Honda has quietly turned the HR-V into one of the most compelling small SUVs you can buy.
In Advance Style trim, this compact crossover combines smart looks with a sophisticated hybrid powertrain, feeling practical and easy to live with.
It won’t suit everyone – especially if you need a big boot – but for buyers who spend most of their time in town and want low running costs without plugging in, the HR-V Advance Style makes a strong case for itself.
Under the skin, every HR-V uses Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid system. It’s centred around a 1.5‑litre i‑MMD petrol engine and two electric motors, driving the front wheels through an e‑CVT transmission.
On paper, the engine produces 79kW (107 PS) and 131 Nm of torque, while the main electric motor adds up to 96kW (131 PS) and a punchy 253 Nm.
The Intelligent Multi‑Mode Drive (i‑MMD) management is constantly shuffling between three modes – electric, hybrid and engine drive – depending on the situation, so you can creep silently on battery power in town, then blend in the petrol engine as speeds rise.
Performance is modest, but that’s not a deal-breaker for a car aimed at the family market. The HR-V Advance Style takes 10.7 seconds to reach 62mph and tops out at 106mph. It won’t thrill keen drivers with outright pace, but in everyday use the combination of instant electric torque and smooth power delivery makes progress feel acceptable.
The steering is pleasingly accurate although lacking a bit of feel, and Honda’s focus on torsional rigidity gives the car a settled, assured feel through corners. On country roads you can carry a sensible amount of speed without drama, and the brakes, backed up by strong regenerative assistance, inspire confidence.
The real story, though, is fuel economy. Official WLTP figures quote a combined economy of 52.3 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 122 g/km, with consumption rising to 68.9 mpg on the medium cycle and still 61.4 mpg at higher speeds. A 40‑litre fuel tank and that efficiency mean the car can realistically cover up to 450 miles between fills if you drive gently.
Because the e:HEV system spends so much time shuffling between pure electric drive and hybrid mode, the engine is often just humming away in the background as a generator rather than slogging its way directly to the front wheels.
Crucially, there’s no plugging in. The self‑charging hybrid set‑up means the battery is topped up by the petrol engine and by regenerative braking, so you just fill up with unleaded and let the car manage the rest.
For peace of mind, the battery and electric components are covered by a five‑year/90,000‑mile warranty, whichever comes first.
There are, however, some compromises. As with many hybrids using an e‑CVT transmission, the HR-V’s engine becomes noisy under full acceleration, such as joining a motorway or overtaking. That constant‑rev drone can undermine the otherwise refined character, particularly because the car is capable of running so quietly on electric power at lower speeds. Road noise on rougher surfaces and a bit of wind rustle around the upright windscreen and door mirrors also creep in at a cruise.
From a practical perspective, there’s good space for passengers, helped by Honda’s typically clever packaging, and the cabin feels solidly built with quality materials. However, the boot is on the small side for this class: you get 319 litres with the rear seats up, or 335 litres including the adjustable boot floor, rising to 1,289 litres with the seats folded to the roof. Rivals offer more luggage space with the seats in place, which may be a sticking point for families with pushchairs and bulky kit.
Price-wise, the HR-V is on the higher end of the compact SUV scale.
The Advance Style, in Seabed Blue Pearl, is priced at £37,180 plus £700 for the paint, with an overall on‑the‑road figure of £39,295.
Honda HR-V - factfile
OTR price (Advance Style): £39,295
WLTP combined economy: 52.3 mpg
Combined CO₂ emissions: 122 g/km
0-62 mph: 10.7 seconds
Top speed: 106 mph
Engine type: 1.5 i‑MMD full hybrid
Displacement: 1,498 cc
Transmission: e‑CVT auto
Drive: Front‑wheel drive
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