The company co-founded by Soichiro Honda was first a motorcycle manufacturer. It was a formidable competitor on the racing circuit, but made its name with the rider-friendly Dream and Cub. These bikes were not overly powerful, but ran like little finely-tuned sewing machines that rewarded their owners with efficiency, utility, and longevity. They seemed like friends. That’s pretty much the formula also employed with cars like the Civic, Accord, and every other Honda since. Mr. Honda would love the 2016 HR-V.
Looking face-on, there’s a connection to other Hondas through its big grille and high-set headlamps. As with the new Pilot, there’s no pseudo-SUV pretensions; the arching roofline, kicked-up rear window line, and deep swooping side sculpting are all crossover. Rear door handles are cleverly hidden in the C-pillar. It looks expensive, tough, stylish, and undeniably Honda.
Stylists had their way with the interior too. Unlike the over-wrought controls in Odyssey mini-vans, the HR-V packs a ton of technology in a fresh, user-friendly environment. The fly-bridge center console with huge adjustable cupholders and shifter spans a lower storage area with USB port. Almost everything feels expensive and upholstered with stitched faux leather.
Audio, navigation, and climate are controlled with a swipe-sensitive touchscreen above and glassy touchpad below. I'd still prefer simple knobs for volume and tuning, but heated leather seats and sunroof accompany any climate.
