Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Our Fleet Test Drive: Honda HR-V -9th report
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Our Fleet Test Drive: Honda HR-V -9th report

Date: 29 March 2016   |   Author: Hugh Hunston

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)

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

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


  • Real world long-range capability via the 53.1mpg average
  • Abandoning eco mode makes little difference to driving dynamics, and adds significantly to fuel bills

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