2016 Honda HR-V First Drive Overview: Modest Gets Tall

The SUV-ification of the automobile marketplace continues apace, with buyers in even the smallest segment now deciding that they, as well, want the larger seating position and (in all-wheel-drive versions) the undesirable-climate capability afforded by a crossover-type automobile. Honda is displaying much more hustle than usual with the new 2016 HR-V, receiving into this game in the still-early innings. The Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman, and the Buick Encore have been the pioneers but in the past year the size of the field has far more than doubled, with new entrants such as the Chevy Trax, the Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500X, and the upcoming Mazda CX-3. The HR-V crossover, which slots in beneath the wildly well-known CR-V in size and cost, promises to be a powerful entrant in this burgeoning field.

Solid Feel

Whereas the CR-V is primarily based on the Civic, the HR-V shares its platform with the Fit subcompact. The HR-V, however, is a entire order of magnitude more solid- and substantial-feeling than that waif-like small box. The cabin is significantly wider, the windshield is not miles away, and the interior design and style and materials are much better. If you never looked behind you, you could effortlessly be convinced that this is a new CR-V.

Indeed, the HR-V is substantially bigger than the wee Match. Its wheelbase is longer by 3.2 inches, its front track wider by 2.1 inches, and the rear track is up by 2.6 inches. General, the HR-V casts a shadow 9.1 inches longer and 2.8 inches wider than the Fit, and it stands 3.2 inches taller.

These added inches, of course, bring with them a lot more w7 Compared to the Match, the HR-V is practically 400 pounds heavier by Honda’s measurements. Even so, its curb weight of roughly 3000 pounds is svelte for this class.

Not So Speedy

In other markets, the HR-V makes use of the Fit’s 130-hp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, but for the United States Honda wisely bypassed that engine in favor of the bigger, 1.8-liter unit from the Civic. Alas, the 1.8-liter’s output is not that much greater, mustering 141 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm—figures that are near the bottom of the baby-ute pile. It’s no surprise, then, that the HR-V is slow, with zero-to-60 occasions likely falling in the 9-to-10-second range. The CVT automatic, which is the only obtainable transmission with AWD, sends revs soaring and keeps them there although 1 waits for speed to create. (Or one can flap through the paddles, which causes the transmission to run by way of 6 preset ratios.)

Honda provides a 6-speed manual in front-wheel-drive LX and EX models, and it offers the sensation of livelier acceleration. We like that the stick is easy to shift, but the clutch travel appears long and the throws a bit ropey. Sadly, the manual is at a genuine disadvantage in fuel economy. According to the EPA, the automatic returns 28/35 mpg with front-wheel drive, beating the manual by 3 mpg in the city and 1 mpg on the highway the CVT-only AWD model nets ratings of 27/32 mpg. All of these figures are at or near the top of the class.

On our straight, flat, and visitors-choked drive route in South Florida, the HR-V didn’t show considerably verve for cornering—although it didn’t have a lot chance to do so beyond an aggressively taken on-ramp or 2. The HR-V’s electric energy-steering method, even though, does provide reasonable effort, and the suspension capably soaks up road irregularities.

Inner Space

The HR-V’s genuine talents lie elsewhere—chiefly in its men and women- and cargo-carrying capacity. Packaging has extended been a Honda forte, and it’s definitely on show here. The HR-V follows the Fit’s lead in cleverly putting the fuel tank beneath the front seats, which enables the rear seat cushion to flip up, creating a sensible space for ferrying taller objects. Alternately, the split rear seatbacks can flop forward, as can the front passenger seatback. Even when it’s not displaying off its gymnastic flexibility, the HR-V boasts the largest cargo hold amongst its peers, whether or not that’s behind the rear seats or with that row folded. And the really low cargo floor facilitates effortless loading, a boon for these who frequently haul heavy items.

View Photos View Images

2016 Honda HR-V First Drive Overview: Modest Gets Tall