FAST FACTS
* Model: 2016 Honda HR-V EX* Exterior color: Modern Steel Metallic* Interior color: Black* Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder* Horsepower: 141* Transmission: six-speed manual (as tested)* Fuel economy: 34 mpg highway, 25 mpg city* Dealer: Honda of Cleveland* Price (as tested): $22,045
In the old days - like, last week - entry-level SUV buyers had just one Honda option, the tried-and-true CR-V, which, along with the Toyota RAV-4, virtually invented the compact-SUV segment 20 years ago.
Buyers with a bit less money to spend could kick the tires on the Honda Fit, a sub-compact, all-purpose vehicle that many automotive journalists say is the most utilitarian, space-efficient hatchback on the market.
In the last couple of years, a smaller breed of SUV - the sub-compact - has come to embody a new, white-hot segment. Vehicles such as the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade have blazed the trail, and now it's up to Honda to take the segment mainstream.
Clearly, Honda thinks it can do just that. The company says it hopes to sell 70,000 HR-Vs this year, which doesn't seem like a reach considering that the company sold more than 300,000 CR-Vs last year.
Whether the cheaper HR-V pirates sales from CR-V is a big question that Honda's bean-counters are left to ponder. My bet is that lots of Civic buyers may opt for the HR-V. The HR-V has all the virtues of the Fit - they're actually built on the the same platform - but with a more traditional SUV stance and body style.
Honda HR-Vs have just begun to hit the ground in the Chattanooga area and we were able to snag a Modern Steel Metallic model from Jeremy Holsomback at Honda of Cleveland. Our EX trim tester lists for $22,045 with manual transmission, while a base HR-V can be had for about $19,000. A top-of-the-line HR-V in EX-L trim with all-wheel-drive and navigation can approach $26,000.
STYLING AND FEATURES
The HR-V's fascia resembles the CR-Vs, but without the older sibling's overbite. In typical Honda fashion the HR-V's body lines are crisp and embellished with just enough chrome to accent the design. Eagle-eye headlamp assemblies blend well into a sculpted hood.
The sides of the car are highlighted by a character fold that runs from the C-pillars on a diagonal through the door panels. The effect is to give the HR-V some rear-end visual weight adding to its aggressive stance. Nothing about the design says "light-weight" or "small." The rear hatch features a buttoned-down design that's vintage Honda.
Inside, the HR-V creates a minimalist vibe. There's nary a dial or button on the dash except for an electronic parking brake toggle. I'd suggest before you take off in an HR-V you take a few minutes to introduce yourself to the touch functions on the telematics screen and steering wheel. The days of reaching over to spin a knob or to dial-up the AC are numbered. This may be mildly disconcerting to baby boomers, like me, but will likely come as no surprise to kids who've grown up tapping and swiping screens on smartphones. Some of the electronic goodies on the HR-V include Bluetooth with hands-free link, a USB audio interface, Pandora internet interface and SMS text-messaging functionality.
Other nice touches include push-button start, a lane-watch camera, automatic climate control, heated front seats and an electronic parking brake. Exterior features include a power moon roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side mirrors and LED tail-lights. All these upgrades were previously only found on luxury vehicles, but have thankfully trickled down to $22,000 SUVs.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Amping up the fun quotient of our tester was a slick, six-speed manual transmission that allows you to row the HR-V to your own tempo. (Most of the HR-Vs at your local Honda store will have automatic CVT transmissions, which are a bit more efficient, but not nearly as fun.) We enjoyed squeezing spirited starts from the peppy little 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine which makes 141 horsepower.
On our test drive - destination Tinsley Park in Cleveland, Tenn. - the little HR-V sliced through mid-day traffic. This is a fun commuter-mobile that also is your friend at the gas pump, making 35 mpg highway and 25 mpg city. The bigger CR-V is 10 inches longer, so it's not quite as nimble in urban driving. Still, at 185 horsepower, the CR-V has quite a bit more kick.
The HR-V's elevated riding position is one reason some buyers will prefer it over the Fit. It's also available in all-wheel-drive for those mountain residents around here who need enhanced traction in snow and ice.
BOTTOM LINE
It's only a matter of time until the HR-V, like the CR-V before it, becomes a household name. It's the right vehicle at the right time, so don't be surprised if yearly sales quickly spike into six figures.
By the way: HR stands for Home Run, and the V stands for victory. (Not really, but it fits.)
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.