Zululand Observer - Weekender

Honda launches new HR-V across the country

- Val van der Walt

The third generation HR-V has pulled into Honda showrooms across the country, including Tangawizi Motors.

Selling at R469 900 for the Comfort model and R554 500 for the fancier Elite version, the new HR-V slots in between the lowerprice­d BR-V and Honda's flagship CR-V SUV.

The new car is fitted with a sporty grille complement­ed by model-specific wheels, the Comfort featuring 17-inch diamond-cut alloys in black and silver, pairing well with the car’s gloss black claddings and gloss black grille.

The Executive, on the other hand, sports larger 18-inch gunmetal wheels distinguis­hing it as the flagship of the range.

Both versions of the HR-V number two are equipped with a 1.5 litre petrol engine generating 89kW and 145Nm, returning a combined fuel consumptio­n of 6.0l/100km according to the manufactur­er's informatio­n.

Honda says the steering, suspension, and brakes have all been improved to deliver a more responsive driving experience over the outgoing generation, too.

This is further enhanced by Honda’s agile handling assist, which helps the SUV react to fast steering inputs and high-intensity cornering, said the automaker.

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While the new model’s dimensions are similar to that of the previous iteration, the interior has been reworked to provide 35mm more legroom, with an additional two-degree recline added to the front seats.

Additional­ly, a new air diffusion system using L-shaped vents has been added into the corners of the dashboard, which can be toggled between a normal, direct flow of air, and a diffused mode, which creates a gentle flow of air along the side windows to simulate a natural breeze.

This has the benefit of blocking any heat transmitte­d through the windows in summer, as well as blocking cold air in winter, said the automaker.

Additional features include a smart key system, a multifunct­ion steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, four speakers, and an 8-inch infotainme­nt system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Active and passive safety systems such as lane-keep assist, hill descent control, four airbags, and an improved collision mitigation system which will automatica­lly apply the brakes if the car detects an oncoming vehicle, are also standard equipment in both models.

The Executive expands on this by doubling the number of speakers from four to eight, bringing two extra airbags, and adding a wireless charging dock and additional connectivi­ty points to the front and rear.

It also boasts a panoramic sunroof with 'Low-E' glass that minimises the intensity of UV light that enters the cabin by 75%, as well as a 'lanewatch' camera that provides the driver with a view of the car’s blind spots on the infotainme­nt screen.

Both models are sold with a five-year/200 000km warranty and a four-year/60 000km service plan.

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