Honda HR-V: sensible in each sense of the phrase

So right here it’s then, the brand new Honda HR-V, a compact SUV, as is so modern nowadays, up in opposition to the likes of the Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Roc. It’s primarily based on the Honda Jazz, hybrid model, which is an efficient begin, and a petrol-electric hybrid system is the one possibility – no diesel, after all, but additionally, sadly, no pure electrical variant. The beautiful new child Honda e, which I reviewed a few weeks in the past, is an-electric marvel, and exhibits simply what Honda, nonetheless an impartial participant in an trade of agglomerated behemoths, can do. Missed alternative, definitely, that, as no hybrid, regardless of how sensible, can method an all-electric battery electrical car. Honda wants to select up some velocity with its transition to electrical energy.

Anyway… speaking about sensible, the HR-V is wise in each sense of the phrase. I just like the coupe-SUV styling with the muscly strains and the hid door handles on the rear passenger doorways, which make it appear like a three-door. There’s not a lot level to doing that, and the handles are a bit awkward to make use of, however it provides a little bit visible curiosity. The grille slats are body-coloured, which solely actually works on the purple model, which is a daring sufficient shade so that you can discover.

The inside can be sensible – pretty uncluttered, a pleasant 9-inch touchscreen, high-quality supplies all over the place and that good exact tactile sensation you normally get on a Honda. It oozes high quality. Despite the fact that Honda hasn’t ever fairly made it to “premium” standing most of its merchandise have been extra dependable and a few extra sturdy than its storied German rivals. There’s no sense of event, however nothing will fall off.

The actually sensible stuff goes on beneath the bonnet and certainly the ground, the place the Honda engineers have actually proven their prowess. The essential premise of a hybrid is fairly flawed and turning into obsolescent in a world of sensible electrical autos with ranges of 200 or 300 miles – and close by of the steep costs demanded for the HR-V, some £32,210 within the well-equipped model I sampled. However, provided that, Honda has maximised the potential of the hybrid set-up with some imaginative fixes, and the corporate, like Toyota, has been a hybrid pioneer for 1 / 4 of a century. The Honda has two electrical motors, for instance, which function in separate methods to complement the 1.5-litre petrol unit, which is generally reserved for higher-speed cruising.

At decrease speeds the battery pack and principal electrical motor drives the entrance wheels instantly, relatively than via a shared transmission with the petrol engine, a uniquely Honda system (they name it IMA – built-in motor help). As with different hybrid inner combustion engines it makes use of the bizarre “Atkinson cycle” to generate its energy, which may be very gasoline environment friendly however compromised on energy – and thus completely fantastic for larger velocity high-gear crushing. The lithium-ion batteries are packed densely and now profit type water-cooling as a result of, as you might have seen out of your laptop computer or smartphone, they will get jolly sizzling. It at the same time as a “hill descent” perform, aping a correct off-roader, although it solely has front-wheel drive.

The one disappointment with all that technical excellence is that the automated “transmission”, reminiscent of it’s, is a bit whiny and unresponsive in contrast with a conventional torque-converter computerized field mated to a traditional petrol unit. However so long as you drive the HR-V gently, within the spirit of our greener occasions, it’s quiet and refined.

I can’t say truthfully that it’s a Nice Leap Ahead from the Jazz that it shares a lot of its character with, and it’ll set you again round £10,000 additional simply so you’ll be able to sit larger up (there’s not a lot distinction in inside room and boot capability – each Jazz and HR-V being very versatile). You’d additionally must do fairly a excessive mileage on the HR-V’s optimum working velocity of about 40mph to 50mph to get the monetary good thing about all that superior mechanical, electrical and software program engineering. Few individuals remorse operating a Honda, however I’m unsure the HR-V can be a wise alternative for everybody.