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This new generation Honda HR-V is part of a new generation of far more efficient small SUVs. It's a self charging full-Hybrid with a fiendishly clever powertrain. And there's a sophisticated interior that retains the previous model's neat 'Magic' folding seats. In short, there's lots to like here. A large number of HR-V owners buy another and this MK3 model aims to keep them loyal.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:34 Background
03:30 Driving Experience
10:00 Design & Build
24:04 Market & Model Range
38:06 Cost of Ownership
43:03 Summary

Background

It's taken some time for small SUVs to fully get on board with the current electrified automotive zeitgeist, but things are gradually changing. Take this car, Honda's third generation HR-V, now only available in 'e:HEV' hybrid form.

Self-charging hybrid form that is. Honda doesn't seem to be bothering with petrol-powered Plug-in hybrids. Instead, it's devoted its attention to making ordinary full-Hybrids work as efficiently as possible. These being hybrids of the sort that can occasionally allow the car to run independently on full-electric power, rather than the rather ineffective Mild Hybrid powerplants you'll find in segment rivals like Ford Puma and the Kia's Stonic. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

This MK3 HR-V shares both its 'Global Small Car' platform and its 1.5-litre four-cylinder Hybrid petrol engine with the current Jazz supermini. As there, a pair of electric motors, based alongside the engine, are at lower speeds responsible for most of the propulsion, the petrol powerplant serving mostly as a generator. Only at high speeds does the engine take over, with an output of 131PS - slightly more than the Jazz because of the HR-V's larger size. The powertrain works in either of three selectable drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' - all of which offer different levels of electric-combustion input. The powertrain itself automatically switches between three settings as you drive - 'Electric Drive', 'Hybrid Drive' and 'Engine Drive' - to maximise efficiency.

When driving at a constant high-speed, such as on the highway, the system operates in 'Engine Drive' form, as that is most efficient for cruising. If further acceleration is required, such as when overtaking, the car will switch to 'Hybrid Drive' to gain the necessary extra performance boost. Despite a bigger battery pack than that used on the Jazz - 60 cells rather than 48 - the car can't drive very far in all-electric form. Instead, it's all about how efficiently the electric power can be provided - and then deployed for as much city driving as possible. There's 253Nm of torque and 62mph from rest takes 10.6s.

Design and Build

This third generation HR-V may closely match the dimensions of its predecessor but it looks significantly different. Slim LED headlights flank the redesigned front grille at the end of the long bonnet. Move to the side and a more rakish profile is emphasised by roof line 20mm lower than the previous model. Plus Honda has added a straight-edged shoulder line and raised the ride height by 10mm, while fitting larger 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the cabin's been designed to maximise the feeling of spaciousness, aided by the adoption of the same minimalist design language first used in the little Honda e. The dashboard incorporates a 9-inch centre touchscreen and a 7-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster. Interestingly, in place of traditional dashboard air vents, there are instead two L-shaped outlets by the A-pillars - Honda's 'Air Diffusion System' - which directs air down the inside of the windows and provides a curtain of air to cool or warm passengers.

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