[Car Review] The Ideal Urban Crossover for Young Buyers: 2022 Honda HR-V

Perfect dimensions for urban living

The Honda HR-V has compact dimensions of 4,385 x 1,790 x 1,590mm, with a wheelbase of 2,610mm and a ground clearance of 181mm. Its compact size makes it effortless for owners to find parking in small streets, where even a few centimeters matter!

Thanks to its compact size, the HR-V is highly maneuverable and can easily navigate narrow urban alleys – a feat that 7-seat SUVs or bulky pickups can hardly achieve, let alone without causing traffic congestion.

Despite its compactness, the HR-V doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The spacious passenger compartment comfortably accommodates four adults, along with adequate storage space and three versatile magic seat folding modes that cater to various daily travel needs, such as shopping, supermarket trips, and transporting larger items like bicycles and golf clubs.

With a ground clearance of 181mm, drivers can confidently navigate curbs and rough roads without much concern – unlike low-riding cars.

The HR-V is not intended for off-road enthusiasts who enjoy tackling forests and mountains. However, for consumers who primarily use their cars in urban settings and rarely venture outside the city, the Honda HR-V is an ideal and hassle-free choice.

Superior safety features

In 2022, Honda Vietnam aims to equip its models with the Honda Sensing package, starting with the CR-V, followed by the Accord, Civic, and now the HR-V. Unlike its siblings, the HR-V boasts second-generation Honda Sensing technology, offering numerous benefits:

– Adaptive cruise control, including 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 HR-V features a Lane Watch camera for hassle-free parking close to curbs, active steering assistance, 6-standard airbags, a 3-angle rear-view camera, hill start assist, and an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold integration.

Importantly, the Honda Sensing features in the HR-V work even at low speeds in urban environments, greatly reducing driver stress and ensuring safer operation in congested or heavy traffic. Compared to many premium models, the HR-V’s Honda Sensing safety equipment stands out, while also surpassing the safety offerings of mass-market B-segment cars – its main competitors in the Vietnamese market.

Convenient amenities for all

To enhance the user experience, Honda Vietnam equips the HR-V with a dual-display system, including an 8-inch infotainment display with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Behind the steering wheel, a display screen with a varied interface caters to each driving mode. Paddle shifters positioned behind the steering wheel offer an exhilarating sports driving feel.

For optimal comfort, the HR-V features a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system complemented by three-mode air vents: closed/direct cooling/cooling around.

In indirect wind mode, the air flow circulates around the cabin, avoiding direct discomfort on passengers’ faces. Rear passengers benefit from separate air conditioning vents and phone charging ports.

Smart experience with Honda Connect

In the era of smart technology, convenience is a key trend. However, in the automotive world, mainstream models in Vietnam have been slow to embrace this concept. Honda HR-V, following in the footsteps of its sibling, the Civic, leads the market by equipping its vehicles with the Honda Connect technology package, featuring several outstanding safety and security features, including:

– Automatic collision detection and notification: In the event of a collision and airbag deployment, the 24/7 hotline will automatically contact the driver and emergency contacts.

– Security alert: Instantly alerts the owner via phone if the car is being broken into.

– Zone and speed limit alert: Notifies the owner via phone when the car enters/exits a defined area or exceeds a pre-set speed limit.

In addition, Honda Connect provides interactive smartphone-based connectivity with features rarely found in mainstream models on the market:

– Remote light activation: The owner can remotely identify the car’s location in a parking lot. When activated, the front and rear lights flash continuously for 30 seconds.

– Remote lock/unlock: Effortlessly lock/unlock all doors, sunroof, and trunk while monitoring the car’s lock/unlock status 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 three levels: high/normal/low.

Honda Connect enables car owners to easily manage their vehicles anytime and anywhere through their smartphones, with features rarely found in mainstream models:

– Vehicle status update: Keeps the car owner informed of fuel, battery, door locks, and airbags.

– Diagnostic vehicle problems: Notifies the car owner via phone about error conditions and provides guidance when warning lights appear on the instrument cluster.

– Maintenance schedule reminder: Sends updates and reminders to the car owner when a scheduled maintenance period is approaching. The owner can also check the service history, list of parts that need replacement, and cost estimates before making a service appointment with the dealer.

– Vehicle travel information: Allows the car owner to track and monitor driving behavior and travel history for convenience and safety.

– Find the car in the parking lot: The car owner can determine the car’s location at any time and anywhere via mobile connectivity.

By equipping HR-V with various smart features and advanced technology, Honda aims to attract young customers. The trend of developing smart user experiences is becoming prevalent in the automotive world, where companies vie to present solutions that provide convenience instead of competing solely on specifications or power.

Thrilling performance, distinctive “Honda style”

Despite its focus on advanced technology, Honda hasn’t overlooked the mechanical beauty for which the brand is known. The 2022 HR-V inherits its DNA from the CR-V, with power output fine-tuned to match the HR-V’s nimble body.

The HR-V is powered by a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine with a CVT transmission, delivering 174 HP of power and a maximum torque of 240 Nm. With three driving modes – Sport, Normal, and Econ – users can adapt the car’s performance to their preferences. The suspension system has also been fine-tuned to provide an exhilarating driving experience.

The HR-V’s steering wheel boasts a beautiful rounded design with a sporty feel, borrowed from the recently launched Civic. Its size offers a firm and ergonomic grip, perfectly fitting the physique of Asian drivers.

Importantly, the HR-V’s electric variable power steering system enhances the driving experience, amplifying the addictive steering feel found in other Honda cars. At low speeds, the steering wheel is light and agile, while remaining firm and responsive at higher speeds. The steering wheel accurately conveys the driver’s movements, instilling confidence and control.

The HR-V features a robust chassis system with a ground clearance of up to 181mm, allowing drivers to confidently tackle curbs and flood-prone areas when necessary.

Furthermore, Honda has invested in soundproofing materials in strategic locations, significantly improving cabin acoustics and passenger comfort. At speeds below 60 km/h in urban areas, the HR-V effectively isolates occupants from external noise.

Room for improvement

With its comprehensive improvements to exterior and interior design, added convenience features, smart technology, and a new turbocharged engine that enhances the driving experience, the 2022 Honda HR-V is an attractive choice for young customers seeking a modern lifestyle.

In summary, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V offers unchanged prices and a range of comprehensive changes, including exterior and interior design upgrades, additional convenience features, smart technology, and an improved turbocharged engine. It is undoubtedly a worthwhile choice for young customers seeking a modern lifestyle.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)