Honda sharpens pencil on HR-V, adds new variant

HONDA Australia has sliced thousands of dollars from the drive-away price of its HR-V, adding more kit and a new hybrid variant into the bargain.

The three-variant small SUV line-up now comprises the entry level Vi X listed at $34,490 driveaway (previously $36,700 d/a), the new e:HEV X hybrid at $39,900 d/a, and the e:HEV:L hybrid now $42,900 d/a, (previously $47,000 d/a).

Looked at another way, and not factoring in the new range-wide features, the Vi X has had $2210 shaved from its sticker and the e:HEV L has had a substantial $4100 haircut, with the new e:HEV X hybrid model sitting in between narrowing the price gap between each model.

Each grade is bestowed with advanced driving, safety, interior and exterior specification upgrades.

The petrol variant (Vi X) features a 1.5-litre VTEC engine and the hybrid variants (e:HEV X and e:HEV L) sport a dual-motor hybrid system with a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine.

The reduced prices may give Honda increased market penetration as it brings the HR-V more into line with its main competitors.

Honda is currently languishing in 15th place in the small SUV sales race, not even close to segment leader MG’s ZS that accounted for 15,200 sales YTD with the HR-V on 2111.

But the Honda is a desirable little wagon that is now more accessible and with more standard kit. It will start arriving in Honda partner outlets from October 1.

Range-wide advanced technology additions include Honda Sensing (ADAS) suite and Honda Connect. All variants come as standard with five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assist, five fixed-price services, and a five-year Honda Connect subscription.

Balanced against that is the recently announced market leading warranty of 10 years/250,000-kilometres from competitor MG.

Honda Australia says the HR-V offers outstanding style, comfort and utility, as well as advanced safety and technology features, all within a bold and sleek coupe-inspired form.

“The launch of the new HR-V to the Australian market includes the long-awaited arrival of a new hybrid grade,” said Honda Australia vice president and director Carolyn McMahon.

“The expansion of our hybrid options has been a hot topic for some time, and we are very excited to be able to extend this new e:HEV X to our already popular hybrid offering across the Honda range.”

Minor changes have been implemented to the HR-V’s exterior styling centred on the grille, head- and taillights while inside has a simplified centre console which has been redesigned for better all-round access.

The upper tray has been extended to house a large smartphone and a lower tray which is more accessible from the passenger position. Both USB-A and -C ports are positioned in the front cabin.

Dynamic enhancements include revised power steering with better high-speed stability and more predictable steering feel. The hybrids also benefit from revised front and rear damper tuning for improved ride control and compliance.

NVH has also been moderated with higher density cabin soundproofing reducing engine and road noise.

The hybrid powertrain has revised power control unit software with optimised mode switching algorithms for more seamless transitions between EV and hybrid modes, in addition to improving EV throttle response.

The hybrid mode charge strategy has also been improved to reduce sudden rises in petrol engine revs in hybrid mode for a more predictable driving feel and even greater levels of refinement.

The latest Honda HR-V will be available in five colours including Platinum White, Premium Opal, Crystal Red, Slate Grey (new) and Botanical Green (new) with Premium Opal and Botanical Green exclusive to hybrid variants.