2024 Honda HR-V Vi X: Quick Review

The all-new Honda HR-V was a showstopper in the small SUV category, when the third-generation launched locally in 2021.

Its re-design marked the start of a new chapter for the Japanese automaker, as they work to re-gain some of their lost market share since moving to an agency model and slowly dropping off the best-sellers list.

As the baby of Honda's SUV line-up, the small HR-V sits below the all-new ZR-V midsize SUV and larger, also recently updated CR-V.

So in an increasingly popular segment, let's see if the HR-V continues to impress, just as it did when it arrived in Australia.

7

Pricing and features

The Honda HR-V is available in two variants, a highly specced petrol or hybrid offering, respectively named the Vi X or e:HEV L.

Operating under an agency model means that Honda pricing is standard across all dealerships. And in the case of the Vi X it has an asking price of $36,700 drive-away.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine producing 89kW and 145Nm, with a combined fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km.

7

In alignment with Honda's strategy to sell fewer, feature-full vehicles, the Vi X offers plenty of standard spec as more of a premium offering.

The infotainment system, with its 9-inch touchscreen and Wireless Apple CarPlay, offers simple and easy connectivity.

The single-grade petrol Vi X includes:

7

The HR-V is available in five colours, that are all no-cost options. They are:

• Premium Opal
• Platinum White
• Crystal Black
• Premium Crystal Red
• Meteoroid Grey

7

Safety

The HR-V fell just short of a full-star rating, scoring four stars in independent ANCAP testing.

As part of testing, the HR-V received an 82% adult occupant protection score and 77% child occupant protection score.

Standard safety equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and a reversing camera.

If you want additional safety such as above this, only the e:HEV hybrid adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert which is less than ideal if you're more interested in the petrol powertrain.

7

Key rivals

The small SUV segment in Australia is booming, as a value-offering for those who were previously looking at a hatchback or sedan. The HR-V plays against other in this space, namely:

• Mazda CX-30 (from $33,310* for auto)
• Hyundai Kona (from $32,000*)
• Toyota Corolla Cross (from $33,980*)

*before on-road costs

7

Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Honda HR-V Vi X is a good looking little SUV.

With fixed pricing nationwide through their new agency model, there will be no need for haggling or negotiations. However the lineup offering for the HR-V might leave some buyers wanting.

The absence of expected safety features like rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring is unfortunate.

But if you're after a fuss-free, attractive and cool small run-about, then the HR-V might be your ideal pick.