The main competitors of the subcompact crossover «HR-V» are BMW X1, Citroen Cactus, Chery Tiggo, Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic, Lada X-Ray Cross, Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan Juke, Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Skoda Yeti, Suzuki Ignis, Toyota Rush, Volkswagen T-Cross and VAZ -2121.
First generation (GH1-GH4, 1998−2006)
Production of the first generation began in 1988. The car is based on the platform on which small cars were produced «Honda Logo». The concept car was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997. It was a futuristic lightweight comfortable all-terrain vehicle. Export to Europe began in 1999. First, they began to produce a three-door body with a length of 4000 mm, a width of 1695 mm and a height of 1695 mm. In 1999, a five-door body with a length of 4110 mm appeared. The curb weight of the car was 1200-1300 kg. The drive is hollow or on the front wheels. The three-door body was discontinued in 2003, the final production of the model was discontinued in 2006.
The engines were only 1.6-liter petrol four-cylinders (1590 cm3). In the period 1998-1999, the engine was used «D16W1» 105 hp, which was replaced by «D16W5» with injection system «VTEC» 124 hp The gearbox was a 5-speed manual or stepless variator «Multimatic S». Rear drive system «Real Time 4WD» taken from «CR-V». Two pumps are installed in the rear gearbox, one is driven by a cardan, the second by the rear wheels, and when the front wheels slip, the rear ones are automatically connected.
The car seats four and has modern safety features such as ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, dual SRS airbags (additional restraint system). For the convenience of the driver and passengers, features such as power mirrors, power windows, folding rear seats, power steering, air conditioning, front fog lights and a rear spoiler that houses LED brake lights are available.
Second generation (DBA-RU1, 2016-present)
The second generation was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 2013 under the name «Honda Vezel», sales in Japan began in December 2013. In North America, the car debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2014 under the revived name «Honda HR-V». This name was transferred to markets other than China, where it was called «Honda XR-V». Uses the same platform as «Honda Fit» third generation. The body is represented only by a five-door SUV with a length of 4295 mm, a width of 1770 mm, a height of 1605 and a curb weight of 1180-1270 kg. All wheel drive or front wheel drive. The car is manufactured in Japan, Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Taidand and Taiwan.
Engines are installed only with petrol four-cylinders with a volume of 1.5 liters (1497 cm3, L15Z6, i-VTEC, 118 hp), 1.5 liters (1496 cm3, L15B, i-VTEC, 130 hp), 1.8 liters (1799 cm3, R18Z9, 139 hp) and 1.8 liters (1799 cm3, R18A1, i-VTEC, 139 hp). Transmission 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic or stepless variator (CVT). There was a hybrid version in the Japanese market «Vezel» with a 1.5-liter engine with 130 hp. and a 30 hp electric motor. Fuel consumption in a cycle «JC08» a conventional car is 4.9 liters per 100 km, a hybrid - 3.7 liters per 100 km.
In 2018, the model was updated. The changes affected the chrome grille, LED headlights, the same as on «Civic», redesigned taillights and an updated bumper design, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will now be available on all trim levels. The head unit has been updated and has a volume knob instead of a slider. The manual transmission was no longer used. Trim and equipment levels are called «LX», «Sport», «EX», «EX-L» And «Touring».
American agency «National Highway Traffic Safety Administration» (NHTSA) tested security «HR-V» 2016:
- Overall rating - 5 out of 5 stars
- frontal impact (driver) — 4 out of 5 stars
- frontal impact (passenger) — 4 out of 5 stars
- Side kick (driver) — 5 out of 5 stars
- Side kick (passenger) — 5 out of 5 stars
- Rollover resistance - 4 out of 5 stars