Honda has equipped the HR-V with a decent features list and an automatic transmission which throws it within the mix of a new legion of contenders, including the Peugeot 2008, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Qashqai, Holden Trax and soon-to-arrive Mazda CX-3.
But up against the competition, the Honda excels with a thoughtful and spacious interior - the HR-V cabin has an airy feel despite a dash with a basic colour scheme.
Seats are nicely supportive, both laterally and at the base.
Using a similar colour touch-screen to what we've seen in the Jazz and Odyssey, it's easy to use although some functions can be slow to access. Dials and knobs are our preference for air con and stereo controls for rapid use, the touch-pad buttons require more patience.
The HR-V's boot is surprisingly big and the large opening accommodates wide items.
Driver instruments are clear-cut. Adopting an analogue speedometer, tacho and fuel gauge, there's also a digital trip computer with various modes on the steering wheel.
Around the speedo is a coloured hue which turns green during friendly driving and blue when things get more spirited.
Four adults should have no issue finding enough space with ample allowance in the rear for leg and knee room. Fitting three across the back pew is more challenging, but possible. Well planted with a quiet ride, the moderate performance from the HR-V will please most drivers.
The 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine gets the job done with minimal fuss as long as you don't expect sports car prowess.
Handling changes in direction well, the steering is light and geared for easy metropolitan parking and commuting, but the HR-V proved itself an adept performer on twisty roads used in Targa Tasmania.
Press for rapid acceleration and typical automatic continuous variable transmission flaring occurs. Engine revs race ahead of the desired velocity as the engine works hard to meet driver expectations.
The Honda HR-V was launched in Australia last week.
Steady driving maintains impressive composure and everything behaves seamlessly. Some mid-corner bumps and lumps caused a few ride quality moments, but we'll reserve judgment when we get a steer in local conditions.
Basic equipment in Australia includes cruise control, CD stereo with 17.7cm colour touch-screen and HDMI/USB/auxiliary jacks, full Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera, 16-inch alloys, climate controlled air con, six airbags (including full length curtain) and a full safety suite which helps achieve what Honda calls an "equivalent ANCAP" five-star safety rating. It's yet to be tested here.
Spend extra coin for the VTi-S and it adds automatic wipers/lights, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, 17-inch alloys, LED headlights and daytime running lights, blind spot monitoring system and an active braking function which can automatically help avoid or lessen collisions at low speed.
Opt for the VTi-L and you get all the fruit, like front and rear parking sensors, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, panoramic sunroof, dual cone air con, black leather trim with the front seats gaining a heating function, rear armrest and auto up-down windows on all doors.
There is also the Advanced Driver Assist option, which throws in key safety features such as forward collision warning which alerts the driver to an impending obstacle with an instrument light and audio alert, lane departure warning which highlights if the vehicle is straying outside the lines, and an automatic high-beam function.
For those who love a cup holder, Honda may well have nailed the market's best system. With a base which can be lowered or raised depending on your drink size, the arm which holds it in place can also be adapted for a bottle or cup.
Each door has space for a bottle, and there are some great storage spots: a centre console along with a useful space beneath the shifter next to 12-volt plug, HDMI and USB ports.
Open the boot and there's a surprisingly cavernous space. All hail the "magic" seating system from Honda. It's simply brilliant. The space is competitive with mid-size SUVs and there is a 1180mm opening to make fitting gear inside easier.
Drop the rear pew with seat-top buttons and they fold into the floor to unveil a flat load space. There are 18 different seat configurations, including a tall mode for TVs, plants, etc.
One interesting feature is the soft boot parcel shelf, which folds up with a circular motion like the old-school windscreen sun protectors.
Honda Australia has lofty sales targets for the HR-V and it could well be the compact saviour needed to entrench Honda among Australia's leading automotive lights once again.
Footnote: Honda New Zealand has yet to confirm a local launch date, or to finalise prices and specifications for the HR-V.
Vital statistics Model: Honda HR-V. Details: • Five-door front-wheel-drive sub-compact sports utility vehicle. • 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol generating maximum power of 105kW @ 6500rpm and peak torque of 172Nm @ 4300rpm. Transmission: Continuously variable automatic. Consumption: 6.6 litres/100km (combined average); 6.9L/100km (VTi-S and L). CO2: 155g/km; 160g/km (VTi-S and L).
What matters most
What we liked:
Outstanding cabin functionality, market-leading cup holder configuration, boot space and magic seats.
What we'd like to see:
Dials for easier use of air con, real parcel shelf.
