Honda HR-V 1.8L RS

As one of the very first crossovers to enter the local market (back in 2015) and still consistently making the top 5 in sales despite the influx of so many other models, Honda has proven it put together a future-proof package in the HR-V.

Going on six years already, it can actually be considered the ‘tito’ in its segment, which has seen a model or two fall by the wayside (remember the ASX?). What’s kept it in the mix for so long? I list down five great features it had right from the start, which have made it somewhat pricey, but also made it worth buying.

Styling

Except maybe for the CX-3, there isn’t a crossover out there that’s sleeker and sexier. It’s not as tall as most of its competitors, which is great for aerodynamics and underscores that sporty profile, yet still maintains a 185 mm ground clearance.

As an RS trim, it gets the whole package from the sport-type dark chrome grille with honeycomb pattern, glossy black front and rear bumpers and side sills, RS emblem, glossy side mirrors, dark chrome door handles, and exclusive black alloy 17-inch wheels.

The match with the Phoenix Orange Pearl color is perfect and I like the shark’s fin antenna and rear spoiler that helps keep the streamlined look. For me, the look would be complete with larger wheels.

Efficiency

This has to be one of its best features. With a relatively large engine compared to its counterparts — a 1.8L four cylinder with a single overhead cam and i-VTEC technology — and it still easily gets 9.5 km/l in traffic.

Sure, it uses a continuously variable transmission, which greatly helps bring down fuel consumption but consider this, it has one of the biggest wheelbases in the segment, which gives it one of the largest cabins among all crossovers.

That means you’re saving money on fuel while getting a comfortable drive and the ability to carry a lot more things, should the need arise.

LED lighting

While all others were still using HID (high-intensity discharge) lamps, the HR-V was already on LEDs from the beginning, which means it was one of the first crossovers to offer this.

HIDs may be brighter but they need to be installed properly otherwise they may inadvertently cast the beam directly to oncoming drivers and cause an accident.

That aside, LEDs have a far longer lifespan that can go beyond 20,000 hours. That’s 833 days or 2.2 years of driving non-stop, with the lights turned on for 24 hours. Even if you cut that by half and say you only drive with the lights on for 12 hours a day, these headlamps will give you a whopping 4.4 years. Plus, they consume far less energy and emit very little heat compared to other lighting systems.

Creature comforts

Aside from a very spacious interior, the HR-V manages to get a textured dashboard with a few soft-touch surfaces, which makes it immediately appealing to look at and great to the touch.

It has leather seats, an automatic climate control system with a glossy touch panel, and the automaker’s ULT (utility, long, tall) configuration that allows the owner to accommodate various type and sizes of cargo.

Best of all is the seven-inch touchscreen (with navigation) that has Bluetooth, two USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety

This is one thing Honda doesn’t scrimp on. Aside from the standard fare like ABS, with EBD and Vehicle Stability Assist, it has driver and front passenger and even side airbags, Auto-Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist, and a reverse camera and sensors.

It also boasts of an ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body and a networked front frame structure to absorb and deflect the energy from a frontal collision. This disperses the force of impact so that the passengers are safer should an accident occur.

What's next?

The current model, priced at P1.515 million for the RS trim, is a little long in the tooth, which is why there was a lot of buzz after the third-generation model was revealed early this year. It’s super gorgeous, more hi-tech and based on all the hype, is going to give the segment a run for its money. All hopes are on a 2021 fourth quarter launch but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.

In the meantime, this HR-V is still fulfilling its purpose of being a fuel efficient, maneuverable, tall vehicle with lots of usable space. And that’s why it’s still one of the top crossovers around.