WHEN Honda had the original HR-V about 15 years ago, it was a modest success at best. After less than half a decade it quietly disappeared.
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The skeptics among us asked the question: who really needs a tiny "off-roader" that will never go off-road anyway?
We have that answer now: plenty of people apparently, judging from sales of so-called "city SUVs" such as the Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke and others. It appears the HR-V was indeed the Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle Honda claimed it was, and ahead of its time.
It is appropriate then Honda has returned to the segment it practically invented with the new HR-V.
While occupying the same space as the original - a step smaller than the CR-V - the new version is a different animal.
It is not all-wheel-drive, with power strictly through the front wheels on Australian variants. Nor does it have the original's unique appearance, being relatively conservative in appearance compared with some of its competitors. If the original HR-V had a niche following, the new one is pitched more at the mass market.The basics are quite sound. The new HR-V is based on the Jazz city car, but with the obligatory SUV traits such as a higher ride, more headroom and more luggage capacity.
The only engine in the three-tiered line-up at present is a 1.8-litre petrol four (105kW peak power, 172Nm of torque) which is virtually the same as in the Honda Civic hatch. The transmission is a continuously variable CVT automatic. On paper performance is similar to most other city SUVs but the Honda feels more willing than most other non-turbo competitors.
The HR-V also benefits from Honda's improved interior design, with a neat instrument cluster, simple touch-sensitive climate controls and touch-screen display audio with rear-view parking camera and Bluetooth connectivity across the entire range. In that regard, the entry level VTi is well equipped compared with most of its likely competitors.
The VTi-S adds LED daytime running lights, dual zone climate control, larger alloy wheels and some other trim and convenience additions, while the VTi-L gets the works, including panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery and extra safety kit including a rear view camera which also activates when changing lanes.
With a nod to fuel economy, the speedometer's surrounds change colour depending on how efficiently the HR-V is being driven.
We also liked the seats (cloth in the VTi, leather in the top-of-the-range VTi-L) which have more bolstering and support than most city SUVs we've sampled to date.
On the road it is apparent the new HR-V is a far more accomplished machine than the original regardless of the lack of all-wheel-drive. Despite the slightly higher centre of gravity, it is hardly any more challenging to drive than a Jazz, and even if the off-road ability is negligible, the higher ride height could be an advantage if scaling the odd kerb is ever a necessity.
Like the Jazz, the HR-V employs Honda's so-called Magic Seats, at just fashionable, it's practical too.
The more we drove it, the more it made sense - something that could not necessarily be said for the original.
Honda has gone back to the future with the HR-V but returned with a better gadget.
ENGINE: 1.8-litre petrol in-line four
POWER: 105kW at 6500rpm
TORQUE: 172Nm at 4300rpm
TRANSMISSION: CVT Automatic
BRAKES: Front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, with brake assist, ABS, stability control.
FUEL: Unleaded petrol. 6.6L per 100kms combined cycle (ADR 81-02)
ANCAP SAFETY RATING: Not yet tested.
PRICE: $24,990 plus on road costs. (RRP)
Your local dealer is Ballarat City Honda: 5331 5000