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Things are going well, the SUV business (Sports Utility Vehicles). Increasingly, the popular high-seaters roll in shrunken versions on the asphalt, although form and equipment is not fundamentally different from the big brothers, at least not as clear as the price. Honda mixes successfully with the small crossover HR-V since 2015 worldwide in the competition for market share. In Germany, however, there is still plenty of room for improvement. For the facelift last year, the Japanese automaker donated its mini-SUV the new salient family grille and a revised overall front.
Filmreifer appearance with black accessories
In order to gain a visual distance to the less sporty brothers, the HR-V Sport comes with its shiny black chrome rod like "Darth Vader". A narrow front spoiler, wheel arch strips and a more distinctive rear bumper - all completely in black - complete the picture together with also black exterior mirror caps, black twin tailpipes and black 18-inch wheels. Because things can be a little sportier in a small SUV, a four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 182 hp is now knocking under the hood as the heart of the HR-V in the “Sport” equipment line. Pleasing, because with the previously offered 1,5 liter four-cylinder vacuum cleaner with 130 hp, the HR-V seemed a bit overwhelmed at times. As is well known, the Japanese have not used a diesel engine since the revision.
Chic mix of materials ensures a high-quality touch inside
The interior of the HR-V Sport is based on the sporty coupé-like outfit. You can find yourself on two-tone seats under the black roof lining. A chic material mix of fabric and leather in red and black. Glossy black and dark red decorative surfaces on the center console and in the lower area of the dashboard match this and ensure a high-quality touch. The powerful four-cylinder engine delivers its maximum output of 182 hp (134 kW) at 5.500 revolutions to the front wheels. Honda does without four-wheel drive in the HR-V - ostensibly due to a lack of sufficient demand. The maximum torque of 240 Nm is available in the variant with the crisp six-speed gear shift between 1.900 and 5.000 revolutions.
Good crossroads blessed crossover
An acceleration value of 7,8 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 allows overtaking maneuvers without hesitation even on the winding sections of the test track around Lisbon. With its precise steering, the crossover, which weighs just 1266 kilograms and is blessed with good roadholding, circles safely even through tight serpentines. Bumps in the road and rough potholes are largely ironed out by the chassis thanks to a sophisticated body damper system.
In the soundproofed interior, calls remain undisturbed
When accelerating, the "Active Sound Control" system also generates sonorous acoustic support for the sporty driving experience, and Honda has succeeded in further reducing the annoying noise level inside through the use of plenty of sound-insulating materials and insulation. Two microphones monitor the low-frequency noises in the interior and neutralize them with precisely coordinated counter signals. To what extent this works at top speeds of up to 215 km / h remains open here and now. With the optional CVT transmission, the software of which simulates seven gears, the top speed is 200 km / h.
Sometimes a bicycle fits in front of the folded-up rear seats
Consumption values of about 7,5 liters on average make the HR-V a pleasant and lively travel companion. The idea behind the flexible and well-designed interior is that the bicycle already takes its place in front of the folded-up "Magic Seats", the suitcases have disappeared over the conveniently low sill in the 470 liter large boot. The phone s.besten charged, otherwise there is trouble with the passenger, because in front there is only a USB port, the Honda has hidden under the center console not easily accessible. On the other hand, QI-supported smartphones can be conveniently charged wirelessly in the charging slot at the front end of the center armrest. Remains the concern for the destination. It is not a matter of luck to reach it without annoying detours or turning maneuvers. The Navi built in Honda has lost in terms of precision and graphical representation of the connection to the standards of competition in any case.
A pretty complete offer for 29 990 Euro
For the HR-V Sport Honda calls at least 29 990 Euro. Always on board are then among others already the part leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation system and radio. When it comes to safety, Honda offers factory-fitted City Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, front and rear parking aids, rear-view camera and Intelligent Cruise Control Traffic Sign Recognition, which adjusts speed to preset limits. A pretty complete offer.
Text and photos: Solveig Grewe