Honda Ireland has launched the HR-V hybrid crossover. This model has been on sale in the UK and Europe for some time now, but Honda bosses in Ireland decided it was best to wait for this updated model before introducing it here.
What’s new about the HR-V?
The updates are mainly cosmetic and centred around new bumpers, grille, and lights, but the HR-V essentially keeps its slightly tall, fastback silhouette. Those LED headlights aren’t just for show, though - HR-V versions from Advance specification onwards get trick Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) technology.
Out the back, there’s a full-width light bar, and there’s a lineup of new paint options too, including Sage Green Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Premium Sunlight White Pearl, Urban Grey Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic and Seabed Blue Pearl.
What’s the cabin like?
Inside, the cabin is lifted largely from the current Civic hatchback, but it has been redesigned a little around the centre console so as to make the wireless phone charging pad (standard on Advance and upwards) easier to reach from the passenger seat.
Advance Style Plus grade features a glass roof, while there’s also privacy glass standard on all models.
In the back, there’s a 335-litre boot, while the back seats are very versatile, featuring Honda’s brilliant ‘Magic Seat’ system which allows you to flip the seat base up vertically, making it easier to carry tall, bulky loads in the back.
is it a hybrid?
The HR-V comes only as a hybrid, and only with one powertrain, a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a compact battery. It produces a combined 131hp and 253Nm of torque, and the HR-V can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds. CO2 emissions start from 122g/km (WLTP), with fuel economy of 5.4l/100km (WLTP).
Standard specification across the range includes a digital instrument panel, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear parking camera, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning, and adaptive cruise control.
There’s also the Honda Sensing safety package, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Low Speed Brake System, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation System, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Front & Rear Collision Mitigation Throttle Control. There’s also an optional 360-degree camera system.
The Honda HR-V is available for order in Ireland right now.