Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: Honda HR-V - 2nd report
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Our Fleet Test Drive: Honda HR-V - 2nd report

Date: 11 November 2015   |   Author:

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)

As representatives from various car companies will be well aware, it's not exactly unknown for me to clamber onto my soapbox on the subject of car media, climate and other control systems. I'm a hoot at dinner parties.

Honda will soon be well aware of this too, as having rattled though nearly 2000 miles in less than a month with the car, I'm frustrated with the functionality of the systems. Fundamentally, and this is a point I last made regarding the otherwise excellent Peugeot 308, things have gone too far in loading all the systems onto the touchscreen.

If I want to retune the radio in the Honda, not only is it a rather user-unfriendly experience, but it takes a flurry of clicks on the screen, where most cars don't.

At least the climate control is on a separate panel, but that's all touchpad rather than buttons,
which means taking eyes off the road longer than is comfortable to adjust the ventilation, as your fingers can't work their way across the familiar pattern of buttons to the required one.

Overall, I'm loving the Honda HR-V's space, combination of performance and efficiency and its compact dimensions, but that doesn't make it perfect. New technology is fine and great, but it has to work better than what we had before.

Mileage 792
Official consumption 68.9mpg
Our average consumption 54.5mpg
Forecast/actual CPM 51.7p/52.4p
P11D price £24,890
Model price range £17,940-£24,890
Residual value 34.7%
Depreciation cost £16,265
Fuel £4370
Service, maintenance and repair £1863
Vehicle Excise Duty £40
National Insurance £3105
CO2 (BIK band) 108g/km (19%)
BIK 20/40% per month £79/£158

Verdict


  • Interior and boot space
  • Looks
  • Engine
  • Gearchange
  • Rear headroom, touch screen-style climate control operation

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