Our Fleet Test Drive: Honda HR-V -9th report
Date:
29 March 2016
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Author: Hugh Hunston
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Why we're running it: | To see if Honda is finally returning to form and can succeed in an increasingly competitive area of the market | Equipment: | 8 airbags, 17in alloys. keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, auto lights and wipers, panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, leather interior, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera | Options: | Modern Steel metallic paint (£525) |
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After 6500 miles of varied driving at home and abroad, our HR-V's fuel consumption computes to an average of 53.1mpg, with the past 500 miles involving a respectable 55.2 miles for every diesel gallon consumed.
The January peak of 59.4mpg contrasts with a recent low point of 48.7mpg, something of a self-inflicted penalty imposed during 10 days of experimenting with switching off the virtuous green leaf 'eco' mode and a fair amount of commuting into and out of Oxford.
Our time to date with Honda's contender in the burgeoning small SUV crossover ranks indicates an attainable real-world range of 580-plus miles from the 10.9-gallon (50-litre) fuel tank.
This relative frugality is down to a variety of factors. The HR-V is based on the new Honda Jazz's weight-pared platform, clothed in a chunky aerodynamically efficient profile, aero tweaks include a multi-layered, almost Formula One-style approach to the front end (see picture), plus there's the well-matched combination of 120hp 1.6-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission with the highest ratio generating a relaxed 2000rpm at 70mph.
Finally, nagging change-up-or-down dashboard indicators are often misleading, but the HR-V's green arrow usually points in the right direction, particularly when a lower gear is advised.
Honda HR-V 1.6i-DTEC EX
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Mileage 6524 |
P11D price £26,000 |
Forecast/actual cost per mile 52.9p/53.7p |
Our average consumption 53.1mpg |
Official combined consumption 68.9mpg |
Verdict
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- Real world long-range capability via the 53.1mpg average
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- Abandoning eco mode makes little difference to driving dynamics, and adds significantly to fuel bills
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