Honda HR-V Reviews

The Honda HR-V might be getting on - it first broke cover in Oz in early 2015 - but clever design and packaging combined with sharp pricing and specification have helped keep the Thai-sourced small SUV at the pointy end of the sales charts. With the next-generation model not too far away, and ever-newer rivals breathing down its neck, we take a long hard look at the top-line VTi-LX version.

The Honda HR-V 2021 model range is identical to the version that came before it. But there's a vital new inclusion in the cabin that brings the most practical small SUV on sale up to date - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Is that enough to keep it fresh, though? Matt Campbell investigates.

The Honda HR-V is one of the most practical cars in its size bracket. It offers immense practicality in a city-friendly size, but what about the rest of the car? We're spending six months with the HR-V RS model to find out what it's like to live with.

The Honda HR-V is the king of compact SUVs when it comes to practicality. But now there's a new, even smaller, arguably smarter, challenger - the VW T-Cross.We put these two up against each other to see which was the best small SUV across a mix of criteria.

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.

we've taken a broader approach to the segment, looking at three important models to see which performs across the board. Our contenders are the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-3.

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.