Known as the Honda Vezel in Japan, the third generation HR-V made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2014 and more recently here in Malaysia on Feb 5.

The HR-V was first seen as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 and subsequently went into production with the first batch going on sale in Japan in 1998 as the Verno.

It came equipped with a 1.6L engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and even featured a four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain.

The HR-V (Hip & Smart Runabout Vehicle) maintains itself as the smaller sibling to Honda’s CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) and targets a younger audience with its compact utility vehicle positioning.

It shares a few components from its stablemates, such as the Jazz platform and “magic” seats, while the same continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in the City and Jazz is mated to the Civic’s 1.8-litre SOHC engine.

“When this model was developed, we looked at what was really required and wanted by customers in a car and were not even planning for a SUV,” said Honda R&D assistant large project leader Yosuke Sato during an interview session early this month.

The biggest challenge for Sato and his team was during the concept stage.

“At that time, it was about achieving the combination of a multi-purpose vehicle, a coupe and SUV to provide utility and space.”

At current, the cabin space of the HR-V is considered to be slightly larger than the Jazz.

“Due to the coupe-like design, the cabin may feel a little tighter compared to the Jazz, but in terms of measurements, it is actually wider,” he affirmed.

But with SUVs being themselves, they are usually not as aerodynamically efficient as most would be – or so we thought.

“Our HR-V is actually two classes higher than most in the SUV category and the coefficient of drag (Cd) is substantially better - in fact it is almost the same level as a sedan, thanks to the HR-V’s almost flat under-body,” said Sato.

“Actually, the under-body was the main contributor in greatly reducing drag.”

Unfortunately, the Cd value could not be revealed.



Some fans of Honda were hoping that the HR-V would come with paddle-shifters, especially since it uses the Civic’s 1.8-litre engine.

“We want to provide a product that is suitable, appreciated and affordably priced and we found that less than 10% of customers use them, but if there is demand then we can consider this for the future,” Sato reasoned.

Furthermore, it was indicated that four-wheel drive (4WD) tests were conducted in both East and West Malaysia to find out what features they need in a car and it was found that the two-wheel drive (2WD) and a 1.8-litre engine was the best combination.

He also said that due to drivability requirements by customers in Malaysia, it was found that the 1.8-litre engine had better appeal.

However, the highlight of the conversation turned to the interior, specifically the front passenger’s three air-conditioning vents that lets out (from left: High, low and medium) differing air volumes.

“This particular air-conditioning ventilation is good enough to circulate the air for the entire cabin and is more than enough to create a comfortable balanced air flow throughout the vehicle,” he explained.

Sato added that the air doesn’t directly go to the back and is designed to circulate – creating a ‘wrap’ like feel for the entire cabin and achieve an optimum level of comfort.

Furthermore, each vent can be entirely closed if required.

While there’s much certainty that the HR-V will, in some way, take the Malaysian market by storm, we can only wonder about what the future may hold for it.

“Regarding VTEC or our new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine and hybrid versions, it is too early to comment about that, but we still think that the best option for the Malaysian market is the 1.8-litre.”

Priced on-the-road with insurance, the HR-V’s S, E and V variants cost RM99,800, RM108,800 and RM118,800 respectively.

The vehicle comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a service interval of 10,000km.

Colours are Ruse Black, Alabaster Silver, Modern Steel, Taffeta White and Crystal Black Pearl.

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