Honda HR-V review: £27k Elegance has ‘Magic Seats’& rock-solid dependability

ALL cars do 35mpg. That’s my theory.

If it’s a diesel, add 10mpg. A crossover? Take away 3mpg. A big SUV? Subtract an extra 5mpg. A supermini? Add 5mpg.

simon thompson

The new Honda is lean, simple and not overstyled like its rival the Toyota C-HR[/caption]

Turbochargers and nine-speed autos are negligible. The only other thing that really helps is hybrid, adding 10mpg.

Now let’s see if this formula works with the new Honda HR-V: 35mpg – 3mpg (because it’s a crossover) + 5mpg (because it’s based on a Jazz, and that’s a small car) + 10mpg (because it’s a hybrid) = 47mpg.

Bingo.

I averaged 47.7mpg testing an HR-V over three days and the official WLTP figure is 52mpg

No need to bother with lab tests because my theory is more accurate. Try it with your car and let me know.

Right, let’s crack on.

HR-V. Excellent fuel economy aside, this car pleases me for many reasons.

It looks good, for starters.

Clean and simple, not overstyled like its rival the Toyota C-HR.

Hondas are finally starting to feel like they are from the same family.

Previously, they were scattergun and didn’t tie together at all.

Now you can see a clear link between Honda E, Jazz and HR-V.

Next up, cabin.

Perfectly executed. It looks premium. It feels premium.

The seats are super-comfy.

And there’s a nice mix of design and tech and sensibly-placed switches.

Plus, there are drink holders, USB ports, storage and grab handles for all.

Simple things but useful things.

Someone at Honda clearly understands what people want from a car.

Special praise too from my 12-year-old.

He spotted the smartphone pouches, integrated with what we used to call “map pockets’” behind the front seats.

As for its practicality and versatility, this is where HR-V really punches.

The rear seats fold up like a cinema seat (for carrying tall things) yet also fold completely flat (for tip runs).

Honda calls them “Magic Seats” and that’s exactly what they are.

You can stand two adult mountain bikes across the middle of the car, albeit with their front wheels off.

There’s more.

Driving the hybrid-only HR-V is effortless. Almost zen-like.

You’ll spend most of your time coasting around town in EV mode.

Steering is feather-light. Visibility is excellent.

And when the 1.5-litre petrol engine does kick in, you’ll hardly notice it.

ZEN-LIKE

Unless, of course, you charge about like Max Verstappen when he’s late for something.

Then it’s noisy but so are all CVTs. Drive sensibly and all is calm.

Best of all, there’s no faffing about with a plug.

The self-charging hybrid harvests energy when braking and you can adjust the regen levels via flappy paddles.

If you’re good at anticipating traffic flow, you’ll hardly ever need to touch the brakes.

Now we come to pricing. You’ve got three choices

The entry HR-V Elegance at £27k.

Not cheap but generously equipped: 9in touchscreen; wireless Apple CarPlay; heated seats; adaptive cruise control; reversing camera.

Finance from £250 a month.

The mid-spec Advance trim costs £29k and the top-spec Advance Style at £32k adds, er, exactly that.

A bit more style. Two-tone roof, roof rails, orange stitching, wireless phone charging and cornering lights.

You don’t need them.

You do need what all HR-Vs have and that’s Honda’s rock-solid dependability, clever seats — and that brilliant 47mpg.

simon thompson

The cabin is perfectly executed, looks and feels premium and has super comfy seats[/caption]

simon thompson

Steering is feather-light, visibility is excellent and when the 1.5-litre petrol engine does kick in you’ll hardly notice it[/caption]

simon thompson

The self-charging hybrid harvests energy when braking and you can adjust the regen levels via flappy paddles[/caption]