Honda HR-V

The sub-compact SUV segment is booming day by day in the USA. Realising the potential of this segment, more and more companies are putting its best foot into it. However, Honda was one of the earliest entrants into this market, with its H-RV. It's been quite some time since the H-RV was launched in the U.S. and acknowledging the need to update, Honda introduced the latest 2019 H-RV. In addition to a few comfort and feature upgrades across its various trims, Honda also added a new Sport model that's positioned just above the base LX. The 2019 H-RV is offered in five variants - LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The base model LX starts retailing at $21,565, while the top-end Touring model retails at $29,585 (both prices MSRP). It competes against the likes of the Hyundai Kona, the Toyota C-HR and the Ford EcoSport.

A refreshed exterior design gives the 2019 HR-V a new look. However, it's not that exciting. The 2019 HR-V is a blend of a coupe and a crossover, but it doesn't look too convincing or compelling. The massive plunge stamped into the HR-V’s side moves forward into the grille at one end and digs into the rear door handles at the other. It features 18-inch alloy wheels and replaces much of the chrome trim with shiny black panels. The bumpers, headlights, grille and taillights are all revamped on the 2019 HR-V. There are plenty of exterior accessories on offer for some extra bucks, like chrome door handle protection, body side molding, chrome rear bumper trim etc. The HR-V LX is available in four paint schemes - Crystal Black, Lunar Silver, Platinum White Pearl and Modern Steel. Walk inside the cabin and you would be greeted by a simple, tidy and elegant interior. The elegant lines stand in contrast to the busy exterior. One can easily notice an array of contrasting, soft-touch material that covers up the dashboard, however, the three air vents in front of the passenger don’t really fit into the dashboard design. The 7.0-inches touchscreen for infotainment has a volume knob now instead of a slider which was fitted in its predecessor. Legroom and headspace are nothing to complain about and the seats are also comfortable. Honda added some additional sound-deadening material to the body, and it actually works to cut-down the cabin noise. It has a trunk space of 76 cubic feet. The 2019 H-RV LX is offered in both 2WD CVT and AWD CVT options. Power is received through a 1,799cc, 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve engine, with Earthdream technology, that produces 141hp of max power at 6,500rpm and a peak torque of 127lb-ft at 4,300rpm. As per company claims, it yields a combined mileage of 31mpg and has a fuel tank capacity of 13.2 gallons. The HR-V LX comes equipped with Hill Start Assist and Eco Assist systems. Braking is performed by four-wheel discs, along with ABS, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control. Suspension setup includes front Strut and rear Torsion Beam. Other notable features include cruise control, remote engine start, keyless entry, vehicle anti-theft system, intermittent wipers and auto-off headlights.