The SUV-fication of the automotive market to advance, decide with buyers, even in the smallest segment now you want the high seating position and (on four-wheel versions) the ability weatherproof granted by a vehicle cross type. Honda shows more noise than usual, with the new HR-V 2016, always in the game in the first innings yet. The Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman and the Buick Encore were the pioneers, but last year the size of the field has more than doubled, with new actors like Chevy Trax, the Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500X, and next Mazda CX -3. The HR-V crossover positioned below the popular CR-V in size and price Slots, promises to be a strong competitor in this growing field.

While the CR-V is based on the Civic inform the HR-V platform with the subcompact Fit. HR-V, but an order of magnitude solid and substantial feeling of the box-like child abandoned. The cabin is much larger, the windshield is not removed miles and internal design and materials are better. If you never have back, one could easily believe that this is a new CR-V.

In fact, the HR-V is substantially greater than the wee Fit. The wheelbase is longer by 3.2 inches, wider front 2.1 inch their way, and the rear is 2.6 inches. In general, HR-V casts a shadow 9.1 inches longer and wider than 2.8 Fit inches and is 3.2 inches higher.

This additional duty, of course, will bring more weight. Compared to adjusting the HR-V is almost 400 heavier measurements from Honda pounds. Despite its curb weight of around 3,000 pounds it is slim for this class.

In other markets, use the HR-V 130 hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder that fit, but overlooked the United States of Honda into account the engine to the largest, the 1.8-liter engine of the Civic. Oh, the output of 1.8 liters is not much bigger, screening 141 hp at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm figures, which are the baby-ute pile at the bottom. It is not surprising that the HR-V is slow, most likely to fall to zero to 60 times in the range of nine to 10 seconds. The automatic CVT, which is the only available transmission with AWD sends increasing speed and remains there while waiting to build for speed. (Or I blade flutter caused by the transmission of predetermined relationships seven run.)

Honda offers a gearbox six-speed in LX and EX front-wheel-drive models, and that makes you feel more alive acceleration. We want the stick is easy to move, provided that the journey seems long clutch and pull a bit ropey. Unfortunately, his hand on a real disadvantage in fuel consumption. According to the EPA, the automatic return 28/35 mpg with front-wheel drive, see the 3 mpg city and 1 mpg on the highway; Networks CVT AWD-only 27/32 mpg ratings. All these figures are at or near the top of the class.

Our straight, flat and traffic choked roads in southern Florida, the HR-V does not have much Verve ads for curves, but did not have much opportunity as an aggressive or two momentum. An electric power steering system of the HR-V, but does not offer a reasonable effort and competently drawn strokes suspension.

Genuine talent of the HR-V lie elsewhere especially in human and cargo capacity. Packaging has long been a strong Honda, and can be seen in any case here. The HR-V follows the guidance of the positioning adjustment is anticipated to fuel tank under the front seats that can fold up rear seat cushion, creating a practical space for larger items. Alternatively, the backs of the split rear seats flop forward, as is the passenger seat. Even if it shows flexibility gym provides the HR-V, the largest cargo space among their peers, if the folded behind the rear seats or with this line. And the extremely low loading floor makes it easier to load a blessing for those who frequently tow heavy objects.