Honda HR-V woos the damsels

What does the fairer sex have to say about this Honda crossover? CarSifu recently invited three ladies to try out the HR-V and asked them for their feedback.

Well, they had a lot to say about the compact SUV. But the long and short of it was that they found the HR-V capable, comfortable despite its size and downright cute.

But first, let’s look at what this model has to offer.

The HR-V is sold locally in three variants, namely the entry-level S grade that’s priced on the road with GST and insurance at RM98,689.79, followed by the mid-spec E at RM108,026.50 and finally the range-topping V at RM118,228.50.

The V grade is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mated to a 1.8-litre engine, which produces 140bhp and 172Nm of torque – more than enough for a spirited drive or for those steep uphill climbs if ever needed.

Also included in the equipment package are all-round brake discs for confident braking, an electronically-activated parking brake for convenience, and larger 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 series tyres for a more masculine look.

It uses LEDs for its automatic headlights and daytime running lights and it’s also equipped with keyless entry and push-start button, cruise control, multi-angle rear view camera, automatic dimming rear view mirror, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, half leather seats and vanity mirrors with illumination.

For safety, it comes with six airbags, rear parking sensors, emergency stop signal, hill start assist, vehicle stability assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, automatic brake hold and ISOFIX anchor points.

A seven-inch touchscreen connected to six speakers takes care of entertainment needs; along with two USB ports and a HDMI port, while voice recognition and hands-free telephone control switches on the steering wheel takes care of convenience.

We got the V grade for a week and drove it to where the ladies were.

Although the women didn’t meet each other, they did share one commonality – they would always start out by saying how easy it was to get in and out and how comfortable the seats and headrests were.

Gazing at the HR-V, each of them complimented the overall size and aesthetics of the car – particularly the hidden rear door handles.

Unlike men who tend to get fascinated by the performance and technicalities of a car, women are wired differently and tend to think in terms of what the car has to offer such as comfort and modern conveniences.

For Jennifer Ng, who drives a 1.3-litre Perodua Myvi, it was the stylish alloy wheels that caught her eye and when she ventured into the cabin – it was “love at first sight”.

“Both the driver and passenger get an illuminated vanity mirror!” she said enthusiastically. She discovered “how easy it was to get in and out of the car and I can’t believe how comfortable the seats are – especially the headrests, it’s wonderfully plush!” she exclaimed.

She also liked the cabin and the numerous features such as the electronic parking brake, automatic lights and the keyless entry with push start button and the steering wheel volume controls.

“The HR-V has many conveniences, everything is within such easy reach and it’s absolutely practical for me,” said Jennifer.

Next to have a stab at the HR-V was Vivian Tah who drives a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI and is “digging” the car’s list of features more than its power.

“It’s so easy to get in and out and it’s almost like sliding on and off the comfortable seats,” she said.

But what appealed to her most was the keyless entry and push-start button. “These two items need to be included in any car for the convenience they offer,” she pointed out.

Driving the HR-V, Vivian noted a few items on her list of “likes”.

“I like the big seven-inch touchscreen and the touch panel controls – they bring a sense of style to the dashboard.

“The steering is nice and light; with the impressive all-round view, I feel raised up and a lot more confident when driving around.”

Like Jennifer, Ruby Lim drives a 1.3-litre Myvi and she finds the HR-V desirable.

At 156cm-tall, Ruby attests that getting in and out was simple and easy, and the overall size of the vehicle was not intimidating at all.

“I thought getting into the HR-V would require more effort considering how ‘high’ it looked, but little effort was required to clamber inside.”

Ruby appreciated the colours in the cabin, pointing out that she liked the HR-V’s blue ambient lighting in the footwells and especially the combination of blue and green hues found in the instrument cluster.

“It’s quite interesting how the HR-V is able to let the driver know if the way it’s being driven is economical by changing the blue hue around the speedometer to a green one,” she remarked.

Taking the HR-V for a short spin, Ruby found the CVT to be a joy to use.

“The way it accelerates is just smooth all the way and I like how the brakes bite firmly, while the suspension absorbs shocks well,” she added.