Compact SUVs in Honda’s sights

Car makers promises its upcoming HR-V will be â€œa key playerâ€ in burgeoning compact SUV market.

David McCowen

00:5824 December 2014

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Compact SUVs in Honda's sights

Honda has hinted that its new HR-V may not be the cheapest car in its segment ahead of the car's arrival in February.

The Jazz-based HR-V is part of a new generation of models that are considerably smaller than established compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

Honda has not yet announced prices for the HR-V, but the brand's local boss, Stephen Collins, has hinted that the car will sit close to Holden's Trax, which ranges from $23,990 to $29,990. At that price point, it will be pitted alongside Mazda's upcoming CX-3.

"We are planning for the HR-V to be a key player in the small SUV segment and as such, will be aggressive with price," Collins says.

"The VTi is packed with specification and we are aiming to price it at the mid $20,000 mark. "With a CVT as standard, this price will make it one of the best value for money cars in the segment. We anticipate the higher end of pricing will be mid $30,000 mark."

The Honda is a little longer and wider than its Holden rival, though the Trax is much higher.

The HR-V will have around 170mm of ground clearance, which should give it a dash of versatility over the regular Jazz.

Honda will sell four trim lines for the HR-V, starting with an entry-level VTi fitted as standard with an automatic transmission, reversing camera, climate control, a 7.0-inch touch screen display, 16-inch allow wheels and more.

The mid-range VTi-S adds extras such as 17-inch alloys, smart keys, LED headlights, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking. In VTi-L trim, the HR-V gains paddle shifters, 17-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and leather trim. A driver aid pack for the VTi-L adds forward collision warning, lane departure warning and automated high beam systems.