- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.8i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
105kW, 172Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 6.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2015)
Honda HR-V RS 2018 Review
Honda is one of the success stories of 2018.
Australian car sales are softening after years of record growth. But Honda has recorded a year-on-year increase of more than 25 per cent - so clearly it is doing something right.
- AEB now standard
- Aesthetic improvements
- Better to drive
- Dated infotainment system
- Lack of driveline options
- Plain interior
Is it right for me?
Popular SUVs and a sportier image have been core to Honda getting its mojo back. The new Honda Civic Type R performance car is a bona fide weapon which has collected numerous Australian trophies and comparison test victories - including the Best Performance Car Under $60,000 trophy in the 2017 Drive Car of the Year awards.
Some of that hype has rubbed off on the regular Civic and sharp-looking Civic RS, which is moving from strength to strength in a challenging market. So the brand is trying a similar strategy with the 2018 Honda HR-V, which now offers a new RS trim line.
It's worth remembering that Honda takes a different approach to the RS badge. Unlike Ford, Renault, Porsche or Audi machines which wear the tag, the HR-V RS serves up the same engine as other models in the range. But it does bring improved steering response, a tauter suspension tune and more purposeful styling to the Jazz-based crossover.
Can I afford it ?
As before, the revised HR-V range starts with an entry-level VTi model priced from $24,990 plus on-road costs. The next step up the ladder is a HR-V VTi-S for $27,990 plus on-roads, followed by the new HR-V RS for $31,990. The range is crowned by a HR-V VTi-LX priced from $34,590 plus on-road costs.
What do you get for your money?
Honda’s version of autonomous emergency braking which works at speeds up to 32km/h is now standard across the range, which is impressive as the model costs no more than before. Even the cheapest VTi features 16-inch alloy wheels, sat nav, a reversing camera, climate control and an electronic parking brake as standard.
The VTi-S adds gear including 17-inch alloys, smart keys, rear parking sensors and Honda’s LaneWatch over-the-shoulder camera display. Our HR-V RS model tested here brings 18-inch alloys, piano black exterior accents, a sports steering wheel, heated leather seats and more.
Range-topping HR-V VTi-LX add luxuries such as powered driver’s seat adjustment, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and improved driver aids including forward collision and lane departure warning systems.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Honda offers capped price servicing for the HR-V, with maintenance due every 12 months or 10,000 kilometres. It costs an average of $293 per year for the first three years, which is middle-of-the-road for this class.
Is it well built?
With one of the strongest reputations for reliability backed by a five-year warranty, the HR-V is unlikely to let you down.
What are the Standout features?
One element likely to disappoint buyers is a 7-inch infotainment system which lags well behind the best in class. A clunky sat nav system joins a difficult multi-media interface which is functional if not friendly, and a step behind the Apple CarPlay suite offered in the larger Civic and CR-V duo.
The system doesn’t gel with a digital display in the dashboard, and you can’t display navigation features while on a phone call, which is quite frustrating in unfamiliar territory.
What does it have that others don't?
One element likely to disappoint buyers is a 7-inch infotainment system which lags well behind the best in class. A clunky sat nav system joins a difficult multi-media interface which is functional if not friendly, and a step behind the Apple CarPlay suite offered in the larger Civic and CR-V duo.
The system doesn’t gel with a digital display in the dashboard, and you can’t display navigation features while on a phone call, which is quite frustrating in unfamiliar territory.
How practical is it?
Those seats help make the HR-V one of the more usable cars in its class, with 170mm of ground clearance and a spacious cabin with room for adults in the back seat.
Is it comfortable?
Honda’s contender in this class feels much roomier than many rivals, with a luxury of space in the front and back. Heated seats join a steering wheel with a good range of adjustment up front, helping drivers of all sizes get comfortable behind the wheel.
But the cabin lacks the eye-catching design touches or premium materials of a Toyota C-HR or Mazda CX-3, both of which feel more polished than the comparatively plain Honda.
Easy in, easy out?
A key appeal of this category is an elevated ride height making it easier to load gear into the boot, buckle kids into the back or step into the driver’s seat.
Space and versatility?
The HR-V also has one of the largest boots in its class, boasting a claimed 437 litres of capacity with the rear seats in place or 1462 with them folded flat - that’s 288 litres more than a Mazda CX-3.
What's the engine like?
Honda offers just one engine in the HR-V, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit with 105kW and 172Nm outputs. Offering adequate punch without feeling particularly outstanding, the Honda’s motor is a smooth machine which goes about its business within a minimum of fuss, though it sounds a touch rowdy at full throttle.
The motor is mated to a CVT automatic transmission which drives the front wheels - there are no manual, diesel or all-wheel-drive options.
While some folks will be disappointed by the lack of options, the minuscule proportion of diesel or manual buyers for rival machines suggests Honda is on the right track.
How much fuel does it consume?
The driveline uses a claimed 5.6L/100km in combined conditions, making the HR-V one of the more efficient models in its class.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
While previous models were less dynamic than key rivals, the new RS feels more engaging than before. Quicker steering with a variable gear ratio improves the RS’ reaction to driver inputs, making it feel more agile and alert than before. Low profile tyres contribute to that effect, as does suspension tuned to reduce body roll.
The combination feels planted and well-sorted on smooth roads, with minimal trade-off in ride comfort.
Shift paddles unique to the RS allow access to stepped ratios within the CVT auto, though it hardly feels necessary to do so.
Does it perform as you expect?
Honda was already onto a winner with the HR-V, and the latest range of improvements only increase its appeal. Safer, more attractive and better to drive than before, the Honda HR-V RS deserves to be on city SUV shopping lists.
2018 Honda HR-V RS pricing and specifications:
Price: From $31,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 105kW at 6500rpm
Torque: 172Nm at 4300rpm
Transmission: CVT auto, front-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 6.7L/100km
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