Honda HR-V engines, drive and performance
- Only one drivetrain available
- All models are automatic
- No electric version
Hybrid engine
The HR-V’s hybrid powertrain uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and marries it with a battery pack and two electric motors driving the front wheels. Despite its chunky looks, there’s no option of four-wheel drive – situation normal for this class. A total power output of 131hp brings with it a rather unimpressive 10.6 second 0-62mph time.
It doesn’t feel quick. Far from it in reality, meaning it feels quite strained when getting up to motorway speeds. However, that’s not such a handicap in town. The instant acceleration from the electric motors is useful when pulling out of side roads, and generally navigating the urban environment. That, at least, gives the HR-V more than a little bit of pep at a T-junctions or in the traffic light Grands Prix.
The 1.5-litre found in the Skoda Karoq is certainly nippier and is your better bet overall, especially if you regularly travel with multiple people on board. There’s no electric version of the HR-V, but the Honda e:Ny1 is a similar size and looks an awful lot like it, although the cars share virtually no mechanical parts.
What’s it like to drive?
- Easy-to-drive
- Loud engine when extended
- Feels quite tall on the road
The steering is pretty accurate and feels naturally weighted, but the combination of a relatively tall body and a soft suspension means it doesn’t feel especially agile on twisty roads. Around town it is nice and light and mini roundabouts and other complicated procedures are a doddle for this city-friendly offering.
When accelerating the revs artificially climb at a rate not that doesn’t marry up with your accelerator use. This means at 60% throttle, it can sound like the pistons are going to escape from the bonnet. It’s so loud at times it feels like Honda forgot to apply soundproofing during the manufacturing process. Even slight inclines wake up the engine, resulting in a strained groan.
Saying that, it’s a better story when it comes to ride quality. On a typical mix of good old British roads with their fair share of potholes and ravines, the HR-V acquits itself reasonably well with most situations, with compliant suspension and forgiving damping.
We should also point out that the paddles behind the steering wheel aren’t for changing gears, they’re for turning up and down the regenerative braking. At its maximum setting the car essentially applies the brakes as soon as you lift off the accelerator, turning wasted kinetic energy into added battery power. At its lowest level, it drives the same as a regular car.
