There's a reason why the new HR-V is the talk of the town. Honda has certainly gone the extra mile when it comes to delivering its latest update.
To be sure, the previous model was already a decent sport utility vehicle (SUV). While its performance was average, it was generally well received in terms of looks and feel.
The Japanese carmaker definitely saw the potential and worked to address its initial shortcoming. The latest iteration, in my opinion, not only sports a superior redefined look but now comes with multiple engine choices.
That's certainly for the best as the B-segment is competitive. Now, the latest range of HR-V has elevated itself to become one of the best SUVs for the money.
Now, which variant should you choose? The answer isn't as easy as going straight for the variant with the highest specs. Or is it?
Honda recently held a drive for members of the media that started from the Klang Valley to Pahang and Terengganu.
It was during the journey that we had the chance to test out both the higher-spec turbocharged variant and the top hybrid e:HEV RS variant. The biggest difference between the two lies squarely with the engines.
ALL AMPED UP
This time around, we won't be delving too much into the base 1.5L S model with the naturally aspirated DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 121PS.
Though remarkable in itself, the engine is one that we have come to be very familiar with and is basically one packaged for the budget conscious.
We'll also be glossing over the 1.5T E variant since it shares the same turbocharged engine as the higher V variant but with less quality-of-life features.
That leaves us with the 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine that delivers 181PS, and the hybrid 1.5-litre e:HEV engine with the advanced intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system that delivers 131PS and 253Nm of torque.
Except for the RS, which is mated to an electric continuous variable transmission (e-CVT), all the other variants have their engines paired with a continuous variable transmission. They come in the three drive modes of "Econ", "Normal" and "Sport".
They all also share a newly redesigned body that you can say is a blend of executive sport but more executive than sporty, especially when compared to the previous HR-V model.
At 4,385mm in length, 1,790mm in width and 1,590mm in height, it is 39mm longer and 15mm shorter compared to its predecessor.
At the front is a new digital front grille design, front LED sequential turn signals, new LED headlights with daytime running lights and front LED fog lights. The rear showcases a fastback styling with LED tail light strip.
Both the 1.5T V and RS also come with advanced features such as Honda LaneWatch, hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close function, remote engine start and walk-away auto lock functions.
In the cabin is an eight-inch centre display that's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and an air diffusion system. The top two variants get leather seats. Exclusive to the RS is a dual-zone climate control system.
Honda Connect is also present here to keep the owner informed about car location, alarm activation, speed alert, geofencing alert, car health status and even a service reminder.
The Honda Sensing suite available to the V and RS variants comes with lead car departure notification, adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist system, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning and auto high beam.
The five available colour options are Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Ruse Black Metallic.
For comparison, prices start from RM114,800 for the 1.5L S and RM129,800 for the 1.5T E variant. The 1.5T V and 1.5L e:HEV RS are priced at RM134,800 and RM140,800, respectively.
HYBRID VS TURBO
Both the V and RS variants are almost similar when it comes to design, except that the latter sports a "RS" badge at the front grille and a red line at the front bumper.
Even the cabin doesn't differ much. So it's easy to see how one may think the differences are marginal.
With that in mind, many of the media members of the roadtrip were under the assumption that the RS was the clear winner by virtue of its e:HEV engine, even before the drive.
And by adding only a little over RM6,000, you're also getting more features with a more advanced engine. Sounds like a good deal.
The turbocharged engine may have the superior horsepower but the hybrid makes up for it with its immense torque as well. It's a subjective advantage but the e:HEV engine has really impressed thus far. It has a mixture of performance and fuel economy, a combination that's hard to resist.
But that is until you take the two out for a drive where the bias is dispelled. Note that this experience is exclusive to the HR-V's e:HEV and not the Civic and City.
We experienced superior drive longevity with no concern of refueling in the RS as we made our way from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan.
Our gauge drained at a very slow pace and at least four bars remained by the time we arrived. This is quite impressive when you consider that we were in Sport Mode going at very high speeds for a big chunk of the journey.
Depending on your destination, the RS needed refueling during its single trip from Tanjung Jara in Dungun, Terengganu, back to the Klang Valley.
Those in the turbocharged V expectedly had to refuel by the time they reached Kuantan. Eco Mode would only be able to prolong their range for so much.
Conversely, those in the V enjoyed a more exciting drive than most of us in the RS. The turbo engine with its CVT delivered the kind of smooth power control and max speed that the RS can only envy.
Thanks to the RS's e-CVT with its single speed, there was no gear change or lag (which was very subtle on the V) as your speed climbs.
Disparity only rears itself on long highway stretches where the turbocharged engines could easily overtake the e:HEV. Under controlled conditions, the RS capped out at around 178kph while the V easily pushed beyond that, although owners are advised against going for such speeds.
VERDICT
Notice that we've only touched upon the engine differences. That's because overall, the latest HR-V is nearly perfect in almost every other aspect and the drive feel between the variants are mostly similar to one another outside engine performance.
There truly isn't anything to complain and much to love so long as it is in line with your tastes.
I love the new design that carries a Continental touch, which seems to be the current theme with the latest Honda models.
The previous variant may be sportier but there's a good balance here that makes it stand out.
The cabin is comfortable whether you are the driver or a passenger and the finishing feel is premium enough.
Driving dynamics are especially on point smooth with no complaints, unless you're looking for something extra. Balance is the keyword here.
Both the RS and V are great picks for the segment but clearly offer owners a very distinct drive.
If you're looking for speed and power, then the 1.5L turbocharge is the clear winner hands down. But if you're looking at fuel economy and urban driving, then the RS's e:HEV makes perfect sense. It helps that it also looks a tad sportier with the RS badge, red lining and chrome grille.
In many ways, Honda has pulled a very strategic move by doubling down on the HR-V's (triple if you consider the base S variant) chances in a very competitive segment.
You'll need no extra convincing if you have always been a fan of the brand as the SUV has you covered on both ends for one of the better hybrid and turbo experiences for the price range.
It also helps that all the variants don't look too different from one another, so your only concern comes down to road performance and features.
As a bonus, if you're only going for the turbocharged engine and the features aren't your priority, then you may want to consider going down a step for the E variant since they share the same engine.
In short, with the new HR-V, you get to set the pace and budget that best suits your lifestyle.