Does the Honda HR-V have what it takes to woo company drivers out of the Nissan Qashqai, wonders Al Suttie?
1 – It may be 10 years late in replacing the original HR-V, but the new one has the right compact crossover-cum-coupe looks.
2 – Those looks don’t compromise practicality as the HR-V uses Honda’s crafty magic seat in the rear to add huge versatility.
3 – There’s also plenty of head and leg space back there, though three adults are going to find it a bit too intimate.
4 – Who cares, though, if you’re in the driving seat as there’s loads of room up front and the EX’s panoramic sunroof adds an airy tone to the cabin.
5 – Shame that airy tone doesn’t extend to the driver’s seat cushion which I found too thin for all-day comfort.
6 – The driving position is spot on, however, and the gear lever shifts with the perfect mechanical action Honda is famed for.
7 – A pity the touchscreen is not so pleasant to use due to its slow reactions. It’s just not intuitive enough.
8 – Our week was spent with the 1.6-litre 118hp turbodiesel and it’s a good performer, if a little noisy when pushed hard.
9 – No need to push too hard, mind, as it has plenty of low-rev punt to make it flexible in any gear.
10 – Does the HR-V better the Nissan Qashqai? Hmm, no, but it’s sufficiently different to be more than worth a look.
