Driving the updated small Honda HR-V SUV which now comes in three models,
the entry pure petrol plus two hybrids – I tested the top spec HR-V hybrid E-HEV
L at $42,990 drive-away which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric
motors producing combined outputs of 96kW and 253 Nm of torque – smooth,
quiet and refined, the hybrid system generally prioritising electric power, the
petrol engine kicking in to act as a generator to charge the battery, the electric
motor in turn drawing on that charge to power the front wheels. The drive is very
linear and polished, as I said quiet, and the only time the petrol engine is
noticeable is under a heavy throttle where the continuously variable transmission
lets the petrol engine surge a little and make its presence felt. On 91 grade petrol I
managed 4.9L/100km making the HR-V a very frugal driver with an impressive
range. The drive experience with great seats, nimble steering and a nicely
balanced ride/handling combination gives this compact Honda HR-V hybrid SUV
a very polished feel. It’s not the most affordable compact SUV in its class but
overall, a very nice allrounder with servicing capped for each of the first five
years at a sharp $199. I’m David Berthon.

Driving the updated small Honda HR-V SUV which now comes in three models, the entry pure petrol plus two hybrids &ndash; I tested the top spec HR-V hybrid E-HEV L at $42,990 drive-away which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors producing combined outputs of 96kW and 253 Nm of torque &ndash; smooth, quiet and refined, the hybrid system generally prioritising electric power, the petrol engine kicking in to act as a generator to charge the battery, the electric motor in turn drawing on that charge to power the front wheels. The drive is very linear and polished, as I said quiet, and the only time the petrol engine is noticeable is under a heavy throttle where the continuously variable transmission lets the petrol engine surge a little and make its presence felt. On 91 grade petrol I managed 4.9L/100km making the HR-V a very frugal driver with an impressive range. The drive experience with great seats, nimble steering and a nicely balanced ride/handling combination gives this compact Honda HR-V hybrid SUV a very polished feel. It&rsquo;s not the most affordable compact SUV in its class but overall, a very nice allrounder with servicing capped for each of the first five years at a sharp $199. I&rsquo;m David Berthon.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;

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