2015 is a long time ago – though thats when the was initially launched in Malaysia, and today, seven years down the line it still pulls healthy sales, despite way newer rivals like the and nipping at its heels.
So much so that it accounted for 21% of Honda Malaysia's sales last year, making it the brand's second best seller behind the and ahead of the . Demand is still higher than the limited supply, and that's certainly something, considering it not only has to contend with rivals but also the fact the its next-gen replacement is looming in the distance.
Clearly there's something going for it even as time has caught up, and the answer could be, well, timeless: efficient powertrains and clever interior design.
It's a cheaper, full-hybrid SUV alternative
Way before Toyota's blue-badged boy rolled along, we got the RM 114k HR-V Hybrid, which despite its eco-warrior allusions, actually offers the best drive among all variants. It's the cheapest full-hybrid SUV you can get in Malaysia, pipped by the Corolla Cross Hybrid which retails from RM 137k.
A combined system output of 152 PS and 190 Nm may not sound the strongest in our current era, but its smooth Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) hybrid system is still quite a match to more powerful opponents.
Acceleration is perky – far more responsive than any of its peers – no doubt aided by its slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (7 DCT) transmission and instant torque delivery from the electric motor.
Last year's update gave the HR-V Hybrid a leather steering wheel, a better infotainment, and more connectivity inside
That, and it'll still do 5 litres/100 km without trying.
Almost unparalleled interior space
As with most loveable machinery, a big chunk of the HR-V's talents sit outside the margins of mathematics. Actually, it's inside the car.
Step into the HR-V and though it may be your first time, chances are you can figure everything out before you drive out the showroom. Sure, the aesthetics aren't winning any awards today, but its ergonomics and cargo space are huge plus points.
Its clever Ultra Seats can fold flat and upwards, meaning you can fit more cargo in the HR-V compared to the Corolla Cross or bigger rivals like the .
Boot space is rated at 404 litres (Hybrid) and 437 litres for the rest of the range.
Despite its smaller theoratical numbers to the Corolla Cross' 440 litres, the aforementioned flat-folding seats, low boot floor, as well as wide and tall boot aperture means that you can load more inside it.
Updated infotainment, lights, fixes big complaints
Last year's update to the HR-V range fixes the biggest complaints about the Hybrid variant, by bringing LED headlights, fog lights, and snazzy new tail lights with it. At least now it doesn't seem so 'cut-rate' anymore.
The update added 2 USB ports to the HR-V Hybrid, another pain point massaged away
That, and a new infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across the range further ekes out a little bit more to like about the HR-V, and addresses our initial disappointments about the model.
Conclusion
When all's said and done, it's easy to see why the HR-V is still being pulling customers: you have a car that's easy to drive and park, very economical to run, and offers oodles of space for the money.
The all-new Honda HR-V, bound to come to Malaysia after June
True, you'll have to live without Honda Sensing ADAS. That's something the next-gen model will likely fix, but of course at the cost of the inevitable price increase.
For now, the HR-V is priced from RM 104,000 to RM 118,581 (SST-free until 30-June 2022).
To sweeten the deal, Honda Malaysia is offering rebates of up to RM 5,500 on the model from now till 31-March 2022 too.
Keyword: Oldest in the segment, here's why the Honda HR-V is selling well vs Corolla Cross