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HR-V: Honda's latest crossover hits SA

  • Spacious interior, Magic Seats 
  • Two-model range
  • 1.5 or 1.8 petrol engines


JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng - An all-new urban crossover has joined the Honda product line-up in South Africa.

Previewed at the 2015 Geneva auto show, the new Honda HR-V's arrival in local showrooms coincides with its European debut and the automaker promises it will shake up the crossover segment in SA.

ALL-IN-ONE
 
While most contenders in this segment reflect a scaled-down SUV approach, says Honda, the new HR-V combines sleek aesthetics of a coupé-inspired design with a rugged attitude of a sports utility vehicle, and the space and versatility of a MPV.

Styling cues include a pronounced roofline curve while short overhangs, raised stance and wide tracks give the impression of a typical SUV.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Honda HR-V

Up front, the tapered headlights frame a V-grille and a meshed lower air intake adds visual appeal. The tidy rear is dominated by large tail-light clusters; the tail door opens all the way down to the charcoal-coloured bumper's level.

Alloy wheel-rims and slim roof rails add a classy touch.

Honda says its "unique Magic Seat system", a popular feature on the Jazz and Civic, is included - which means further cabin practicality and flexibility. There’s 393 litres of cargo space up to window level, says Honda; folding flat the split rear seat takes that to 1002 litres.

Safety goodies include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-pressure distribution, emergency braking assistance and emergency brake-lights activation, stability assistance, gradient assistant and a high-mounted diode rear brake light.

ENGINES

The new Honda HR-V is available with a choice of two efficient petrol engines, both linked to a new-generation, Earth Dreams technology constantly variable transmission with front-wheel drive.

Honda's familiar 1497cc in-line four-cylinder engine powers the HR-V. The 1.5 Comfort outputs come to 88kW/145Nm.
The 1.8 Elegance has a 1799cc four-cylinder engine, with electronic fuel injection, makes 105kW/172Nm. Stop/start functionality benefits economy and CO2 emissions.

MODEL RANGE

The locally available HR-V range consists of two models, with the 1.5 Comfort variant on offer initially. It has halogen headlights, front fog lamps, roof rails and colour coding.

The interior features cloth upholstery, soft-touch surfaces; front cupholders, glove compartment, door panel pockets and a front centre armrest plus illuminated vanity mirrors.

Comfort derivative gets a 12cm monitor; a 150watt, four-speaker sound system, USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth connectivity and alarm system.

The 1.8 Elegance offers all the standard features of its 1.5 Comfort stablemate and adds larger alloys, and auto-activating LED headlights with daytime running lights.The interior gains leather upholstery , leather-trimmed steering wheel, auto climate control, heatable front seats, rear armrest and a 17cm touch screen display with rear-view camera. 

Honda's Smart Entry system allows remote locking and unlocking, and only requires the push of a button to start the engine.

The new Honda HR-V is offered in a selection of seven colours: two black shades, red, blue, white, silver and grey.

PRICING
HR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT - R299 900
HR-V 1.8 Elegance CVT - R354 900

Prices include a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a four-year or 60 000km service plan and a year's AA roadside assistance.Service intervals 15 000km.

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