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Honda HR-V VTi-L with ADAS 2016 review: Top 5 reasons to buy video


The Honda HR-V may not be the most popular small SUV around, but measured against what people want in an SUV of this size, it's arguably the best.

The top of the HR-V range is the acronym-heavy VTi-L with ADAS, and here are the top 5 reasons to buy it.

#1 Compact dimensions

The HR-V is pretty much the same size as a Civic hatch, but a bit taller, so you get the height benefits of an SUV, but it's just as easy to manoeuvre and park as a small hatch.  

#2 Cabin space

The HR-V uses its extra height to boost cabin space more than ground clearance, and there's heaps of room in the front and the back.

#3 Cabin versatility

The HR-V's extra space is further augmented with Honda's 18-way adjustable Magic Seat system, so you can store tall objects like potplants in the middle or anything up to whitegoods (437-1032 litres) with the seats folded.

There's also a clever setup in the front centre console, which can adjust to accommodate both cups and bottles, or even a small handbag.

The VTi-L is also the only HR-V to come with leather, which is a godsend if you or your passengers are prone to spilling things.

#4 Design

With all this space and versatility, you'd expect the HR-V to be shaped like a box, but clever use of lines has given it a coupe-like roofline and a curvaceous rear end. 

#5 Standard safety

Aside from a standard reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors, AEB and blind-spot monitoring, adding the ADAS pack to the VTi-L brings forward collision alert, lane departure alert and auto high beams.

Drawbacks

Nothing's perfect though, and the HR-V's seats are a bit flat to sit on, and dash hides many controls behind touch screens, which seems quite cool, but they're impossible to use without looking.

Also, all HR-Vs are satnav capable, but the system relies on a tethered phone with the $49.99 HondaLink app installed, which uses your mobile data and is just a bit more clunky than a built-in system.

You'll find anything HR-V-related at our Honda HR-V hub.

Related: Check out our buying guide for small SUVs here.

Plus: Find all SUVs under $30k here.

How do you think the Honda HR-V stacks up against its small SUV rivals? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.

Click here to see more 2016 Honda HR-V pricing and spec info.