FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE? (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_hondahr-v_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

Honda's third generation HR-V small e:Hybrid SUV gets a mid-term wash 'n brush-up yet still retains its practical virtues. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 74

This 'RV'-era MK3 Honda HR-V is part of a new e:HEV generation of efficient Honda SUVs and here has been subtly updated. As before, it uses a self charging full-Hybrid with a fiendishly clever powertrain. And there's a sophisticated interior that retains the brand's trademark 'Magic' folding seats. In short, there's lots to like here. A large number of HR-V owners buy another and this updated third generation model aims to keep them loyal.

Backgroundword count: 132

It's taken some time for small SUVs to fully get on board with the current electrified automotive zeitgeist, but things are gradually changing. Take this car, Honda's third generation HR-V, badged 'e:HEV' and first launched in 2021, since when it's only been available in full-Hybrid form. Self-charging hybrid form that is. Honda doesn't seem to be bothering with petrol-powered Plug-in hybrids in this smaller SUV segment. Instead, it's devoted its attention to making ordinary full-Hybrids work as efficiently as possible. These being hybrids of the sort that can occasionally allow the car to run independently on full-electric power, rather than the rather ineffective Mild Hybrid powerplants you'll find in segment rivals like Ford Puma and the Kia's Stonic. Let's take a closer look it the mildly updated version of this RV-series model.

Driving Experienceword count: 233

This MK3 HR-V shares both its 'Global Small Car' platform and its 1.5-litre four-cylinder Hybrid petrol engine with the current Jazz supermini. As there, a pair of electric motors, based alongside the engine, are at lower speeds responsible for most of the propulsion, the petrol powerplant serving mostly as a generator. Only at high speeds does the engine take over, with an output of 131PS - slightly more than the Jazz because of the HR-V's larger size. The powertrain works in either of three selectable drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' - all of which offer different levels of electric-combustion input. The powertrain itself automatically switches between three settings as you drive - 'Electric Drive', 'Hybrid Drive' and 'Engine Drive' - to maximise efficiency. When driving at a constant high-speed, such as on the highway, the system operates in 'Engine Drive' form, as that is most efficient for cruising. If further acceleration is required, such as when overtaking, the car will switch to 'Hybrid Drive' to gain the necessary extra performance boost. Despite a bigger battery pack than that used on the Jazz - 60 cells rather than 48 - the car can't drive very far in all-electric form. Instead, it's all about how efficiently the electric power can be provided - and then deployed for as much city driving as possible. There's 253Nm of torque and 62mph from rest takes 10.6s.

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