absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –
The 2016 Honda HR-V is all-new and Honda’s first entry into the compact SUV/crossover segment. Its arrival into the game is a little late, but this little vehicle is a sure winner. If you like the way SUVs give you a great view of the road but don’t want to haul around a large vehicle, then the HR-V should be right at the top of your list. It’s remarkably fuel efficient and roomy for its size. And as a Honda, you can expect it to be well made and reliable.
Honda has been designing and building efficient and reliable cars since the 1960s. They first got attention in the United States by introducing small, peppy motorcycles that were easy to ride and immediately caught on with young people, because they were fun and affordable. Honda then started marketing small, fuel efficient cars that became highly popular on American highways during the OPEC gas crisis. And while the market for Honda’s Accord and Civic sedans continued to grow, the Japanese carmaker was a bit slow to pick up our love for riding tall on the highway.
With a base MSRP of $19,215, the Honda HR-V is only available with one engine option, a 141 hp, 1.8 liter four cylinder powerplant. It may not propel the vehicle to a blazing zero to 60 time. But, it is more than adequate, and it does get great fuel economy for an SUV with fuel economy numbers of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. There is an all-wheel drive model, but don’t expect to take it off-road.
The 2016 Honda HR-V has a dynamic, solid stance and a tapered fascia that gives off a sporty feel as if you’re driving a small coupe. A cool feature for drivers who like to maximize their fuel economy is ECO Assist, which changes the color of the speedometer from white to green when you drive more economically. The interior space behind the front seats is awfully spacious due to a center-mounted fuel tank layout that enables the second row seats to fold completely flat into the floor, creating a more spacious and versatile interior package.
The Honda HR-V is the perfect alternative for empty nesters who like driving an SUV but no longer need a large one that fits all the kids. You might miss the children, but you won’t miss the big bill at the fuel pump.
Follow Steve Kursar at KursarOnCars.blogspot.com.