[Car Review] The Ideal City SUV for Young Shoppers: 2022 Honda HR-V

Excellent dimensions for urban areas

The dimensions of the Honda HR-V are 4,385 x 1,790 x 1,590mm, with a wheelbase of 2,610mm and a ground clearance of 181mm. Its most noticeable advantage is the convenience it offers for finding parking spaces in narrow streets, where even a difference of 10-20cm matters!

Due to its compact size, the HR-V is extremely flexible and easy to maneuver in narrow urban alleys – something that 7-seat SUVs or bulky pickups struggle with. Even if they manage to navigate, it becomes a challenging task for the driver, not to mention the potential for traffic congestion.

The compact HR-V is flexible and versatile, yet it doesn’t compromise on space. The passenger compartment comfortably accommodates 4 adults, along with ample storage space and 3 convenient magic seat folding modes that cater to daily travel needs such as shopping, going to the supermarket, and transporting bulky items like bicycles or golf clubs.

With a ground clearance of 181mm, drivers can confidently navigate curbs when necessary or smoothly maneuver through rough roads without excessive caution like low-lying cars.

This crossover model is also suitable for outdoor trips or weekend getaways to the countryside. However, it’s not the ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts seeking to conquer forests and mountains.

Therefore, for consumers primarily driving within urban areas and rarely venturing beyond the city limits, the Honda HR-V serves as the perfect unaltered standard choice.

Superbly equipped with modern safety features

In 2022, Honda Vietnam is determined to introduce the Honda Sensing package across its models, starting with the CR-V, followed by the Accord, Civic, and now the HR-V. However, the HR-V boasts the second generation Honda Sensing technology, featuring numerous outstanding advantages:

• 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

Additionally, the car features a Lane Watch camera for convenient parking near curbs, active steering assist, 6 airbags as standard equipment, a 3-angle rear-view camera, hill start assist, and an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold integration.

Importantly, the Honda Sensing package in the HR-V operates even at low speeds within urban environments. This is especially suitable for reducing driver stress and ensuring safe operation in congested or heavy traffic conditions.

Compared to many premium models, the Honda Sensing safety equipment list in the new 2022 HR-V is even more extensive, not to mention competing with the B-segment mass-market cars – the HR-V’s main competitors in the Vietnamese market.

Several passenger conveniences

To maximize the user experience, Honda Vietnam has equipped the HR-V with a dual-display system, consisting of an 8-inch infotainment display with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Behind the steering wheel, there’s a display screen with a diverse interface for each driving mode. The driver can enjoy an exciting sports driving feel thanks to the paddle shifters conveniently located behind the steering wheel.

The Honda HR-V comes equipped with a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system. An equally useful feature for passengers is the 3-mode air vents with options for closed air, direct cooling, and all-around cooling.

In the indirect wind mode, the air flow is optimized to circulate around the cabin without directly blowing onto passengers’ faces, ensuring comfort. Rear passengers are also provided with separate air conditioning vents and phone charging ports.

Intelligent experience with Honda Connect

In the era of Industry 4.0, the application of smart technologies to enhance convenience in daily life is an essential trend. However, the emphasis on this aspect seems to be lacking in the Vietnamese car market, especially among mainstream models.

In this aspect, Honda HR-V boldly leads the market by equipping its products with the Honda Connect technology package, providing users with a range of outstanding safety and security features, including:

• Automatic collision detection and notification: The 24/7 hotline automatically contacts the driver and emergency contacts when the car is involved in a collision and the airbags deploy.
• Security alert: The owner is immediately alerted via phone when the car is being broken into.
• Zone and speed limit alert: The owner will be notified via phone when the car enters or exits a set area or exceeds a pre-set speed limit.

Furthermore, Honda Connect offers interactive and convenient smartphone-based connectivity with special features that few mainstream models on 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 as the front and rear lights of the car flash continuously for 30 seconds.
• Remote lock/unlock: Easily lock or unlock all doors, sunroof, and trunk of the car while monitoring the lock/unlock status directly on the app.
• Remote engine start and air conditioning activation: Allows the owner to remotely start the engine and set the air conditioning temperature with 3 levels: high, normal, and low.

In addition, car owners can easily manage their vehicles anytime, anywhere on their smartphones using Honda Connect with special features that very few mainstream models on the market offer:

• Vehicle status update: The car owner can receive updates and remote alerts regarding the car’s fuel, battery, door locks, and airbags.
• Diagnostic vehicle problems: The car owner will be notified via phone about error conditions and how to resolve them when warning lights appear on the instrument cluster.
• Maintenance schedule reminder: The car owner will receive updates and reminders as the scheduled maintenance period approaches. The owner can also check the service history and the list of parts requiring replacement, along with cost estimates before contacting the distributor to schedule a service appointment.
• Vehicle travel information: Enables the car owner to check and track driving behavior and travel history, ensuring convenience and safety.
• Parking lot car finder: The car owner can determine the car’s location at any time and anywhere through mobile connectivity.

Equipped with a range of smart features using advanced technology, the Honda HR-V is designed to attract young customers with a targeted approach. The trend of developing technology for smarter user experiences is gaining popularity in the automotive industry, as companies strive to showcase solutions that offer intelligent experiences instead of solely competing on configurations or power.

Thrilling performance, distinctive “Honda style”

While showcasing advanced technology, Honda remains true to its mechanical excellence, which characterizes the Japanese brand. The 2022 HR-V inherits its “soul” from its CR-V sibling, fine-tuning the power output to match the HR-V’s agile body.

The car features a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine with a CVT transmission, delivering 174 HP of power and a peak torque of 240 Nm. Users can flexibly adjust the car’s performance to suit their preferences with the Sport, Normal, and Econ modes. The suspension system has been fine-tuned to provide an exhilarating driving experience.

The HR-V’s steering wheel sports a beautifully rounded design with a sporty feel, reminiscent of its recently launched sibling, the Civic. It offers an ideal grip for Asian physiques, providing a firm and ergonomic hold.

Notably, the electric variable power steering system in the HR-V provides an addictive steering feel, consistent with other Honda cars. The right amount of steering wheel tightness is maintained: light and adaptable at low speeds, yet firm at high speeds. The wheel faithfully conveys the driver’s hand movements, instilling confidence and allowing for precise control as if the car effortlessly obeys every driver action.

With a solid chassis system and a ground clearance of up to 181mm, the HR-V enables drivers to confidently overcome curbs or navigate through flooded sections when necessary.

In addition, Honda has treated and added soundproofing materials to various areas, significantly improving the car’s soundproofing capabilities for a comfortable ride. The cabin is noticeably separated from the outside environment when operating at speeds below 60 km/h in urban areas.

A few areas for improvement

With numerous comprehensive improvements in terms of exterior and interior design, added convenience features, smart technology advancements, and a powerful turbocharged engine offering a superb driving experience, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is truly an enticing choice for young customers seeking a modern lifestyle.

Quick summary: With unchanged prices and comprehensive changes in terms of exterior and interior design, additional convenience features, smart technologies, and a new turbocharged engine offering excellent driving experience, the all-new 2022 Honda HR-V is genuinely a worthwhile choice for young customers seeking a modern lifestyle.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)