The compact SUV segment has undergone significant changes in the past 3 years in terms of the number of options available to consumers. However, 5 years ago, there were only 2 competitors apart from the Honda HR-V, namely the Hyundai Kona and Ford EcoSport. Among them, the Ford EcoSport had the advantage in terms of sales. The Honda HR-V was launched later and was also the most expensive model in the segment.
Mr. Le Dinh Khoa, a 44-year-old banking professional in Bac Ninh, is the proud owner of a 2018 Honda HR-V. He shares detailed insights about his 5-year experience with the car, which has been a reliable companion for his family.
Mr. Khoa has been using his Honda HR-V for 5 years and is highly satisfied with the car’s performance.
Hello Mr. Khoa! How many kilometers has your Honda HRV 2018 traveled so far?
I purchased the Honda HR-V 2018 as one of the first batch from Honda Vietnam, and it is also my first car. Till date, the car has covered a distance of 70,000 km.
At the time of purchasing the HR-V, there weren’t many compact SUV options available for small families. Alongside the HR-V, the Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Kona were the other alternatives.
One of my friends was driving the Ford EcoSport during that time. I also test drove it and found it to be quite impressive and suitable as per my preferences. Ford had recently opened dealerships in Bac Ninh around that time.
The Hyundai Kona was also an option, but it seemed too small and more suitable for women.
However, my decision quickly changed when I came across a video showcasing the launch of the Honda HR-V in Thailand. I decided to wait for the car to arrive in Vietnam, even though I wasn’t aware of the price in Vietnam. The car’s aesthetics were truly captivating.
Did you notice that the selling price of the Honda HRV at that time was higher than the average market price?
Yes, indeed the selling price was higher. It was a tough decision to make, but since I liked it, I had to save more money. Witnessing flooding scenes, I was determined to buy a versatile high-ground clearance car. The Honda HR-V is a reputable brand, fully imported from Thailand, which provided me with a sense of reassurance.
Most individuals in that price range usually choose a higher segment model like the Hyundai Tucson, which showcases an attractive design and numerous amenities. What are your personal thoughts regarding this?
In 2018, with 900 million VND, I could have considered the Hyundai Tucson, but it didn’t seem suitable for me. My criteria were a high-ground clearance versatile car with a compact size for city driving.
I had a look at the Hyundai Tucson, and it was decent with a bigger and taller body, but the features didn’t stand out. If I had chosen the Tucson, I had a better alternative in the form of the Honda CR-V.
After 5 years of experience, how would you evaluate the Honda HR-V?
I have already mentioned the various advantages. It is a stylish car that matches my taste. It is durable, easy to drive, and has no faults. Just regular maintenance and driving.
Some drawbacks I have noticed include poor soundproofing and noise reduction in the Honda HR-V, although these can be improved. After covering 30,000 km, I switched to a more comfortable set of tires, which significantly reduced the noise level.
The LED headlights of the car have low brightness, so I later upgraded them. The steering wheel feels a bit heavy for women.
Even after 5 years of usage and covering a distance of 70,000 km, the car is still in good condition with no faults. The fuel consumption on mixed roads averages around 6.8-7 liters/100 km, which I believe is reasonable.
Your Honda HR-V is a previous generation model and does not feature the Honda Sensing active safety system. Do you consider this system to be important?
It is an advanced system that justifies the investment. Nowadays, car manufacturers are competing rigorously, and people are paying more attention to safety features.
Since you reside in Bac Ninh, the cost of owning a car in the province seems to be lower compared to Hanoi, isn’t it?
Yes, that’s correct. I do not have to pay for parking at work or home. I only have to bear the cost of fuel, which amounts to around 2.5 million VND per month on average.
The Honda HR-V is your first car, and you have given it high praise. Does that mean you are a Honda fan?
Every car has its own pros and cons. The Honda HR-V is no exception. My entire family has been traveling with it for 5 years, so we have experienced both its advantages and disadvantages.
Thank you for this interview!
Honda CR-V’s Turbo VTEC Engine Takes on Mazda CX-5’s Skyactiv
Honda introduces the new 5+2 CR-V with its “weapon” being the Turbo VTEC engine. Mazda, on the other hand, responds by equipping the CX-5 with the Skyactiv engine. Let’s make a comparison to see which engine surpasses the other in certain aspects.
Witness the Collision Test between Honda CR-V and Jazz
Recently, an Autodaily editor had the rare opportunity to witness a collision test of Honda vehicles at the company’s testing facility in Tochigi prefecture, Japan.
Honda to introduce new hydro-powered CR-V variant
The expected commercial production of the Honda CR-V, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, is set to begin in 2024. It will be available for sale in Japan and North America.
Vietnam Workshop Transforms Honda HR-V into Lamborghini Urus
With a revamped front-end design and a menacing bodykit, the ordinary SUV has transformed into the iconic Lamborghini Urus – the renowned super SUV.
[CAR REVIEW] Honda CR-V: Impressive driving experience, Honda Sensing safety, and fuel efficiency impress users
According to Chu Tung, a car owner in Thai Nguyen, the Honda CR-V is a highly recommended choice, offering spaciousness for families, an exhilarating driving experience, and safe handling thanks to the Honda Sensing technology package. These values become even more apparent as you continue to use the car.
