Compared to rival models in the crossover segment with a price range below 1 billion VND, the Honda HR-V can be considered a very comprehensive choice and clearly targeted at young customers in urban areas.
Superior dimensions for urban areas
Honda HR-V has dimensions of 4,385 x 1,790 x 1,590mm, with a wheelbase of 2,610mm and a ground clearance of 181mm. The most obvious advantage is the ease for owners to find parking spaces in small streets – where even 10 – 20cm is valuable!
Due to its compact size, the HR-V is extremely flexible and easy to maneuver in narrow alleys in urban areas – something that 7-seat SUVs or bulky pickups can hardly do; or if they do, it is a “sweat-drenched challenge” for the driver, not to mention that it can also cause traffic congestion.
The compact HR-V is flexible and versatile, but it does not mean it is cramped. The car’s passenger compartment is fully capable of comfortably accommodating 4 adults. Along with such a reasonable passenger capacity, the HR-V also has enough space for storage, 3 convenient magic seat folding modes – well meeting daily travel needs, such as shopping, going to the supermarket, transporting bulky items like bicycles, golf clubs…
With a ground clearance of 181mm, drivers can confidently control the HR-V to climb sidewalks when necessary, or smoothly pass through rough roads without having to be too “cautious” like low-lying cars.
This crossover model is also suitable for outdoor trips or weekend trips to the countryside. As for off-road enthusiasts who like to drive through forests and mountains to experience the terrain, it is clear that the HR-V is not a choice.
Therefore, for consumers who mainly use cars in urban areas and rarely leave the city – the Honda HR-V is clearly a “standard choice without adjustment”.
Superior equipped with modern safety features
In 2022, Honda Vietnam is determined to popularize the Honda Sensing package on its models, starting with the CR-V, followed by the Accord, Civic, and now the HR-V. However, unlike its siblings, the HR-V features the second generation Honda Sensing technology, with many outstanding advantages, including:
Adaptive cruise control includes low-speed ACC – LSF;
Collision mitigation braking system CMBS;
Low-speed follower system LDW;
Adaptive automatic headlights AHB;
Road departure mitigation RDM;
Lane keeping assist system LKAS.
In addition, the car can also display a very useful Lane Watch camera when needed to park close to the curb; assist in active steering, standard equipment of 6 airbags, 3-angle rear-view camera, hill start assist, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold integration…
Importantly, the features in the Honda Sensing package on the HR-V can work even at low speeds in urban environments, which is very suitable for reducing pressure and increasing the safe operation for the driver when congested or heavy traffic.
Even compared to many premium models, the list of Honda Sensing safety equipment on the new 2022 HR-V is even more superior, not to mention the names in the B-segment of mass-market cars – the main competitors of the HR-V in the Vietnamese market.
Overflowing conveniences for passengers
In order to maximize user experience, Honda Vietnam has equipped the HR-V with a two-display system, including an 8-inch infotainment display with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Behind the steering wheel is a display screen with a diverse interface for each driving mode. The driver can also find an exciting sports driving feel thanks to the paddle shifters right behind the steering wheel.
The Honda HR-V features a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system. An equally useful additional feature for passengers in the car is the 3-mode air vents: closed/direct cooling/cooling around.
In the indirect wind mode, the air flow is optimized to circulate around the cabin without directly blowing onto the passengers’ faces, causing discomfort. Rear passengers are also equipped with separate air conditioning vents as well as phone charging ports.
Smart experience with Honda Connect
Nowadays, the application of smart technologies to increase convenience in life is an essential trend in the 4.0 era. However, in the world of cars in Vietnam, it seems that the emphasis on this aspect is still lacking – not to mention mainstream models.
In this aspect, Honda HR-V – following in the footsteps of the younger brother Civic – seems to be leading the market by boldly equipping its products with the Honda Connect technology package, with a range of outstanding safety and security features, including:
Automatic collision detection and notification: the 24/7 hotline will automatically contact the driver and emergency contacts when the car is involved in a collision and the airbags are deployed.
Security alert: Immediately alert the owner via phone when the car is being broken into.
Zone and speed limit alert: notify the owner via phone when the car enters/exits a set area or exceeds a pre-set speed limit.
In addition, Honda Connect also provides users with interactive and convenient smartphone-based connectivity, with special features that few mainstream models in the market are equipped with, including:
Remote light activation: With just one button, the owner can remotely identify the car’s location in a parking lot when the front and rear lights of the car flash continuously for 30 seconds.
Remote lock/unlock: Easily lock/unlock all doors, sunroof, and trunk of the car, while monitoring the status of the car’s locks/unlocks directly on the app.
Remote engine start and air conditioning activation: Allows the owner to start the engine and set the air conditioning temperature remotely with 3 levels: high/normal/low.
Not only that, with Honda Connect, car owners can easily manage their vehicles anytime, anywhere on their smartphones, with special features that very few mainstream models on the market today are equipped with, such as:
Vehicle status update: Update and remotely alert the car owner about the fuel, battery, door locks, and airbags of the car.
Diagnostic vehicle problems: notify the car owner via phone about error conditions and how to deal with them when warning lights appear on the instrument cluster.
Maintenance schedule reminder: Update and remind the car owner when approaching the scheduled maintenance period, the owner can also check the service history, list of parts that need to be replaced, cost estimates before contacting the distributor to make a service appointment.
Vehicle travel information: Allows the car owner to check and track driving behavior and travel history, ensuring convenience and safety for users.
Find the car in the parking lot: The car owner can determine the car’s location at any time and anywhere through mobile connectivity.
Equipping a range of smart features with advanced technology is considered a very targeted move by the Honda HR-V to attract young customers. The trend of developing technology is also very popular in the automotive world, as companies are racing to showcase solutions that provide smart user experiences, instead of competing in configurations or power as usual.
Exciting performance, distinct “Honda style”
Although it has focused on advanced technology experience, Honda has not neglected the mechanical beauty – which is the character of the Japanese car brand. The 2022 HR-V inherits the “heart” from its CR-V sibling and has fine-tuned the power output to match the flexible body of the HR-V.
The car features a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine with a CVT transmission for a power output of 174 HP and a maximum torque of 240 Nm. With 3 modes: Sport, Normal, and Econ – users can flexibly change the car’s performance according to their preferences. Along with that, the suspension system has also been fine-tuned to provide an exciting driving experience.
The HR-V’s steering wheel features a beautiful rounded design with a sporty feel, inherited from the recently launched Civic. The size is just right, providing a firm and ergonomic grip that fits the physique of Asian people in general.
Importantly, the electric variable power steering system on the HR-V provides a “addictive” steering feel like other Honda cars – with just the right amount of steering wheel tightness: light and flexible at low speeds but still firm at high speeds. The wheel motion trajectory is accurately conveyed to the driver’s hands, providing confidence to the driver – as if the car is easy to control, always obediently “listening” to every movement of the driver’s hands.
The HR-V has a solid chassis system with a ground clearance of up to 181mm – enough for drivers to confidently climb curbs or cross flooded sections when necessary.
In addition, the Japanese manufacturer has treated and added soundproofing materials to many positions to improve the car’s soundproofing ability, bringing comfort to passengers. The most noticeable difference is when the car is operated in urban areas at speeds below 60 km/h: the car’s cabin is clearly separated from the outside environment.
A few points for improvement
With a lot of comprehensive improvements: from exterior and interior design, additional features, smart technology; a new turbocharged engine that provides superior driving experience – the new 2022 Honda HR-V truly deserves to be a comprehensive and attractive choice for young customers who prefer a modern lifestyle.
Quick summary, with unchanged prices and a range of comprehensive changes: from exterior and interior design; additional convenience features, smart technology; the new turbocharged engine that provides excellent driving experience – the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is truly a worthwhile choice for young customers who prefer a modern lifestyle.
Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)
