Honda HR-V Problems

The Qashqai is the right pick because of its bigger cabin, even if the Honda has lots of flexibility in its magic seats, but I would not commit without driving the Mazda CX-5, which is the class leader.

The i30 gets The Tick from me, is definitely not a throwaway, and is a better choice than the smaller and less refined HR-V, despite the flexibility of the Honda's cabin.

There's nothing to worry about with start-stop technology. It's been around for years and everybody has it. As for your choices, I'd put the CX-3 well ahead of the ASX and just in front of the HR-V but I wouldn't buy either. For me, a mid-level Mazda3 is bigger than the CX-3, has more power, more room and is better to drive.

The CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class, as is the CX-3 tiddler. But if you want something sized between them then I also give The Tick to the Honda HR-V.

It's not going to be cheap because electronic handbrakes and foot brakes are rare in the compact class. The Honda HR-V has an electric brake and starts at $26,990 on the road, or you can get the bigger Camry with a foot brake for $28,990 drive away.

I hope you have a better result than the Snows, who were told to put their key into a plastic protective credit card case.

Thanks for alerting us to something that is going to become a very big issue as more cars use radar and laser systems to improve safety.

It's not solely about the luggage cover but also the $10,000 premium over the Jazz that is the basis for the HR-V. Even Mercedes-Benz can only justify a $6000 jump from the A-Class to the GLA, and that's on a $45,000 car.

I have just driven the CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur and rate the Mazda as clearly best of the bunch, as well as better than the XV. It gets The Tick but be careful that you don’t spend too much — there are 14 models in the line-up.

Our earlier comparisons are out of date with the arrival of new XV opponents including the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur. The XV is now trailing those three, at least.