If there’s one particular style of car that’s seriously hot and ‘on-trend’ right now, it’s the crossover. Part saloon, part SUV, these versatile cars are all things to all drivers – dependable and reliable perfect family car or an everyday commuter, but tough enough to cope with more challenging terrain when necessary.
Although they might not be the ideal choice for a weekend’s dune-bashing in the desert, the average driver would certainly be able to escape relatively unscathed if the road ahead suddenly developed a nasty case of potholes or cracked tarmac.
Leading the pack for both performance and styling is the Honda HR-V, a smart crossover that has seen a re-emergence in popularity in the UAE since its reintroduction back in 2019. In a crowded marketplace that’s seen a plethora of crossovers all jostling for position, the return of the HR-V has been widely welcomed by connoisseurs who demand more from their motor. New lines, a more aggressive road presence, and plenty of refinements both inside the cabin and in the engine bay make the Honda HR-V the king of the crossovers.
The HR-V – delivering plenty of power in a lightweight package
Although it’s packing a relatively small 1.8ltr i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, the HR-V still manages to cram 140 horses under the bonnet, giving it plenty of power on tap when the driver needs it most. 172Nm of torque makes it grunty too, enabling it to tackle inclines without too much trouble. The engine is married up to a seven-speed automatic CVT, which makes driving easy and effortless without taking away too much of that all-important driver experience.
The HR-V is considerably lighter than many other crossovers in its class, tipping the scales at 1,322kg. That means a higher power-to-weight ratio, so this crossover is surprisingly lively. It also makes it easy on the gas-tank too, sipping just 5.9litres for every 100km.
The upgraded HR-V’s transmission has been redesigned and upgraded, making it far more responsive and thanks to the shift mapping, making it feel more responsive to the whims of the driver.
Around-town performance
Crossovers often struggle to stamp their mark on any particular terrain, but the Honda HR-V turns this into a positive by being at home both in the city and on the open road. Cornering is particularly impressive and thanks to the centrally mounted fuel tank and amplitude reactive dampers, body-roll is almost eliminated (a big problem in some crossovers because of the raised centre of gravity). So, whether it’s tackling twisties in the mountain passes or nipping through city streets, the HR-V feels planted, stable, and comfortable.
A family-friendly cabin
Inside the spacious cabin, there’s plenty of touches to make the HR-V both family-friendly and great for weekends away with a group of friends. A 6.8” touchscreen infotainment system provides drivers with the ability to connect their smartphones and use the features to run a satnav, make calls or play music. The steering wheel is home to a variety of different features, including cruise-control at the driver’s fingertips.
There’s plenty of both head and legroom for passengers and driver, but with a quick flip of a lever the ‘Magic Seat’ system folds down with a 60:40 splitThere’s cargo space of around 1,465 litres, making it more than big enough to pack everything for an extended road trip.
Leather seats and a truly enormous panoramic roof make the inside of the Honda HR-V feel both roomy and luxurious, putting it in a league of its own when lined up against the competition. A push-start button and electric handbrake, automatic climate control and even flappy-paddle shifters all add to the refinements, making the cabin a comfortable and relaxing place for both drivers and passengers.
Honda – a byword for automotive safety
Honda never skimps on safety features, and the HR-V has plenty packed in to keep everyone safe. Front side and side curtain airbags surround the occupants, while a wide-view, multi-angle rear-view camera makes life a lot easier for the driver. A tyre-pressure monitoring system prevents under or over-inflation, while the electronic brake distribution stops the chances of skidding or locking up when braking hard.
The Honda HR-V is practical, adaptable, and it offers the driver and their passengers all the comfort of an SUV but the nippiness and city-friendly versatility of a sedan.
Find out more about the Honda HR-V and available Honda offers by dropping into your local Hertz Car Rental branch and chatting with one of our friendly team today.
Images and description are for illustrative purposes only. Specs may vary on rented vehicle based on selection.
