Why Lease The HR-V?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
Honda HR-V Review 2021
First introduced in 2016, the Honda HR-V continues to make waves in the small SUV market, making for an attractive alternative to the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara.
Our Honda HR-V review covers:
Honda HR-V Key Features
- Bold new look inspired by Honda's e:Concept prototype
- Futuristic interior with seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 470-litre boot and 60/40 split second-row Magic Seats
- 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for increased efficiency
- Four models available, including S, SE, EX and Sport trim
Design and Practicality
Recently refreshed, the third-generation Honda HR-V boasts a bold new look inspired by Honda's e:Concept prototype, with its broad radiator grille and 20mm lower coupe-style roofline. Honda also increased the HR-V's ride height by 10mm, adding to its bold new stance.
Despite its relatively compact size, the HR-V offers decent passenger space inside and is much roomier than its rival, the Nissan Juke. Honda's 60/40 split second-row 'Magic Seats' allow the rear seats to be folded up against the seatbacks, making it easier to fit taller items in the back.
The HR-V's 470-litre boot space can also be expanded to 1,533 litres with the rear seats folded down. That's around 250 litres more than the Mazda CX-3 and nearly 350 litres more than the Nissan Juke, making for plenty of room for all the family's luggage.
Interior and Trims
Inside, the Honda HR-V boasts a futuristic interior with funky touch-sensitive heating and ventilation controls. The HR-V's sweeping dashboard provides a spacious and calming experience, and despite some cheap-feeling plastics, the HR-V still feels a lot more upmarket than its rivals, the Suzuki Vitara and Peugeot 2008. Shame then that Honda's seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system isn't the most straightforward system to use.
There are four trim levels to choose from, including the S, SE, Sport and EX.
The entry-level S model comes with cruise control, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, alloy wheels, and plenty of safety kit, including automatic emergency braking as standard.
The mid-range SE gets a leather-trimmed steering wheel, extra speakers for the standard DAB digital radio, Garmin sat-nav and 17-inch alloy wheels.
As implied by the name, the Sport trim adds sporty styling, including 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-mode paddle shifters, sports pedals, gloss-black underbody spoilers, and optional AWD.
The top-spec EX version gets leather seats and a panoramic glass roof.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet, the Honda HR-V combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for increased efficiency. The 60 cell battery pack gives the HR-V a combined output of 129bhp for improved performance.
The hybrid has three drive modes to choose from: Sport mode, which provides a sharper throttle response; Econ, which alters the air-conditioning and throttle for increased efficiency; and Normal, for a middle-ground between the two.
Out on the road, the Honda HR-V performs pretty well and is similar to the Nissan Qashqai in terms of comfort and handling. The HR-V also manages to smooth out bumps well while at higher speeds and feels stable and secure.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Honda HR-V start from £29,020.00 OTR* or to lease from £368.08 per month.
Want to know more about leasing the Honda HR-V? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts works directly with the UK Honda dealer network to offer great lease deals on the HR-V.
All our lease deals include the full manufacturer's warranty (from date of registration), road tax for the contract duration, breakdown cover and free mainland GB delivery to your home or workplace (exclusions apply).
What's more, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a Honda HR-V could be cheaper to lease than you think.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and typically includes one year’s road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Always check with the manufacturer.
