vehicle. The 0-60 is claimed to be about 10.6 seconds and the top speed is 105mph, which in this day and age is possibly low but then again with our speed restrictions who needs more. The claimed combined fuel figure of 52.3 mpg should be achievable, I have to be honest during my sojourn with the HR-V I averaged 67mpg, perhaps I am light footed because I tended to be able to utilise EV power an awful lot of the time. CO2 g/km is quoted at 122g/km.