Motoring with Bob Roco Romeo: All-New Honda HR-V offers class-leading specification

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Honda Motor Company is proud to announce that the next generation of the popular HR-V compact SUV is set to land in Ghana. The All-New HR-V offers exceptional space, comfort and utility, as well as advanced safety and technology features – all within a bold and sleek coupe-inspired form. Having evaluated how today’s active, connected population identifies and selects high-value products, Honda developed the HR-V – which is not only as an all-new compact SUV, but a consumer product that appeals through desirability, functionality and usability.

Contemporary design

The latest generation HR-V has been completely reimagined from the ground up. The all-new HR-V not only delivers on style and performance but is also designed to integrate into various lifestyles and fulfil individual customer requirements.

The new-generation HR-V has a contemporary coupe-SUV body that gives it a sleek and dynamic form while delivering exceptional space efficiency. It embodies Honda’s new simple, clean, modern design philosophy already seen in recent new models such as the FIT. The new HR-V further amplifies the brand’s reputation for quality, functionality and practicality.

The new Coupe-SUV design is further complemented with two brand-new, sporty wheel designs available on the range. The Comfort model features distinctive 17” black/silver diamond-cut alloy wheels which nicely complement the gloss black cladding and gloss black grille. The Executive model takes it one step further with new larger and aggressive 18” alloy wheels painted in gun-metal black to truly distinguish this model as the flagship of the HR-V range.

The spacious interior has a solid, premium SUV feel, with contemporary fabrics and soft-touch materials. The modern, minimalist aesthetic is created by the horizontal sweep of the instrument panel and clean lines and surfaces throughout. The cabin environment is further elevated by a new air diffusion system that creates a curtain of fresh air beside and above passengers, flowing from unique L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard.

Exclusive feel-good interior

Although the overall vehicle dimensions are similar to those of the previous model, the new HR-V offers greater leg- and shoulder-room. Rear leg-room has increased by 35mm and there is an additional two-degree recline compared to the previous generation HR-V. This is due to Honda’s revised centre tank layout and clever packaging of powertrain components. The well-known centre-tank configuration also allows Honda to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seat set-up that offers fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility, depending on load space required.

The feature that may have the greatest impact on the overall interior environment for passengers is also the most subtle. The unique Air Diffusion System introduces a new concept of air conditioning, with L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard that deliver the restorative effects of a natural breeze to all occupants. A tactile dial is used to switch between two modes: the normal outlet with forward-directed air flow and the Air Diffusion System which creates a new gentle flow of air along the side windows. The air also travels to the roof, creating a gentle vortex of air that is barely perceptible to passengers.

A host of brand-new features are also now available on the new HR-V, elevating the driver experience with unrivalled levels of comfort and utility. Important SUV attributes such as loading convenience are enhanced by a hands-free Power Tailgate with Walk Away Close function*. The smart key proximity function detects when the key is moving away from the car, and so automatically starts closing the tailgate.

Storage space and connectivity points around the cabin have also been improved. A large centre cubby holds items large and small, and there are two USB charging sockets in the front and two at the back in addition to a wireless charging pad discreetly located in the lower section of the centre console – thus enabling all occupants to charge devices at the same time. Exclusive to the top of the range Executive model is a distinctive panoramic glass roof that allows natural light to fill the cabin and add to the open airy atmosphere. The panoramic roof also features new ‘Low-E’ glass technology that reduces the intensity of infrared, ultraviolet and solar heat rays entering the cabin by 75%, allowing occupants to enjoy the outside world in comfort.

Engineered for the joy of driving

Honda’s engineers analysed every detail of the HR-V driving experience to maximise driver enjoyment and comfort. Compared to its predecessor, the all-new HR-V has a more rigid body structure and benefits from extensive suspension, steering and braking enhancements so that it responds more precisely to driver inputs, delivering a more confident and comfortable driving experience.

Honda’s Agile Handling Assist (AHA) system further improves the dynamic stability of the car, particularly when reacting to fast steering inputs or high cornering loads such as emergency avoidance manoeuvres. AHA operates through the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system and lightly applies the brakes to the inner wheels when the steering wheel is turned. The result is increased vehicle responsiveness and stability, and a more stable and predictable driving experience.

The new HR-V is equipped with Honda’s 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, generating a power output of 89kW @6600rpm and torque of 145Nm @ 4300rpm. This new 1.5-litre powertrain is powerful and efficient with a fuel consumption figure of just 6L/100Km, and a CO2 emission figure of 144 g/Km.

Assured stopping power is delivered by a powerful braking system featuring 293mm ventilated front discs and 282mm solid discs at the rear. Furthermore, the electronic brake system includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Automatic Brake Hold (ABH).

Innovative infotainment system

Another exciting addition to the newcomer is the high resolution 8” touch-screen display audio that has been neatly integrated into the instrument panel. The brand-new infotainment system comes standard across the HR-V model range and gives users full functionality of a smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth is included and can be controlled via remote controls on the steering wheel. Passengers can also enjoy their favourite playlists through Honda’s new high-quality audio system, with 4 speakers available in the Comfort model and a total of 8 speakers in the top of the range Executive.

Comprehensive suite of Honda safety technologies

The all-new HR-V features a suite of premium active and passive safety technologies designed to make driving easier and safer.

The HR-V incorporates Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology that forms the foundation for excellent passive safety performance, enhancing occupant crash protection. A network of connected structural elements distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. The HR-V features front, side and curtain SRS Airbags, and the Executive offers 6 SRS Airbags while the Comfort derivative offers 4 SRS Airbags.

Enhanced Honda SENSING™ active safety technology, available exclusively on the HR-V Executive model, offers a broad range of driver assistance features and driver aids as standard. This new and improved Honda SENSING™ system incorporates a newly developed front camera that is able to detect a more comprehensive range of road surfaces and traffic characteristics, providing enhanced night-time operation.

The driver is also able to operate and determine how much driver assistance information is displayed on the 4.2” TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) instrument binnacle. The Executive derivative further includes Honda’s Lanewatch™ camera, providing drivers with a clear view of the vehicle’s blind spot, which is displayed on the central infotainment system.

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