Honda’s designers achieved a reasonable balance between form and function when creating the second-generation HR-V, but everyday use of our not-so-small SUV has revealed that practicality prevailed against aesthetics.
Having joined the growing supermini-based crossover ranks late, the CR-V’s junior sibling is positioned strategically between Nissan’s established Juke and Qashqai models.
In terms of space, the Tardis-like Honda provides 116 litres greater luggage capacity than the Juke and 40 litres more than the Qashqai with the rear seats up.
Equally important are the flexible cabin configurations. As the HR-V shares its platform with the new Jazz, it also utilises Honda’s clever fold-and-flip rear upright-seat format.
This liberates a sizeable floor-to-ceiling channel behind the driver, which can be complemented by folding the passenger seat flat. In our family context it created accessible room, albeit by angling the front wheel, for a stand-up bike.
Another useful detail in the HR-V is the recessed extra space underneath the boot floor, (see picture, above), but, curiously, there is no handy stowage slot for the rigid luggage area cover.
