The B-segment SUV just got more exciting with the introduction of the Honda HR-V. It is also known as Honda Vezel is some countries. For now, Malaysian has the Ford Ecosport, Peugeot 2008, Greatwall M4, Suzuki S-Cross and the HR-V to choose from. Putting the M4 aside (which has ton of complaints), the HR-V will definitely beat all competitors out with its attractive pricing and list of specifications. Starting with a 1.8-litre engine and CVT gearbox, the HR-V easily beats the rest with 140hp/172Nm of power. With 1.2-ton of weight to pull, the HR-V is not a race car, and the engine will do just fine for comfortable cruise.
It is bravo to Honda for bringing in the HR-V, and lighting fire crackers again for celebration for its successful understanding of the demand for this new market segment. For now, Toyota has long to chase. Based on the similar platform of the Jazz, the HR-V is longer, yet retain the popular ultraseat configuration, with a huge boot capacity, sitting on 215/60R16 wheels. Available in 3-variant, with a starting price almost RM100k to RM120k, and long list of equipment, it is of no surprise the waiting period for the HR-V is 4-5 months. Looks like Ford, Peugeot and Suzuki need to learn from Honda on how to make a successful B-segment SUV.
| Honda HR-V | Suzuki S-Cross | Peugeot 2008 | Ford Ecosport | Great Wall M4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 140HP/172Nm | 115HP/156Nm | 120HP/145Nm | 109HP/142Nm | 105HP/138Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | 4-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed (AMT) |
| Engine Capacity | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Maybe |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Airbags | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 2 |
| Wheel | 16" | 17" | 16" | 16" | 16" |
| Price | 120k | 130k | 120k | 104k | 60k |
Major differences of variants of on HR-V will be the audio system, where the highest end V-variant getting the now popular Honda 7" touch screen unit with HDMI input and 6-speaker. Of course, only this variant get 6-airbag where the other two only get to have 2-airbag. Next big feature is the usage of LED projector headlights with DRL instead of the normal halogen projector type. Honda, unlike Toyota, is bringing in latest technology to our shore now! If you were to explore more, the HR-V is equipped with electronic parking brake and Brake Hold feature, where the latter will hold the brake when the vehicle come to a full stop and release it when the accelerator is being pressed. This is in addition to the Hill Start Assist feature. Nice! Light tap on the turn signal stalk will enable the signalling for few seconds, enabling the driver to notify other on your intention, which is especially thoughtful in our driving style when shifting to different lane is frequent. A feature usually available in continental car is now available with the HR-V, and of course, auto-headlight is standard as well!
As stated before, with 1.2-ton of weight, the HR-V could not be a fast car with the 1.8-litre engine, but it does well as a compact SUV. The balance of the design, which is unlike the odd and old-fashioned looking Ecosport, make the HR-V even more desirable. Most users do not need to be able to carry a washing machine in the car, and the HR-V is good enough to not just ferry people comfortably in the huge rear space and fit many luggage in the rear boot. The industry is now looking very hard on the boring Toyota on what's next, after Honda successfully brought in the people's favourite City, the hipster Jazz, the refreshed CRV/Civic, and now the all new crossover HR-V. Praise on the HR-V is difficult to express with words and images. Visit a Honda showroom now to experience the wow effect of the HR-V. Trust me, one cannot feel how the HR-V would fit in one lifestyle until you get a closer look at the real thing. A new segment for all lifestyle, the Honda HR-V.
Like to have a new lifestyle, you could go for the HR-V, or wait for the all new Mazda CX-3 which will hit our market in the coming months. Let's hope Mazda CX-3 could is similarly priced and equipped. We need to have competition for manufacturer to bring the best of breed to us!
