Honda launched the new HR-V just a few weeks ago and I was quickly in behind the wheel to get a longer road test drive. This HR-V is the second generation of the model, and it has changed significantly in terms of appearance with more modern styling.

The changes on the outside in terms of shape are the obvious ones; the changes to the inside also enhance and modernise the car. This new-generation HR-V is price-competitive and it has good features that will allow it to creep up in terms of market share.

The Honda brand alone is an attractive part of the package. The HR-V can also stand on its own in terms of features and driving ability. It is competing with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Yeti, Opel Mokka, Mazda CX-3 and, in my opinion, the new HR-V has the edge in some respects.

ADVERTISEMENT

During the recent launch, we took the car across the Wicklow Mountains for a durable test. In recent weeks, I’ve also had it on other roads, large and small, to get a feel for its features. The feeling of good road-handling ability from the first test remains; this is a good compact SUV to drive.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine, while perhaps not the most powerful on the market, performs well in the new HR-V, which is marginally lighter on the road. The HR-V accelerates well and the Honda diesel engine is impressive in power and smoothness.

My driving estimates gave a fuel economy figure of close to 18km/litre, which is well below the rated figure of 25km/litre. Perhaps some longer drives would have given a better result, but that figure is 35% off the rated economy level and that’s considerable. On paper, the HR-V’s economy figures are comparable with the competition, which is perhaps a fairer comparison, or do we know any more?

There is virtually nothing negative to write about the HR-V apart from the lack of a spare wheel in what is the largest capacity boot in any comparison group. The car handles so well across a range of road conditions. The short, stubby six-speed gear lever was a dream to use and placed just right for my seat position. That was also easy to adjust and get comfortable in. There is good driver legroom and plenty of space for booted left feet to rest.

I liked the overall visibility from the driver’s seat and that included impressive rear visibility, which is not always a feature of smaller SUVs. There is good head and legroom in the rear and access is easy, while not too high. There are some practical features that I liked, such as the new coffee holder devices.

I quickly got used to the electric handbrake (it’s in so many cars today), while the hill assist was useful on the Wicklow run. The base car is well equipped with 16in alloy wheels, climate control, Bluetooth, city-brake active and cruise control.

There are plenty of airbags and Isofix child seat attachments. The HR-V has been awarded a five-star rating in the most recent Euro NCAP crash-testing programme, so the car’s safety credentials are impressive.

I quickly got to like the new Honda Connect app-based in-car infotainment system, which is operated through a seven-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the dash. Link this to your mobile phone and it allows internet browsing, real-time news, traffic and weather, and music streaming services. The test car came with the Honda satnav system and that was clear on the large screen. This screen also doubled to provide a camera view when reversing, so it is flexible and I found it very user friendly.

The HR-V left a good impression on me. The entry price is competitive, at €25,995, or £19,745 in Northern Ireland. It has great road holding and a very smooth diesel engine that’s reasonably economical. These cars have been good in terms of resale values, so depreciation rates are lower than some of the competition, giving a three-year ownership cost that is competitive.

For that reason and reasons of style and just being a great compact SUV to drive, I think that if you are in the market for more popular competition, such as the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Yeti, Opel Mokka or Mazda CX-3, remember to include the HR-V in your list. You won’t be disappointed.