2019 Honda HR-V Reviews

The small SUV appeals to those who want something in the way of height for their car, but they don't want a huge truck to drive around. They want more space than their hatchback perhaps, but not so much space they can't fit into parking spots in the city.

As part of possibly the mildest incremental facelift for a car in recent memory, Honda has added an RS variant to the HR-V range. But is it enough to give the HR-V the edge in a cut-throat segment?

While having a family is off my radar, the Honda HR-V gave me a taste of domestic life.

The entry-level model in the Honda HR-V 2019 model range is the VTi, which lists from just $24,990 plus on-road costs.The entry-level VTi model is attractively priced, and scores some points on specifications, too.Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen with in-built satellite navigation system, plus Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and USB connectivity. Sadly, no model comes with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.The media screen doubles as a display for the reversing camera. There’s cruise control, single-zone climate control air conditioning, and the VTi has projector halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights. You don’t even get HID lights on the base spec, which is disappointing.The safety features list has been improved for this facelifted model, with the addition of a low-speed auto emergency braking (AEB) system, known as 'City-Brake Active'. It will warn the driver and apply brake force at speeds from five-32km/h.Powering all HR-V models is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW of power and 172Nm of torque. The engine is teamed to a CVT auto, and all HR-V models are front-wheel drive only.

The second level up the ladder in the Honda HR-V 2019 model range is the VTi-S, which starts at $27,990 plus on-road costs.This spec sees the addition of keyless entry (smart key) and push-button start, auto on/off LED headlights, LED ‘optical style’ tail-lights, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Honda’s 'LaneWatch' side camera system. This version gets roof rails, too, which the base grade misses out on.The interior of the VTi-S model moves up to chrome and piano black finishes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-bound gear-knob, and the passenger’s side vanity mirror is illuminated. Plus you get an extra pair of 12-volt plugs (one in the back seat, one in the rear), and a second map pocket in the back (the VTi has only one).As with the VTi, this version has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with in-built satellite navigation system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and USB connectivity. Sadly, no model comes with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The screen doubles as a display for the standard-fit reversing camera.The safety features list has been improved for this facelifted model, with the addition of a low-speed auto emergency braking (AEB) system, known as 'City-Brake Active'. It will warn the driver and apply brake force at speeds from five-32km/h.Powering all HR-V models is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW of power and 172Nm of torque. The engine is teamed to a CVT auto, and all HR-V models are front-wheel drive only.

The flagship model in the Honda HR-V 2019 range is the VTi-LX, which is priced at $34,490 plus on-road costs.This version builds upon the equipment of the models below it, adding electric driver’s seat adjustment, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric folding side mirrors, chrome exterior door handles, auto up/down windows for all doors, LED interior lights, dual-zone climate control, and front parking sensors.That’s on top of leather appointed seats, heated front seats, adds rear tinted windows, auto wipers, alloy sports pedals, and a “smooth sports leather-wrapped steering wheel” with paddleshifters. It also has keyless entry and push-button start, auto on/off LED headlights, LED ‘optical style’ tail-lights, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Honda’s 'LaneWatch' side camera system. This version gets roof rails, too, which the base grade misses out on.As before, VTi-LX models have the more comprehensive safety suite, including high-speed auto emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (not active lane assist) and auto high-beam lights (but still no blind spot monitor or rear cross-traffic alert).However, the VTi-LX drops back to a 17-inch wheel instead of rolling on 18s like the RS, and it doesn’t get the sports leather steering wheel.Powering all HR-V models is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW of power and 172Nm of torque. The engine is teamed to a CVT auto, and all HR-V models are front-wheel drive only.

If you are looking at a Honda HR-V, there's a good chance you aren't looking at a Mazda CX-3. You're a different type of small SUV shopper, one that values practicality more than exterior styling.