Honda HR-V 2015 News

Flares have never gone out of fashion in Japan and the annual Tokyo Auto Salon shows why.

Half-time is typically a time for reflection.With six months of 2015 gone — and the official sales results arriving last week — it's time to look at what was hot and what was not in showrooms this year.At a glance, small cars are out and tiny SUVs are in. Diesels and hybrids are out, and turbocharged petrol cars are in. Luxury brands are in demand, local cars are not.Honda and Isuzu sales are surging, Ford and Holden have hit new lows.Sales of baby SUVs are up by 23 per cent in the first half of the year, thanks to the arrival of new offerings from Mazda and Honda. The surprise last month was that Honda's HR-V outsold Mazda's CX-3, despite a get-in price that is $5000 more than the baby Mazda. Buyers are no doubt attracted by the roominess of the Honda's cabin, which shares the clever design of its donor vehicle, the Jazz. Mitsubishi has also benefited from the increased showroom interest in this type of vehicle, with sales of its ASX surging by more than 45 per cent.They share their underpinnings with the new breed of SUVs, but they haven't been hurt by their arrival. Honda again leads the charge, with sales of its City sedan and Jazz hatch surging. Sales of the all-new Mazda2 are also strong and it remains best-selling car in the class. Other models that have captured the imagination of buyers are the evergreen Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris, as well as the Volkswagen Polo, which is up by more than 50 per cent thanks to sharp pricing.Low interest rates mean that a luxury badge is now within reach of more car buyers. As a result Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus are all enjoying double-digit growth. Understandably, most of the action is at the lower end of the market, with models high on the shopping list including BMW's Mini (up 59 per cent) and Audi's A3 (up 23 per cent). BMW's new 2 Series coupe and Lexus's NX small SUV have also launched with a bang, but the biggest success story is CarsGuide's 2014 Car of the Year, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which has doubled its sales in the first half of the year.Somebody is cashing in on Australia's property boom, with sales of sports cars costing more than $200,000 rising more than 20 per cent, albeit off a low base. Ferrari and Lamborghini dealerships are busy this year, with Ferrari logging 95 local sales compared with 52 in the same period last year and Lamborghini jumping from just seven sales to 60. The segment's most popular car, the Porsche 911, also enjoyed solid growth. At the other end of the spectrum, sales of affordable sports cars slumped as the initial shine predictably wore off the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ and Hyundai Veloster. That will change, though, when Mazda's all-new MX-5 arrives in the second half of the year.They're big news in Japan and Europe, but micro cars haven't captured the Australian car buying public's imagination. Despite the arrival of an all-new model in the Suzuki Celerio and a midlife update for the Nissan Micra, sales are down by almost a third.They're still the nation's car of choice, but the arrival of baby SUVs has put a dent in the popularity of the small-car brigade led by the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. This time last year, the Mazda3 was the top-selling vehicle in Australia, but sales this year are down by almost 10 per cent, cannibalised by the newer and funkier CX-3. Toyota, which has no mini-SUV in its range, fared better with the Corolla, which almost held its own in a market segment that shrank by 10,000 cars.When locally made cars began to slide in popularity, most pundits said it was because they were too big and thirsty, but the figures show otherwise. Large cars are down by 14 per cent this year, but medium and large SUVs have enjoyed solid growth. Toyota's Camry, which has a hybrid version, has fared better than the rest of the locals, but the Holden Cruze small car has experienced a bigger sales slide than Ford's Falcon and Territory. Overall, the prognosis remains bleak. Australians bought almost as many German-made cars as locally-made ones in the first six months.The Europeans are mad for it — and most 4WD utes use it too — but Australians, it seems, don't like getting their hands dirty. After an initial spike in interest in diesel passenger cars and SUVs among private buyers and fleets between 2005 and 2010, the interest continues to wane. Sales of diesel passenger cars grew sixfold from 2005 to 2010, while diesel SUV sales more than doubled. But in the first six months of this year — and on the back of a decline last year — sales of diesel cars fell by more than a quarter. Diesel SUV sales were stagnant despite big growth in overall SUV sales.Honda - up 33.4 per centIsuzu - up 30.3 per centSkoda - up 30.2 per centRenault - up 30.1 per centLexus - up 24.9 per centFord - down 17.6 per centVolvo - down 16.6 per centFiat - down 16.4 per centHolden - down 8.9 per centNissan - down 0.6 per centToyota - 101,714 - up 0.6 per centMazda - 56,591 - up 9 per centHolden - 51,737 - down 8.9 per centHyundai - 50,099 - up 1 per centMitsubishi - 35,866 - up 9.8 per centFord - 34,810 - down 17.6 per centNissan - 32,950 - down 0.6 per centVolkswagen - 32,020 - up 12.1 per centSubaru - 21,659 - up 8.1 per centHonda 20,602 - up 33.4 per centToyota Corolla - 21,750Mazda3 - 20,427Toyota HiLux - 18,781Hyundai i30 - 15,801Ford Ranger - 14,144Holden Commodore - 13,769Mitsubishi Triton - 13,709Mazda CX-5 - 12,489Volkswagen Golf - 11,829Toyota Camry - 10,426

The latest sales figures show we are now buying almost as many SUVs as we are buying regular cars.In the first three months of this year, SUVs of all shapes and sizes represented a staggering 42 per cent of all passenger cars sold (95,000 of 224,000), according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.Sales of SUVs have almost doubled in the past 10 years, from 173,000 in 2004 to 352,000 last year.The industry believes the SUV boom will continue until at least 2020, where they may even overtake passenger cars.It costs little more to get into an SUV these days than it does to buy a hatchbackThe new generation of city-sized SUVs, or "faux-wheel-drives", are essentially a high-riding hatchback — and most lack a proper all-wheel-drive system or sufficient ground clearance to climb a street gutter."Buyers love the tall driving position, and the flexibility of a wagon without looking like they're driving a wagon," says Richard Johns of Australian Automotive Intelligence.Mr Johns said price was also a factor in the popularity of SUVs."It costs little more to get into an SUV these days than it does to buy a hatchback," he said."The most popular SUV models also cost less than the typical $35,000 starting for the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon."Love them or hate them, sales of SUVs are driving the record growth in the new-car market.Last month, an Australian record for car sales in March, SUV deliveries were up by 15 per cent in a market that was up by 8 per cent.Honda sold more HR-Vs than Civic hatchbacks, Hyundai sold more ix35s than it did of its Accent small car, the Mitsubishi ASX outsold the Lancer, Toyota sold more RAV4s than it did Toyota Yaris hatchbacks and Nissan sold twice as many X-Trails as it did Pulsar sedans and hatches.And the pint-sized Mazda CX-3 outsold the Ford Falcon in March, even though the just-released Mazda had only been on sale for the last eight days of the month.The SUV specialist brands are cashing in. Jeep sales were up 15 per cent and Land Rover up 19 per cent last month.The SUV phenomenon has also hit the top end of town.SUVs now account for more than half of the sales for Toyota's luxury division Lexus, and its oddly-styled NX SUV was the brand's biggest selling model in March.The Porsche Cayenne and Macan SUVs each outsell the 911 sports car by more than four to one.BMW this week released a $200,000 high performance version of its 2.2 tonne BMW X5 that can outrun a Porsche 911.Even Rolls-Royce has joined the fray, planning to release an SUV within the next three years, although it refuses to use the term "SUV", preferring instead to call it a "high riding vehicle".Clearly some people still look down on SUVs.

Just as a pay rise can push you up in the tax brackets, so the arrival of a new model often means an unseen slide into a new size.But the greed, in this case, is all on the buyer’s side.Lots of people tell me how much cars have grownWe have become very spoiled over the past 15 years, as prices have barely moved while value has risen, so that even $13,000 cheapies now come with electric windows, aircon, power steering and audio, which once only joined the standard equipment list beyond $30,000.But how about the size?Lots of people tell me how much cars have grown, as they shop for something like a Corolla and find the 2015 model is more like an older Camry in the cabin. I got extra proof this week when I parked a new Honda HR-V a couple of times.First up, it was alongside an original CR-V. Then behind an early-model Toyota RAV4.Both times the HR-V looked to be the same size, give or take a couple of centimetres, yet it’s the baby brother of the CR-V and marks the return of a model that was a tiddler when it first sold in Australia. It’s about 30 centimetres shorter than the first CR-V.Then I parked the HR-V alongside a current-generation CR-V. It is smaller, a little more youthful, and more obviously aimed at young singles than the families who are buying a new CR-V.But anyone who thinks the new generation of baby SUVs are tiny tots is wrong.

That was 1999. The new version is a conventional compact SUV with coupe styling straight off the automotive catwalk, reproduced using quality material.The original HR-V was one of the first compact SUVs around and at once set the standard for what has since become the fastest growing segment of the automobile market.Designers have come up with a sleek coupe-style cabin over a bold body with wide stanceHonda says its aim is to make sure the new kid on the block can hold its own with the company’s other global core models, Civic, Accord and CR-V. Hence the HR-V’s Honda-esque focus on state-of-the-art technology, contemporary styling and dynamic performance.Designers have come up with a sleek coupe-style cabin over a bold body with wide stance, leading to a street presence hard to ignore. Although a four-door, the coupe character is emphasised by the hidden handle of the rear doors, giving the car a classic two-door coupe profile.Inside, the cabin is expansive with clearly defined focus points for the driver work with. A comfortable, almost cosy, ambience greets the driver and front passenger due to the elevated centre console made possible by an electric parking brake.A customised driver feedback system lights up the speedometer ring with different colours, depending on how economical the driving. There are seven colours from which to choose, with an additional setting for random colours.The front passenger faces a wide climate control vent divided into three zones: the airflow for the outboard zone, which attracts heat from outside the vehicle, is set high; the middle is set to low, while the inner vent is set to medium.Rear leg room is impressive, even with the front seats in their most rearward position. Honda’s innovative Magic Seat system enables up to 18 different configurations to provide many cargo-carrying options.The HR-V follows Honda nomenclature style and comes in four variants – VTi, VTi-S, VTi-L, VTi-L with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) – with a highly competitive entry-level price of $24,990, plus on-road costs.The VTi-S adds $3000 to the VTi price, the VTi-L weighs in at $32,990, while the VTi-L with ADAS tops out the range at $33,990. Metallic paint is a cost option.Over time CVTs have improved out of sight and it is hard to find anything wrong with the HR-V systemThe front-wheel drive HR-V is powered by a 1.8-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder single overhead cam engine mated with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology continuously variable automatic transmission.The engine puts out 105 kilowatts of power at 6500 rpm and 172 Newton metres of torque at 4300 revs, while using, the maker claims, between 6.6 and 6.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, depending on the model, on the combined urban / highway cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions of between 155 and 160 grams per kilometre are stated.The CVT, shared by the Odyssey, City and Jazz, is designed to enhance driving performance and fuel economy. Over time CVTs have improved out of sight and it is hard to find anything wrong with the HR-V system, a smooth and unfussy operator in some of the most ragged driving served up on the launch drive.Although a relatively high-sided vehicle, a low centre of gravity gives the HR-V sedan-like stability on the roadThe VTi-L model has the benefit of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts offering a manual shifting feel. D mode is fully automatic. For more involvement, the driver can engage S mode, which includes seven ratios. The system only shifts automatically to prevent over-revving or lugging the engine.Although a relatively high-sided vehicle, a low centre of gravity gives the HR-V sedan-like stability on the road, while speed sensitive power steering provides plenty of feedback to the driver. The VTi variant rides on 16-inch tyres, the higher-spec trio on 17-inch rubber. A space-saver spare is supplied.In response to the present-day demand for digital connectivity, Honda has ensured the new HR-V features state-of-the-art technology in the form of Display Audio, which includes seven-inch touch screen, Bluetooth for Apple and Android systems, including audio streaming, Siri Eyes Free Integration, compatible with iPhone, HDMI audio and video playback.As well as the normal suite of passive and active safety systems, the top-of-the-range VTi-L ADAS incorporates a new range of safety technology - Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System - designed to complement the driver’s input.Forward Collision Warning, above 15 kilometres per hour, warns of a slowing vehicle ahead with a visible and audible signal in the multifunction display.Lane Departure Warning determines if the vehicle is unintentionally leaving the lane in which it is travelling, giving visible and audible warnings.High-Beam Support uses a camera to monitor the space ahead of the vehicle and automatically changes the low beam headlights to high beam headlights when appropriate.The press launch vehicles were a boring bunch of dark blue, black, white and silver. Where was the edgy orange, green, red, even yellow, found in rivals’ vehicles aimed at the younger market?According to Stephen Collins, director of Honda Australia, the HR-V is designed to appeal to tech-savvy people in their early thirties in a pre-family position with the need for transport practicality with style. Why the mundane colours, then?

Honda has announced local pricing for its new HR-V, with the Jazz-based small-SUV priced from $24,990 when it arrives locally in February.The HR-V is Honda's entry into the hotly-contested small-SUV segment which already features the Holden Trax, Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport with the Mazda CX-3 and Renault Captur joining the expanding segment soon.Powered by a 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with a CVT automatic transmission, the HR-V will be available in three trim levels - VTi, VTI-S and VTi-L.The price-leading VTi variant brings a standard reversing camera, Honda's 'Magic Seats' system, Display Audio multimedia system with seven-inch screen and host of connectivity options plus LED tail lights, daytime running lights and 16-inch alloys.Priced from $27,990, the VTi-S adds blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) safety features along with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, push-button start, leather steering wheel and 17-inch alloys.Building on the VTi-S, the $32,990 VTi-L variant adds front and rear parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, leather seats, chrome handles, dual-zone climate control and unique 17-inch alloys.A $1,000 factory-fitted 'Advanced Driver Assist System' (ADAS) option pack is available for the VTi-L which adds forward collision warning, lane departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights.Metallic paint adds $575 across the range.A turbodiesel is still expected at a later date, however the hybrid powertrain available in Japan is unlikely.Watch the new Honda HR-V in action here.

New details confirmed for Honda HR-V SUV ahead of February 2015 arrival.Honda has confirmed most specs, but not pricing or fuel consumption figures for the new HR-V small-SUV, which arrives in local showrooms in February next year.The HR-V will join the ultra-competitive small SUV segment taking on the likes of Mazda's upcoming CX-3 and Renault Captur, as well as the existing Holden Trax, Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport.The Jazz-based SUV will be available in three trim levels - VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L - with each powered by a 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and driven by a CVT automatic transmission.Like the Jazz, the entry-level VTi will include a standard reversing camera, Honda's 'Magic Seats' system, Display Audio multimedia system with seven-inch screen plus all the usual connectivity options and LED tail lights. Daytime running lights and 16-inch alloys also feature.The VTi-S adds blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), auto wipers, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, push-button start, leather steering wheel and 17-inch alloys.The top-spec VTi-L builds on the VTi-S with front and rear parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, leather seats, chrome handles, dual-zone climate control and unique 17-inch alloys.The VTi-L can also be optioned with the 'Advanced Driver Assist System', which adds forward collision and lane departure warnings as well as automatic high-beam.A turbodiesel drivetrain is likely to follow the initial petrol models, however Australia will probably miss out on the hybrid version available in Japan.Watch the new Honda HR-V in action here.

Are you tired of getting stuck behind an SUV? If you can’t see through them, you may want to join them.Australia is going to be crawling with a new type of SUV from next year: city-sized soft-roaders. Or as we like to call them, faux-wheel drives.They have the same tall driving position as a full-size SUV (to better navigate the traffic rather than the great outdoors) and yet have the economy of a small car because often they don’t even have all-wheel drive. Handily, they also fit in the same size parking space as a Toyota Corolla.The Suzuki SX4 (now known as the S-Cross) in many ways pioneered this segment; Holden and Nissan followed with pocket-sized high-riding hatchbacks with unusual designs.But Mazda’s CX-3 is the first one that appears to look just right. Due in March, it will soon be joined by the Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Renault Captur and the reborn Suzuki Vitara (a sign of the times, now with car-like underpinnings rather than a 4WD chassis).Most of these vehicles will be priced between $20,000 and $30,000, the heart of the new-car market — and put SUVs in the driveways of those who want one but, until now, couldn’t afford it.If you thought it was already difficult to choose a new car in the world’s most competitive market, it’s about to get even tougher.

Honda announces February Australian debut for new HR-V small SUV.Honda's new Jazz-based HR-V SUV will be arrive in local showrooms from February 2015, representing the Japanese brand in the booming small SUV segment. Sitting beneath the mid-size CR-V SUV, the HR-V will go head to head with the likes of the Holden Trax, Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport, along with the upcoming Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3.From launch, Australian HR-Vs will be equipped with a 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine, with fuel consumption ranging between 6.6-6.9L/100km, depending on spec. A turbodiesel version is expected to follow, but the hybrid model available in Japan - where the HR-V wears Vezel badges - remains unlikely.  The HR-V will also be the first Honda to feature City-Brake Active, the brand’s new autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system.In the cabin, Honda's clever Magic Seat system will offer similar cabin flexibility to the Tardis-like Jazz.The HR-V will also feature the Display Audio touchscreen entertainment and communications system that enables voice control of smart phones, music streaming via Bluetooth connection, and satnav via a downloaded app and HDMI-connected iPhone. Pricing and exact specs will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date.Watch the new Honda HR-V in action here.

Honda has confirmed that its new Jazz-based SUV will wear HR-V badges when it arrives locally in early 2015. The new model is known as the Vezel in its native Japan, where it went on sale late last year, and will be the first sub-CR-V, HR-V-badged model to be sold locally since 2001.Introduced in 1999, the first generation HR-V joined the Daihatsu Terios and Mitsubishi Pajero iO in creating the tiny SUV segment, long before the current resurgence of the segment that so far includes the Nissan Juke, Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008.“It is fitting that the new small SUV will take the HR-V moniker as Honda enters the country’s fastest growing segment with a red-hot competitor. The HR-V is built on the new Jazz platform and will offer sporty, versatile characteristics. It will provide customers with a wider choice in the SUV market, complementing Honda’s medium SUV offering; the popular CR-V,” Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins says.The new model is expected to come with petrol and diesel drivetrains for Australia, with the hybrid version available in Japan unlikely.Nonetheless, a turbodiesel option would join only the Peugeot 2008 in offering such an engine in the HR-V’s segment, and form part of Honda’s push to improve its brand presence in rural and provincial Australia.The new HR-V has been developed alongside the new City sedan and Jazz light hatch, which will appear next month and later this year respectively.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn