The All-New HR-V, the latest generation of the popular sub-compact crossover SUV by Honda, has officially been introduced into Nigeria’s auto market where it is expected to follow the trail of success blazed by its predecessor model.
At a press launch/test-drive in Lagos on Wednesday, the All-New HR-V not only looked stylish and sporty with coupe-inspired design, but also showed off an impressive interior that got the participating motoring journalists thumbing up for the car assembled in Nigeria by Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd (HAWA).
At the event, Honda Automobile Western Africa drew attention to the fact that the new-generation HR-V is a smart versatile SUV that represents another step in Honda’s commitment to a greener world with less emission.
Addressing the guests, the Managing Director of HAWA, Takashi Nakajima, said the 2023 HR-V, which controls about 38 percent market share in its segment locally, is crucial in his ambition of expanding the already large Honda family by “delivering as many cars as possible” to buyers.
Nakajima, who was accompanied by some HAWA managers, as well as Deepak Daryanani, the Director, Sales and Marketing of T.H.P. Limited (The Honda Place), said no fewer than 2, 000 Accord and HR-V units had so far been assembled at the company’s plant in Ota, Ogun state, since 2019.
Manager of Sales, Marketing and Logistics, HAWA, Remi Adams, said the new-generation HR-V was introduced as a smart versatile SUV that represents another step in Honda’s commitment to a greener world with less emission.
Adams said the all-new HR-V is powered by Honda’s 1.5 litre powertrain technology, delivering a blend of efficiency and responsive performance.
According to him, carrying on with the concept of meeting the exacting needs of modern consumers, the new model achieves a rare balance of premium SUV styling and exceptional spaciousness, with compact dimensions and easy entry and exit for passengers.
He said the new generation HR-V embodies Honda’s simple, clean, modern design philosophy already seen in the Accord.
Defined by the same key design concepts of function and beauty, he noted that the compact coupe-inspired silhouette is familiar yet exciting in appearance, with a playful character and confident SUV stance.
Adams said the clean simplicity of design is realised through the car’s smooth surfaces, with exterior design features incorporated into the body shape. For example, the headlights, unique body-coloured grille and distinctive lower mesh grille seamlessly integrate with the forward-protruding nose shape and front quarter panels, giving it a more sculpted appearance and creating a sleek, bold expression.
Inside the 2023 HR-V, every design element is dedicated to achieving a sense of generous spaciousness and airiness that connects occupants to the outside world, with levels of comfort and practicality unrivalled in the sub-compact SUV segment. Contemporary fabrics and textured materials create a solid, premium feel, with the quality of soft-touch materials.
Efficient interior space management was evident during the test-drive, as even the tallest among the journalists enjoyed ample head-room behind the steering wheel, while the front and rear passengers also had enough leg-room to enhance their comfort..
The interior was designed with a focus on space and light to elevate the sense of airiness in the cabin. This airy feeling is amplified by a unique ‘Air Diffusion System’ where L-shaped vents are positioned in the top corners of the dashboard. This new system addresses a disparity in traditional vent configurations, where passengers often feel uncomfortable with air flowing directly onto them.
Particularly worthy of note is a new driving position, which is 10 mm higher than the previous model. In addition, windows that are designed to admit as much light as possible, which are aided by the horizontally orientated, noiseless instrumental panel to the flat line of the bonnet. Furthermore, the mirror attachment has moved lower down the door, improving visibility around the three-quarter area when turning thereby preventing blind spot situations.
Honda’s next-generation body stabilising front seats feature mat-structure support, replacing the previous spring set-up, which helps prevent fatigue on long journeys and increases comfort in everyday use. For additional comfort while driving, the interior controls are optimally positioned as close as possible to the driver’s field of vision.
Although overall vehicle dimensions are similar to the previous model, the new HR-V offers greater leg room and shoulder space, for an enhanced feeling of spaciousness and comfort. In addition to the 35 mm increase in rear leg room, there is an additional two-degree recline compared to the previous generation HR-V. The platform configuration also allows Honda to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seat set-up, that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility, depending on load space required.
Easy loading access has not been compromised by the coupe-inspired roofline. The clever packaging and Magic Seats, a lower tailgate edge, tailgate aperture, low, flat cargo floor all work in unison to provide this. The resulting cargo space can easily accommodate a wide variety of luggage and lifestyle-related equipment.
Honda’s proven technology delivers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with responsive performance and impressive fuel efficiency. A 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with a CVT transmission that perfectly fits helps to drive with peak power output of 119hp / 6600rpm and a Torque of 145Nm / 4300rpm. You can be guaranteed of best in-class fuel economy with its Econ button that allows the owner to have a fuel usage of as little as 18.4Km/L, depending on driving condition and terrain.
Thanks to the auto maker’s thoughtfulness, the All-New HR-V provides seamless in-car connectivity that allows owners to connect to their everyday lives with ease. The intuitive 8” LCD touchscreen interface is designed to minimise driver distraction, with a simplified and fully customisable menu layer enabling easy access to convenience features and controls. HMI operation time is greatly improved compared to previous model HMI systems, making it quick and easy to switch between Apps and providing fast response to inputs and commands.
The interface, which is navigated using familiar smartphone-style controls, also enables smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay (through Bluetooth, WiFi or cable) and Android Auto (cable). Over-the-air software updates allows upgrades to the latest features and apps.
Very innovative among the array of safety features in the All-new HR-V are the On/Off headlights: They automatically come on when the car gets into dark environment, go off when it’s bright, changes the low beam headlights to high beam headlights when necessary.
