By Moses Akaigwe,
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 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, disclosed that 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}, informed the journalists that 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.
All the cars, he gleefully announced, are doing very well on the road across the country.
The all-new HR-V is powered by Honda’s 1.5 litre powertrain technology, delivering a blend of efficiency and responsive performance.
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.
In his presentation ahead of what was a brief, but very exciting test-drive, the Manager Sales, Marketing and Logistics, Mr. Remi Adams, stated that the new generation HR-V embodies the preferences of the car’s teeming lovers in the country who were part of a survey which showed that among the factors many potential buyers look out for include favourable price, fuel economy, utility and family comfort.
Adams explained that apart from being the market leader in its segment, Honda’s HR-V boasts everything the competitors wish to have; hence it has been nicknamed “The Standard.”
Coupe-inspired exterior, premium SUV styling
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, the compact coupe-inspired silhouette is familiar yet exciting in appearance, with a playful character and confident SUV stance.
Its sleek stance is achieved by increasing ground clearance by 25 mm, now a total of 195mm GC and reducing the front overhang further reinforce the robust SUV appeal.
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.
The body sides present a contemporary, noiseless aesthetic, with a crisp horizontal shoulder line running from the rear as far as the front headlights, generating a sense of forward momentum.
The protruding front section and pulled back A-pillar combine to create a premium long bonnet, visually moving the cabin volume rearwards and further accentuating the sleek coupe-like proportions.
The combination of utility and aesthetics is evident in the simple, elegant tailgate design, which neatly integrates the tailgate door handle within the three-dimensional rear panel.
Aerodynamic improvements are achieved without the need for unnecessary design features that often compromise styling.
Interior design, class-leading spaciousness
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.
Platform, packaging
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.
Efficient, responsive powertrain
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.
Advanced, intuitive connectivity
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.
Enhanced safety
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.
Hill Descent Control, available for the first time in some markets on the HR-V, operates from a minimum speed of just 3 km/h. This technology enables greater and smoother control on low-grip surfaces and steep descents to increase driving confidence in a wider range of conditions.
Interestingly, only a few months after going on sale, the car earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest accolade, the Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating.
After-sales Support/Warranty
As always, owning a Honda is a passport to peace of mind in motoring due to the nationwide after-sales support network of THP Limited (The Honda Place) featuring updated workshops manned by well trained teams, regular stock of genuine replacement parts, and offering efficient service/maintenance.
Like all other Honda vehicles provided in the Nigerian market by HAWA and THP Limited (The Honda Place), The new generation HR-V is supported by a five-year/100, 000 warranty, in addition to five-year free service including labour and parts availed to the owners within the period of the warranty.