After experiencing the Honda HR-V G model for almost a year, Mr. Duong Tuan Nam and his family are fully satisfied with its performance and it has successfully met their transportation needs in Vietnam.
Towards the end of 2022, Honda Vietnam introduced the G version of their HR-V SUV with a price tag of 699 million VND. It was during this time that Mr. Duong Tuan Nam, who resides in Thai Nguyen, was in search of an upgrade after selling his old Hyundai i10.
Nam recalled that during the last Lunar New Year, he urgently needed to buy a car for his family to travel during the festive season. After careful consideration, he signed a contract and made a deposit for a Mazda 3. However, as soon as he heard about the launch of the Honda HR-V G version, which came with attractive options and a starting price of 699 million VND, Nam immediately changed his mind and was willing to forfeit his deposit of a few tens of million VND.
At that time, the dealers in Thai Nguyen and the surrounding areas had not received the G version for display or test drives. As a result, Mr. Duong Tuan Nam had to travel several hundreds of kilometers to Quang Ninh province, where another dealer had the HR-V G available for him to test drive, just before the Lunar New Year. Nam still vividly remembers that he registered his car on December 29, 2022, just in time for the upcoming year.
During the initial stages of owning the car, Nam felt a great sense of happiness and pride as he became one of the first owners of this model. While driving his HR-V, many people on the road would give it second glances, proving its undeniable beauty!
Looking back on almost a year of ownership, Duong Tuan Nam reaffirmed that his decision to buy the HR-V G was a little impulsive! However, the longer he used the car, the more convinced he became that his decision was completely justified.
What impressed Nam the most was the design of the Honda HR-V. This SUV combines youthful and modern lines, giving off a very sporty vibe.
It even bears a resemblance to the authentic sports car, the Porsche Macan! Even Nam’s father, who is an elderly individual, expressed how beautiful the HR-V looked when he saw his son driving it home!
With a price tag of less than 700 million VND, the Honda HR-V G is truly an attractive car, equipped with a list of user-friendly features. It is not a budget version lacking in options.
The automatic air conditioner performs exceptionally well on hot sunny days, cooling the interior quickly and providing a comfortable environment. The infotainment screen is sharp and modern, supporting Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity for easy access to entertainment and navigation.
However, according to Nam, the phone connectivity port is not very convenient, and the cables are not neatly arranged. Therefore, he hopes for the wireless Apple CarPlay feature to be added.
The spacious interior is another standout feature for Tu?n Nam. He mentioned that whenever he has friends or acquaintances in the car, they feel comfortable and impressed by the spaciousness – receiving compliments from guests after experiencing the vehicle. However, Nam mentioned that the rear suspension system could be improved to provide a more comfortable ride. If it were softer, the Honda HR-V G would offer a perfect user experience.
Regarding the driver’s seat, Duong Tuan Nam shared that the Honda HR-V G is equipped with a naturally aspirated VTEC 1.5L engine, paired with a CVT automatic transmission that performs adequately. With a power output of 119 HP and a maximum torque of 141 Nm, it may not be outstanding compared to competitors in the segment.
However, the driving experience proves that the Honda HR-V G is far from weak! The car responds well to sudden accelerations when overtaking or driving on highways. Nevertheless, Nam suggested that those who enjoy the thrill of stepping on the gas or the excitement of sports cars should consider the version equipped with the VTEC 1.5L Turbo engine.
On the flip side, the Honda HR-V G is highly fuel-efficient. After more than 9 months of daily use, Nam reported a fuel consumption of approximately 7L/100km – a remarkable feat considering the higher weight and size of the HR-V compared to his old Hyundai i10.
Furthermore, Honda has always been a reputable brand in the eyes of Vietnamese consumers. Nam himself feels extremely confident and at ease while using the product. The cost of maintenance is also something that satisfies Nam. Honda’s extensive dealer network allows for easy servicing anywhere, with reasonable costs.
Additionally, the Honda HR-V G’s soundproofing capability pleasantly surprised Duong Tuan Nam. When he researched online before purchasing the car, Nam came across comments claiming that Honda cars are not well-insulated against noise. However, after nearly a year of use, Nam discovered that the car is not as “noisy as rumored”!
Furthermore, what Nam and his family appreciate the most is the Honda Sensing package that comes with the HR-V G version. Despite being an affordable version, Honda is determined to incorporate safety-assist technology systems in its products, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring user safety.
Honda Sensing is always present and functions very effectively. It detects not just cars but also motorcycles or pedestrians within an instant, even when the driver may be absent-minded or not paying attention. Thanks to the collision avoidance braking feature, Nam has successfully escaped from potentially dangerous situations, avoiding damage to both property and health!
The Adaptive Cruise Control and lane-keeping features are also highly useful for drivers on highways. The intelligent automatic headlights prove to be very convenient as well. Nam shared that he only needs to switch the headlights to auto mode and then “almost forgets” about this lever because it functions so accurately!
However, aside from all these commendable aspects, the Honda HR-V G still has a few minor points that could use improvement to achieve the “perfection” expected of a family car. Nam believes that these areas include adding the wireless Apple CarPlay feature, a larger screen seamlessly incorporated into the dashboard, a softer rear suspension system, and seats accompanied by a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
After almost a year of use, Duong Tuan Nam rates the Honda HR-V G model at 8.5/10. The car satisfies nearly all his and his family’s daily transportation needs. Though the decision to purchase the car may have seemed impulsive, it has proven to be a wise choice for Nam. On the contrary, the more they drive it, the more they fall in love with it.
By Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)
Photos: Huy Bach