Honda HR-V 2022 Review

The current B-Segment SUV market in Malaysia is highly competitive. Consumers are pursuing both practicality for daily use and complete basic configurations. Priced at RM 115,900, the 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 S entry-level model attracts many budget-conscious family buyers with its balanced configurations and affordable price. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether it meets household needs in terms of performance, space, and safety features, while also evaluating if the differences between the base and high-end models affect the core experience.

From the exterior, the HR-V 1.5 S continues the family design of the series. The front features a large black honeycomb grille, paired with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights, giving it good recognizability. The side profile of the car is sleek, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear. The recessed design at the bottom of the car doors adds a three-dimensional touch, and the 215/60 R17 tires complement the harmonious proportions. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillights blend with the lines of the bumper, but compared to the Turbo version, it lacks the dual-exhaust design, making it look more understated.

Entering the interior, the HR-V 1.5 S features a simple and practical style. The dashboard adopts a multi-layered design, with main touch areas wrapped in soft materials, which provide a medium level of quality in its price range. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports the Sound Plus feature. Although it only has four speakers, it is sufficient for everyday music listening. The instrument panel consists of traditional analog electronic backlit gauges that display information such as RPM, speed, and fuel consumption, which are clear and easy to read. As for features, keyless entry, push-button start, single-zone automatic air conditioning, and rear air conditioning vents are all included, meeting basic needs. The seats are manually adjustable, with decent support for the front row, making long trips bearable without major discomfort.

Space utilization is one of the strengths of the HR-V series. The 1.5 S has a wheelbase of 2610mm. When a 175cm tall adult sits in the front row, there is a clearance of about a fist and two fingers for headroom. The rear legroom is also about a fist and two fingers, while the headroom is about a fist. Even when carrying three passengers in the rear seats, it does not feel overly cramped. The rear seats can be split-folded in a 60:40 ratio and feature a flip-up seat base. When folded down, the trunk space can expand from a regular 304L to a much larger capacity, which is sufficient to fit a stroller or suitcases. The cabin offers plenty of storage spaces; the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, and the center armrest box and glove compartment provide adequate storage for daily usage.

In terms of performance, the HR-V 1.5 S is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum power of 121PS and a peak torque of 145N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. The power output is smooth during acceleration, making it suitable for urban traffic. When accelerating up to 60km/h and stepping harder on the pedal, the power output feels continuous, but overtaking at high speeds requires some planning as it lacks turbo assistance. There is only one driving mode (normal mode), and the steering is light, being very user-friendly for female drivers. However, the steering feels slightly imprecise and less stable at high speeds.

The chassis features a MacPherson independent front suspension, which is tuned for comfort. It absorbs most bumps over speed humps and uneven roads, minimizing harsh impacts. During cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, providing good stability for daily driving. As for fuel consumption, the officially stated combined fuel consumption is 5.9L/100km. In actual urban commutes, the fuel consumption is approximately 6.5-7L/100km, while on highways, it can be reduced to around 5.5L. The fuel economy performance is commendable.

The comfort during driving is noteworthy. The sound insulation of the HR-V 1.5 S is quite good compared to others in the same class. At speeds below 60km/h, tire noise and wind noise are not noticeable. At 120km/h on the highway, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect normal conversations. The brake pedal feedback is linear, and the braking distance meets the standards of family cars, making daily driving very reassuring.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 S lie in its balanced space performance, comprehensive basic safety features, and relatively low fuel consumption. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8E (priced at RM 123,000), the HR-V 1.5 S is priced lower and comes standard with safety features like lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking, offering better value for money. However, its power output is not as strong as the hybrid version of the Corolla Cross.

This car is suitable for families with a budget within RM 120,000 who prioritize practicality and fuel efficiency, especially for consumers who often need to carry family members or transport goods. It lacks the robust power of the Turbo version and the premium features of the RS hybrid version but can meet all the needs of daily commuting, shopping, and short trips. It is a practical choice for a family SUV.

In summary, although the 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 S is an entry-level model, it does not skimp on core features. Its space and fuel efficiency performance stand out, making it a highly cost-effective choice for family users and a practical option worth considering in the B-Segment SUV market.