ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE HONDA HR-V HYBRID

Impressive is the perfect word to describe the Honda HR-V Hybrid with which I spent a week. Now in its third generation, it has certainly developed from the first generation model which was based on the Logo. With the latest updated versions you have revised interior and exterior styling which gives this SUV a much sharper defined look and as in previous versions, flexibility and practicality are a large part of the appeal of this vehicle.

Updates to the range features design changes and integrates customer feedback to further improve overall driveability and NVH control. The sharper front-end design, with a new upper moulding finished in crystal black, and darkened headlight internals for a more defined face while at the rear, the full-width LED light bar also features a revised internal design to give it a fresh appearance. With its coupe style SUV body there is a certain simplicity of its design, while the exceptionally spacious and versatile interior is user-oriented and comfortable for all who travel in this Honda. This combination owes much to the company’s compact, integrated powertrain technology and the centre fuel tank layout; this results in class-leading interior space, as well as unrivalled flexibility thanks to the versatile Magic Seats that offer both fold-flat and flip-up options depending on the cargo space required. I tried this system on a number of occasions during my time with the HR-V and I have to say it is one of the most user friendly on the market

Moving to the interior, and the lower central dash and centre console have been re-profiled to make access to the wireless charging mat easier from both passenger and driver’s seats; this is a very useful feature which is being featured more and more with the vehicles that come my way to test. With the very spacious interior comes contemporary fabrics and soft-touch materials, which creates a cosy environment for all who travel in this Honda. The very modern, minimalist aesthetic is created by the horizontal sweep of the instrument panel and uncluttered lines and surfaces throughout. The HR-V features the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and driver aids in its class and is fitted with active and passive Honda safety technologies designed to make driving both easier and safer.

However, to the heart of the matter and the HR-V is equipped with Honda’s advanced e:HEV hybrid powertrain as standard which consists of the same two compact, powerful electric motors that work alongside an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission coupled to a power control unit. Thus the HR-V has a total power output of 96kW (131PS) and 253Nm of torque, with acceleration to 100km/h (62mph) in 10.6 seconds. There are three drive modes to the best performance in both urban and motorway driving and the intelligent Electronic Control Unit ECU) automatically, and constantly, cycles between Electric Drive, Hybrid Drive or Engine Drive depending on which is the most fuel-efficient mode at that specific situation. When driving at a constant high-speed, this system operates on Engine Drive as that is the most efficient and should further acceleration be needed the HR-V will switch to Hybrid Drive for that additional performance boost. Additionally, when in this mode, power from the petrol engine-driven generator can be diverted to recharge the battery, offering additional efficiency benefits. There is a Sport mode activated via the drive selector, enabling even sharper throttle response, whilst Econ mode as the name suggests adjusts the air conditioning system and throttle response for an emphasis on fuel efficiency and you simply switch across all driving modes at the toggle of a switch. For an increased EV-like experience, you can also select B-range from the transmission, which offers selectable levels of energy recovery when coasting or braking. I discovered the transfer between the drive modes, including the start of the engine to generate electric power is virtually unnoticeable. Instead of employing a conventional power-split system with a planetary gearbox which causes high levels of friction, the fixed-gear transmission creates much less friction, ultimately leading to less energy consumption when driving purely electric.

I found the total driver experience exceptional for a vehicle in this class; delivering comfort and a sheer quality of drive, Honda have a winner with the HR-V Hybrid.

Ian Lynas