Read Caroline’s Honda HR-V review for everything you need to know about buying Honda’s compact SUV in Ireland.
Honda is growing once again in Ireland with a refreshed line-up of hybrid models including the new ZR-V and old favourites like the HR-V, CR-V, Civic and Jazz.
The HR-V was on sale in Ireland for many years and has a solid fanbase in Ireland. Now Honda Ireland has introduced the latest generation of it, which coincides with an upgrade this model received in 2024.
It’s morphed into a very stylish compact SUV, now solely powered by an efficient hybrid engine. It’s currently the brand’s bestselling model in Ireland and rivals cars like the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30 and the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Let’s take a closer look.
Design
The HR-V looks very smart with its chunky crossover style and sloped coupé-like roof line. In a crowded space for compact SUVs, it definitely stands out and is a major transformation from the model it replaced. It has increased road clearance of 188 mm, but the roof is lower than before. There is a striking light signature at the front characterised by thin LED daytime running lights and a trendy full-width light bar at the rear.
There are a few different trim levels on offer including Elegance, Advance, Advance Style and Advance Style Plus. 18-inch alloy wheels come as standard across the range. The Advance Style model on test adds chunky roof rails, which give the HR-V a delightful utilitarian look, as well as contrasting roof colour.
There is a range of colours available including Sage Green, Urban Grey, Crystal Red and Seabed Blue, but the Sunlight White Pearl of the test car deserves a special mention for its vibrancy!
Is the HR-V bigger than the CR-V?
The HR-V is the smallest SUV that Honda sells. It slots into the range below the newly launched ZR-V and the larger CR-V Hybrid SUV.
Honda HR-V Interior
Inside, the HR-V features one of the best quality interiors of any compact SUV on sale. It has a simple horizontal design with plenty of soft touch materials around the cabin adding to the premium feel. At a time when many car manufacturers are cutting back on quality, the HR-V is refreshingly well-appointed.
Fabric seats come as standard, with Advance models getting a mix of fabric and black leather. Advance Style models get a beautiful two-tone, light grey leather finish to the seats and dashboard.
There’s a great feeling steering wheel with intuitive controls and a full digital driver display. All versions come with a 9-inch touchscreen. It’s not the flashiest or largest system in the business but the wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity works seamlessly. The ventilation and climate control system is easy to use with simple dials and buttons. Everything feels good to the touch. There’s also plenty of clever storage spaces around the cabin.
Standard features include keyless entry, heated front seats, parking camera and single zone air conditioning. Moving up to Advance adds key features like a powered tailgate, adaptive headlights, fog lights, heated steering wheel and dual zone climate control.
The Advance Style brings some styling updates as well as premium stereo, wireless smartphone charging, multi-view camera, and a stylish blue stripe garnish on the door and dashboard, as well as light coloured upholstery.
Practicality
Honda has been very clever about the packaging of the HR-V to maximise space on the inside. For example, in the positioning of the fuel tank and the compact design of the powertrain. There is a huge amount of legroom in the back, though the width of the car means it’s definitely more suited to two people. The middle seat is very narrow. The HR-V also has Honda’s legendary ‘Magic Seats’, which allow you to fold the rear ones flat or flip up the seat base to create more space for carrying items. The rear seats split fold 60:40.
The boot is also well-sized at 319 litres, or 304 in Advance Style versions to accommodate the subwoofer for the premium stereo. It has a practical square shape, wide opening and low, flat loading sill. There’s also a handy storage compartment under the boot floor.
Driving the Honda HR-V Hybrid
The new HR-V is only available as a hybrid, which is no bad thing as hybrids are much in demand in Ireland right now. The HR-V’s ‘e:HEV’ powertrain has two compact electric motors that work alongside a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission coupled to a power control unit. Honda says the system benefits from advancements made over 20 years of hybrid development in Honda road cars and in Formula 1.
The car takes off in electric mode for a smooth and solid start. From there on, it’s very responsive to drive with a few different driving modes to alter the drive somewhat, though it’s fine in the normal setting. There’s a modest 131hp and 253Nm of torque available, 0-100 in 10.6 seconds, but in reality it never feels slow or underpowered. However like many small hybrids it does get noisy if you really push the accelerator hard, for example when overtaking or joining a motorway. But otherwise, it’s a smooth operator and very pleasant to drive with a high driving position that gives an excellent view out of the road ahead.
The steering is very quick and direct, with enough resistance when turning into corners to inspire confidence. It’s a tidy handler for what it is and up there amongst the most competent handling cars of its kind.
It’s mostly a comfortable drive too for a compact SUV, with just some firmness over rutted roads.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda HR-V Hybrid?
The official fuel consumption figure is 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres, which was exactly the same figure as I discovered during my time with the car, which included some high speed motorway driving. Bravo Honda!
It’s also possible to select a B-range from the transmission to increase regenerative braking. There are paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust the strength of it.
How much is the Honda HR-V in Ireland?
The Honda HR-V is on sale in Ireland priced from €41,750 for the Elegance, from €44,500 for the Advance and from €47,500 for the Advance Style tested here. The top of the range Advance Style Plus is available from €49,750. Metallic paint costs €600.
Is the HR-V worth buying?
The Honda HR-V is priced at the upper end of its segment but it’s an equally upmarket car inside with an air of exclusivity to it. It also comes with an attractive, low emission hybrid powertrain that is frugal to run. There is tough competition from the likes of the popular C-HR, but it’s definitely worth a look if you’re looking for something different in this space. It’s not the best value option but it’s incredibly good quality with plenty of practical features.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
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