2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 S Review

The B-segment SUV market has always been a focal point for Malaysian family users. A balance between space, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness is the core demand for most people. As a popular choice in this segment, the 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 S features standard Honda Sensing safety system, practical space design, and a fuel-efficient 1.5L naturally aspirated engine. In this real-world test drive, we take a look at whether it can meet the core expectations of daily family use.

The exterior of the HR-V 1.5 S continues Honda's family design language, with a large front grille integrated with chrome strips that connect to the LED headlights on both sides, giving it a high degree of recognition. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline stretching from the front to the rear of the vehicle, complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels, giving it a compact and neat visual appeal. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a smoked treatment, pairing with the silver skid plate on the rear bumper to add a touch of sportiness. In terms of lighting systems, automatic headlights and daytime running lights are standard, making daily use quite convenient.

Inside, the interior is predominantly black, with the dashboard covered in soft-touch materials accented by silver trims, offering a texture that matches this price segment. The central control area is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen that supports the Sound Plus function. Its responsiveness is decent, but it only comes with four speakers, making the audio performance fairly average. The instrument cluster features traditional self-illuminated analog designs with clear information display; however, it lacks the modern technological feel of a full LCD dashboard. The seats are manually adjustable with firm padding but provide sufficient support, ensuring no apparent discomfort during long-time use. The rear seats support a 60:40 split folding design, along with a "Tip-up Base" feature. When folded down, the floor is nearly flat, offering good versatility. In terms of space, a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front row would have about a fist of headroom, while in the rear, there is two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, making it adequate for regular family use. Storage capability performs well with practical spaces in the front center armrest box, door storage slots, and rear seat cup holders. The trunk has a standard capacity of 393 liters, which can expand to 1,237 liters when the seats are folded down.

Regarding power, the HR-V 1.5 S is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 121PS and a peak torque of 145N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the start-up response is smooth, and the low-speed power output is lightweight, suitable for city commuting. However, power reserves are slightly inadequate when accelerating above 60km/h; overtaking requires a heavy press on the accelerator, which causes a brief rise in revs, but the overall smoothness is still well maintained. There is only a standard driving mode available, with no switchable sport or economy modes, and the tuning leans towards family comfort.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers moderate resistance with minimal slack and precise direction. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, with tuning on the firmer side. You can feel noticeable bumps when going over speed bumps, but the body roll during cornering is well-controlled, ensuring good stability. During daily driving, the chassis does not entirely filter out fine road imperfections, transmitting a relatively direct road feel. Braking performance is average, with a moderately long pedal travel and linear brake force release. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains a stable posture. As for fuel consumption, the real-world test results show about 7.2L/100km in urban conditions and about 5.5L/100km on highways, with combined fuel consumption close to the official figure of 5.9L/100km. The fuel economy performance is in line with expectations.

In terms of ride comfort, the sound insulation is average, with noticeable wind and tire noise during high-speed driving, but it performs decent on urban roads. The seat support is good, but the padding is slightly firm, which may cause slight discomfort during long periods of sitting. Rear air conditioning vents come standard, and the temperature adjustment is responsive, meeting the needs of rear passengers. Safety configuration is a highlight of the HR-V 1.5 S, as the Honda Sensing system includes lane departure warning, emergency braking, collision warning, and other features, effectively reducing the risk of accidents during daily driving. Four airbags and ISO FIX connectors also provide basic protection for family users.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 S lie in its practical space design, fuel-efficient powertrain, and standard Honda Sensing safety system. Compared with competitors in the same class, its safety features and space versatility stand out, although the interior technology and sound insulation are slightly inferior to some rivals. This vehicle is suitable for family users who value safety, space, and fuel economy, especially for daily urban commuting and short weekend trips, which it can meet well. As a balanced choice in the compact SUV market, the HR-V 1.5 S proves its value in family use with practical configurations and reliable performance.