2023 Honda HR-V

Standard equipment on the Honda HR-V Vi X includes:

• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Satellite navigation
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Wired Android Auto
  • DAB+ digital radio
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Automatic headlights
• Keyless entry and start
• Privacy glass
• Single-zone climate control
• Four-speaker sound system
• Power windows with auto up/down for driver’s door
• Electric parking brake with auto hold
• Tilt and telescopic adjustment for steering wheel

The Honda HR-V e:HEV L additionally includes:

• Acoustic windscreen
• LED active cornering lights
• Dual-zone climate control
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Six-speaker sound system
• Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Intelligent speed limiter
• Rear air vents and USB ports
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Paddle shifters
• Power windows with auto up/down for all doors

The cabin has taken a big step forwards in terms of fit and finish and material use. Additionally, Honda has retained 'magic seats' in the vehicle that allow an added layer of configurability and storage.

New to the HR-V is a bigger infotainment system that's shared with the all-new Honda Civic, while the interior has increased in size to offer more space and a higher entry point for older buyers.

The interior’s aesthetics and technology are way better than the old HR-V’s, but that isn’t really saying a huge amount.

The driving position from the (manually adjustable) seats is 10mm higher than before, though the lower roof and sporty window design do seem to impact how easy it is to see out. That said, it’s not nearly as bad as a Toyota C-HR in this regard.

The seats are trimmed in really nice, soft black fabric and seemed pretty comfortable, while the wheel offers up/down and rake/reach movement. Too bad it’s made of cheap plastic rather than tactile leather.

The all-new Honda HR-V looks bigger from the outside and now sports a 195mm ground clearance - an increase of 25mm over the old one.

Dimentionally, it's also longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model. So when you spot the HR-V in traffic you'll notice that it looks much larger than the outgoing model.

This will be good news for buyers that were after a small SUV that is easier to get in to and out of. Visually, the exterior also looks much more modern now after receiving a sizeable facelift over the outgoing generation.

The HR-V is available in the following colours:

• Premium Opal pearlescent
• Platinum White pearlescent
• Crystal Black pearlescent
• Meteoroid Grey metallic
• Premium Crystal Red metallic

All colours are a no cost option.

The first five services are capped at $125 each. Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

This generation of HR-V feels a little more agile and dynamic in corners than the old one, even though you sit up a touch higher.

It also rides quite nicely despite rolling on larger 18-inch wheels shod with good quality Michelin Primacy 4 tyres, soaking up expansion joints and potholes with relative grace.

It’s suspended quite softly, so there’s a little bit of sideways movement of your body in corners, but I found the overall dynamics to be well-judged considering its core target audience.

The steering is very light, meaning it’s an absolute breeze to putter around in.

That engine is underdone though. On the positive front, it offers a smooth stop/start system and its CVT is quite responsive off the mark, so the drivetrain does operate predictably in congestion unlike some smaller turbos with dual-clutch transmissions made by other brands.

It’s also quite efficient, with my overall 7.0L/100km average wide of the claim but still pretty decent.

The Honda HR-V was facelifted and launched as an all-new model in 2022. It's likely to have a lifecycle of at least another 7 years before it is replaced. Now is the time to buy to take advantage of all the latest features.

There are no factory options available for purchase. Honda sells a range of accessories though that can be added to the vehicle before and after delivery.

All Hondas sold in Australia come with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with an eight-year IMA battery module warranty for the hybrid.

The 9.0-inch infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The infotainment system is shared with the all-new Honda Civic. It's easy to use and is driven by a touchscreen with rotary dials for some functions.

There's also voice recognition and the ability to route voice commands through your smartphone's mirroring system.

In addition to these functions, there's satellite navigation, AM, FM and DAB+ digital radio. Finally, there are four speakers on the base model and six speakers on the top-specification hybrid variant.

Boot space measures 304L with the rear seats up, expanding to 956L with the rear seats folded measured to the window or 1274L measured to the roof. Under the boot floor is a tyre repair kit.

This boot size is, on paper, a lot smaller than before. The old model’s claim with five seats in use was 437L.