Overview
The HR-V represents an entirely new generation of subcompact crossover vehicle for Honda that blends the styling of a coupe, the toughness, space and utility of an SUV, and the quality and refinement of a Honda in one sporty, personal and versatile multi-dimensional vehicle. The exterior design matches the HR-V’s fun and sophisticated driving character, with three defining principal design characteristics: large 17-inch diameter wheels and tires, a high seating position that results in a high “eye point” for the driver and passengers (about four inches higher than in a typical subcompact sedan or wagon), and high road clearance to handle rough roads.
Styling
With sleek coupe-like styling and the stance and utility of an SUV, the new HR-V styling is equal parts athletic, sophisticated and functional. The aerodynamic front end features a prominent black grille with chrome trim and multi-reflector headlights, all integrated with an uplifting “wing” motif. A wide track imparts a feeling of strength while also contributing to surefooted handling. Fog lights on the EX and EX-L Navi trim levels are recessed into the black lower fascia.
The windswept aero influences continue along the HR-V body sides, which are defined by an uplifting character line that sweeps upward from behind the front wheel arch to converge at the sloping C-pillar. The effect is dramatic and unique, and imbues the HR-V with a sense of motion even while parked. The wheel arches and lower sills are trimmed with black finishers, adding a look of toughness while also helping to protect body panels from damage from road debris. Another unique HR-V feature is the rear door handles, which are integrated high in the C-pillars. This smoothens the rear door lines for a coupe-like style while also positioning the handles in an easy-to-grasp location. Standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels add a premium look.
At the rear, the HR-V’s styling melds the clean, continuous roofline and rear window of a coupe with the utility of a crossover vehicle’s hatchback and the ruggedness of an SUV. In keeping with the sweeping appearance of the front end and body sides, the rear fender edges and hatch likewise have uplifting character lines that add lightness and energy visually. And finally, the black lower rear bumper fascia integrates with an aerodynamic diffuser for an intriguing look of ruggedness and efficiency.
Lighting
The front light arrays include multi-reflector halogen headlights with an auto-off feature, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and turn signals with clear lenses and amber bulbs. The rear light arrays include LED taillights, LED brake lights, and LED center high-mounted stop light . The EX and EX-L Navi add fully automatic headlights with an auto-on/off feature, halogen front fog lights, and LED turn signals integrated into the side mirror housings. One-touch turn signals are standard on all HR-V models.
Power Side Mirrors
The shape of the two-tone, black and color-matched side mirrors compliment the HR-V’s exterior styling and were specifically designed for low aerodynamic drag to improve fuel efficiency while reducing wind noise. The mirror base and mounting point was designed for the new HR-V to optimize visibility around the mirror. A “break-away” folding design significantly reduces the chance of damage if the mirror should strike or be struck by an object.
Easily adjustable, the power mirrors include Honda’s unique Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, which expands the visible area. In addition, EX and EX-L Navi trims feature heated mirrors for all-weather driving convenience and include integrated LED turn indicators for added visibility in traffic. The EX and EX-L Navi passenger-side mirror also includes an integrated Honda LaneWatch®1 camera. (See Safety and Driver Assistance section for more information.)
Visibility and Glass
The 2016 HR-V has a large glass area for excellent driver visibility and sense of space for all occupants. Excellent outward visibility is a hallmark of Honda design and a key feature for the HR-V, which offers excellent front and rear sight lines for the driver, as well as a commanding eye point level. The EX and EX-L Navi trim levels add rear privacy glass for improved passenger comfort.
One-Touch Open/Close Power Moonroof
The EX and EX-L Navi trims feature a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature that will fully open or close with a single touch of the switch. The moonroof also has a sliding sunshade that opens automatically with the roof and can be closed manually to block sunlight. The moonroof can also tilt to provide ventilation. Special attention was given to the design of the moonroof mechanism to provide ample headroom.
To tilt or slide the moonroof, the driver or front passenger needs only to fully press the ceiling-mounted switch once (instead of pressing and holding it for several seconds). The moonroof then fully opens or closes automatically. However, if the operator wishes to only partially open or close the moonroof (such as to achieve partial ventilation), a lighter touch yields fully manual control.
An auto-reverse feature is built in, helping to ensure that the moonroof will not fully close if it encounters sufficient resistance from an obstruction, such as someone’s hand or arm. If sufficient resistance is detected, the auto-reverse mechanism will reopen the moonroof.
Tailgate
The HR-V’s manual tailgate features twin gas-charged hydraulic struts that ease opening and a single pull-down handle located on the right side. The tailgate can be unlocked by pressing the remote twice (first for driver’s door only, second for all other doors and the tailgate) or by pressing a button inside the driver’s door. The power latch is located directly under the tailgate handle. A 360-degree seal surrounds the tailgate opening for a tight seal against the intrusion of water, dirt and wind noise. The tailgate automatically locks whenever the HR-V is locked.
The tailgate opening dimensions are generous in size, allowing easy stowage of large or bulky items, including mountain bikes, which can be stored vertically with their front wheels removed. The opening width is 46.5 inches, with an opening height (from bottom tailgate sill to top sill) of 35.3 inches. As well, a low lift-over height of 25.7 inches makes stowing heavy or awkward items easier.
Storage Area
Inside is a spacious 58.8 cu-ft of total storage space (LX FWD with 2nd-row seat folded down) complimented by a flat floor that simplifies and improves the HR-V’s cargo-carrying utility. Two chrome tie-down rings are positioned at the front of the storage area, which is illuminated by a light positioned at the left side of the opening. The storage area is nicely trimmed in high-quality carpeting that matches the HR-V’s passenger compartment. The spare tire, wheel and jack are located under a lift-up floor panel at the rear. And finally, a retractable cargo cover provides a visual screen to hide cargo left in the vehicle when parked.
Storage versatility is further improved via a 60/40 split 2nd-Row Magic Seat®. (See Interior section for more information.)
Windshield Wipers
The HR-V’s windshield wipers are 2-speed/intermittent on the LX, with the EX and EX-L Navi trims adding a variable-intermittent function. The wipers are positioned out of the airflow over the hood to reduce turbulence that can contribute to aerodynamic drag and interior noise. For pedestrian safety, the wiper arm pivots are deformable. (See Safety and Driver Assistance section for more information.) A reverse-linked intermittent rear window wiper/washer is standard equipment on all trim levels.
Operation of the windshield wipers is intuitively simple using the stalk positioned next to the steering wheel; pushing the stalk up or down operates the front windshield wipers, and twisting the outside part of the stalk operates the rear windshield wiper.
Roof Rails
The HR-V EX-L Navi trim adds roof rails to the HR-V lineup. Designed for low aerodynamic drag and turbulence, the rails extend from just behind the windshield all the way to the C-pillar, conforming to the graceful arch of the HR-V’s roofline. Each rail has four anchor points for attaching cross rails or an accessory rack. (See Accessories section for more information.)
Exterior Colors
A total of eight stylish exterior colors help the HR-V express its youthful appeal and intelligent design and functionality. Three are unique to the HR-V and new to the Honda lineup: Mulberry Metallic, Deep Ocean Pearl, and Misty Green Pearl. For the best overall HR-V presentation, certain colors are exclusively coordinated with a Gray or Black interior.
1 Display accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object and speed, and the display may not show all relevant traffic. The display is not a substitute for your own direct visual assessment of traffic conditions before changing lanes.
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