Honda joins the crossover gang

The HR-V offers a choice of two models, two trim levels and two versions of its frugal yet spirited i-VTEC petrol engines, linked to the same Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) which delivers power to the front wheels.

The least expensive Comfort model is powered by the Japanese carmaker's popular 1,5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine which kicks out 88kW and 145Nm. The flagship Elegance model is armed with a substantially more powerful 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine that produces 105kW and 172Nm and its CVT adds to the fun with a Sport Mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel.

In the same trendy mode as the rest of the urban crossover gang, the HR-V's smart make-up combines a sleek roofline, raked windscreen and handsomely chiselled flanks of a coupé with the raised stance, short overhangs and wide tracks of an SUV.

At the media launch in Cape Town, I drove the 1.5 Comfort which runs on 16-inch alloys and comes with roof rails, an integrated rear roof spoiler with LED brake light, a shark fin antenna, chromed door handles and colour-coded exterior mirrors.

Comfortable and flexible

Wide-opening doors are a tad on the weighty side but they do provide easy access to a comprehensively furnished travelling area. Seating is comfortable and flexible and the rear seat can be split 60:40.

The driver-focused cockpit is neatly laid out and it's easy to become acquainted with its comprehensive instrumentation and a multifunction steering wheel, as well as a 5-inch colour LCD screen that acts as a user-friendly interface for the HR-V's full-featured infotainment system.

The system includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and audio streaming, as well as USB and analogue auxiliary audio inputs, and an audio system with FM/AM tuner, CD player and four speakers.

The new HR-V is equipped with an electric parking brake, combined with an auto brake hold function. The electric parking brake is engaged via a switch on the centre console, and automatically releases when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

Other convenience features include electric front and rear windows, remote central locking, trip computer, cruise control with speed limiter, air-conditioning, front and rear cupholders, and indicators integrated into the exterior mirror housings.

Array of active and passive safety features

As far as safety is concerned, the Comfort model has a full array of active and passive features such as ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS).

Passive safety is provided by dual front airbags, seatback-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags, as well as head restraints for all five seating positions, inertia reel seat belts front and rear, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Our drive took us from Cape Town to Stellenbosch via Malmesbury and Wellington, Riebeek Kasteel and although the Comfort model is no tar-scorcher it gallops quickly to maximum motorway speeds and it will hold its speed in spite of undulating country-side. It is also quick to respond in the same manner as a traditional auto box dropping a gear or two when you floor the fast pedal during overtaking. The cabin is airy, spacious and well-insulated and the seats are comfortable. Overall, it dishes up a very palatable driving experience irrespective of whether it is cruising on the highway or stop-starting in traffic.

It will take close-up comparisons to spot the difference between the two models from the outside because they are identical in virtually every respect other than the larger 17-inch wheels and fatter 215/55 R17 tyres on the Elegance. The 1.8 Elegance is only 15mm lower than the 1.5 Comfort and it has a chrome exhaust outlet.

Well-built and likeable vehicles

The Elegance has cabin additions such as leather upholstery and bottom-warming seat heating for the driver and front passenger. Instead of a conventional ignition key, the 1.8 Elegance gets Honda's Smart Entry system, which allows remote locking and unlocking, and only requires the push of a button to start the engine. The leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel is height and tilt-adjustable. This model is also equipped with a 7-inch full-colour touchscreen which controls Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity and offers an extended source selection, via dual USB ports, as well as an HDMI.

The Honda brand is well-established in this country thanks to its wide dealer network and reputation for producing solid, well-built and likeable vehicles so the new HR-V won't take too long to establish a grip in the toughly-contested crossover market even though it is a fairly late arrival.

The models and prices, including a three-year/100 000 km warranty, a four-year /60 000 km service plan, and a one-year AA roadside assistance package, are:

• HR-V 1.5 Comfort: R299,900
  
• HR-V 1.8 Elegance: R354,900