The Honda HR-V is Malaysia’s compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment leader with about 87 per cent market share.
Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd introduced the new HR-V in January this year. The HR-V was so well received by the market that the company exceeded its three months’ target in a month with close to 4,000 bookings made.
The company recently organised a media drive to Langkawi for us to test the new HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD.
Powering the Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with direct injection. It is paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and an integrated high-power motor. The combined output of the engine and motor gives 159hp and 160Nm of torque, roughly equivalent to a 2.0-litre engine.
Standing at a length of 4,334mm, a width of 1,772mm, a height of 1,605mm and a wheelbase of 2,610mm, the HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD weighs 1,300kg and has 50 litres of fuel capacity, as well as 404 litres of boot space, 33 litres less than the HR-V 1.8L petrol variants.
The Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is equipped with 17-inch wheels, halogen auto headlights with manual levelling function, front fog lights, daytime running lights, LED taillights, sharks fin antenna, smart entry with push start button, ECON button, powered adjustable and retractable side mirrors, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, paddle shifters, auto air conditioning system, half-leather upholstery, ultra seats, high deck centre console with armrest, 6,8-inch touchscreen display, 3D illuminated meter cluster, shift by wire system and sport mode.
Safety aspects of the HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD include six airbags, automatic brake hold, anti-lock braking system electronic brake distribution, hill start assist, vehicle stability assist, emergency stop signal, multi-angle rearview camera and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.
The Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is priced at RM120,800, excluding insurance. It is covered by Honda’s five years unlimited mileage warranty, five times within 100,000km or five years free labour service and eight-year unlimited mileage hybrid battery (lithium-ion) warranty.
The Drive
When we got into the SUV and started the engine, the car was silent. Just like an electric car, there wasn’t any sound of a combustion engine running. It was only when we started to drive or switch it to sport mode that we heard the engine running.
After lunch, we proceeded to a presentation and briefing session before departing from the hotel to Langkawi Stadium for some driving exercises.
The first exercise comprised a quick lane change and avoidance obstacle, where we would need to slowdown to turn to the second part of the exercise. The second part featured a slalom, where we turned into a braking area, followed by reversing out from the braking area to a parking lot facing the end of the slalom.
We drove the car through the avoidance and lane change obstacle, tested the handling stability of the HR-V through the slalom and how effective the brakes were, and lastly, tested the clarity and accuracy of the reverse camera while doing the reverse exercise.
We then proceeded with the slalom again and headed to the finishing box, where we tested the anti-lock braking system, braking in a sandy box. After the driving exercise, the convoy departed from Langkawi Stadium and proceeded to the Tanjung Rhu Beach for a photoshoot and at the same time, test the HR-V Hybrid on the windy rural roads of Langkawi.
The HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD was smooth and powerful. We had no issues overtaking slow cars during our journey to Tanjung Rhu Beach. The transmission switches gear smoothly and quickly, and there was no need for us to engage the paddle shifters.
However, in sport mode, the engine keeps its revs higher, and drags the gear a little longer. We felt that normal mode was perfect for a comfortable and relaxing drive.
The SUV absorbs most rough and damaged road conditions, provides a silky, smooth ride for maximum comfort of its occupants. During corners, it grips the road tightly with minimum body roll.
Wind noise and tyre noise were very well kept away from the cabin, but the engine noise could be heard, especially during high revs. After the photoshoot, we headed back to the hotel and ended our day with a dinner.
The next morning, before we departed for Kuala Lumpur, we convoyed to Pantai Kok for a static comparison with competitors SUVs. The organiser prepared two large luggage bags, a hand-carry size luggage and a bicycle at the comparison venue.
We then tried to fit the three luggage bags into the boot of a Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3 and the HR-V, with all seats up. Both the competitor SUVs had to stack the two large luggage on top of each other lying down, and squeeze the hand-carry luggage in the remaining space left.
On the other hand, the HR-V, could easily fit in all three luggage items with space left to fit in an additional small hand carry. After fitting the luggage, we tried to fit in the bicycle.
Both of its competitors had to fold its rear seats in order to fit in the bicycle, while with the HR-V, you can slide the bicycle in, just by folding one side of the seat, and there’s a seat to carry one extra passenger.
Overall, we had a great time exploring the Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD and felt that it is a practical SUV for everyday usage. However, there are some features lacking in the HR-V Sport Hybrid. It would further enhance its safety if the HR-V came with Honda’s LaneWatch and Honda Sensing systems.
It would also be better if the HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD had more USB charging ports or 12-volt power sockets.
