HONDA has launched its new urban cross-over, the HR-V, in South Africa, and this time, says the automaker, its has all its ducks in a row.
The HR-V was first introduced in 2002 and sold in limited numbers until 2004. Honda says the engine specs weren’t ticking the right boxes fitted with a 1.6-litre unit.
The cars have been in the country since July and the automaker claims it has already sold 177 units locally.
The HR-V is aimed at young families and is launched it two versions - the 1.5 Comfort (already available since July) and a 1.8 Elegance.
The 1.5 litre Comfort version is equipped with halogen headlights, fog lights, roof rails and colour-coded trim. Inside there’s a cloth upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, front cupholders, door pockets, front armrest and illuminated vanity mirrors.
The 1.8 litre Elegance receives a number of upgrades such as new alloys, auto LED headlights with daytime running lights, leather trim, leather steering wheel, auto aircon, heated front seats and a rear armrest. The 13cm monitor in the Comfort version is replaced by a 18cm touchscreen display with reversing camera.
The front end features tapered headlights framing a V-shaped grille and meshed lower air intakes.
Because of its pronounced roofline curve, the car leans towards a coupé-like impression but the short overhangs, raised height and wide tracks say typical SUV. And the high driving position also gives off a commanding sense behind the wheel.
The 1.8 litre Elegance was available on launch and it’s a ravenous little creature with 105kW/172Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8-litres/100km thanks to stop/start functionality.
The 1.5 litre unit has recently been upgraded and is the same engine found in the Ballade, Mobilio and Jazz with 88kW/145Nm, up from 81kW.
The HR-V is packed with equipment such as an electric parking brake, combined with an auto brake hold function.
There are six air bags, head restraints, inertia reel seat belts for all seating positions, and Honda’s advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure.
Driver assistance programmes include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and emergency stop signal activation; vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist and a high-mounted LED rear brake light.
Honda new Civic Type R hot hatch will be launched in October followed by the much-anticipated NSX set to arrive during the first half of 2016.
Prices
HR-V Comfort 1.5 - R299 900
HR-V Elegance 1.8 - R354 900
The HR-V comes with a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a four-year or 60 000km service plan, and a one-year AA roadside assistance package.
Service intervals are 15 000km.
- Wheels24
