In 1999, at the Geneva Motor Show, Honda introduced the HR-V, which belongs to the new class “Joy Machine” (a car for pleasure). A sharp, fast-moving profile, a wide body with huge windows, original headlights in combination with wide wheel arches, a roof spoiler and vertical taillights made the Honda HR-V a trendsetter for urban fashion. A large glass area not only contributes to good visibility, but also visually significantly expands the interior space of the cabin. The appearance of this car especially relished the lovers of outdoor activities and the beautiful half of humanity. Compact body, power steering, high seating make it easy to maneuver in intensive city traffic.
Confidence on a country road will add huge tires in combination with a ground clearance of 190 mm and an all-wheel drive automatically activated. The car is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (4WD Real Time with a double pump) version. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a Honda branded transmission called Multi Matic S. The heart of the Honda HR-V is a 1.6 liter gasoline engine with four valves per cylinder, one camshaft and 105 hp power. The limit of the engine's capabilities comes at a speed of 160 km / h - then the HR-V does not accelerate.
For connoisseurs of dynamic driving this may not seem enough, so Honda offers for this model a more powerful 16-valve powerplant 1.6 liters 125 hp, equipped with the famous variable valve timing system (DOHC VTEC). An automatic continuously variable transmission with a V-belt variator (CVT), first used on an all-wheel drive car, provides intense and extremely soft acceleration. In terms of performance, the HR-V can even be compared to a front-wheel-drive sports car.
The interior design of the cabin is in perfect harmony with the exterior of the car - the characteristic roundness of the front optics continues in the form of the visor of the instrument panel and the front and rear head restraints. Salon trimmed quite modest, but does not look cheap. Note the well-thought-out shape of the front seats with excellent lateral support, comfortable and informative gearshift lever, as well as excellent ergonomics of the pilot's seat.
For complete happiness, only the height adjustment of the driver’s seat is lacking, although the two standard ones — the longitudinal and the back angle of the seat — are enough to accommodate a person of any stature, and three people can comfortably stay behind. Japanese designers took care of the safety of passengers by installing in the cabin 2 airbags and side impact protection at the doors. As for the brakes, the HR-V is equipped with front disc ventilated brakes and drum rear. Even at high speeds, the car confidently slows down, which is largely facilitated by the standard installation of the ABS system.
In the car a lot of all sorts of pockets, niches and "glove compartments", only cupholders 5 pieces. The luggage compartment in HR-V 285 liters. And if this space is small, the rear seats fold 50:50, significantly increasing the useful volume of the luggage compartment, so even an inflatable boat can be placed in the car. Very useful and functional pockets for all sorts of stuff and loops for attaching luggage, so that he did not jump while driving.
Sound insulation copes with most of the extraneous sounds. The advantages of HR-V include high overall reliability, traditional for this brand. Honda HR-V - the car in which are collected incompatible characteristics: off-road and comfortable car. Somewhat later, the HR-V was supplemented with a 5-door version of the body.
5-door version, not just introduced an additional number of doors. His body and wheelbase were increased by 100 mm. And, above all, it affected the additional comfort and safety of passengers in the rear seats and the best indicators of model stability. As a result of the restyling in 2001, the HR-V received only cosmetic changes.
Differently began to look the front part of the body. The front and rear bumpers have become more modest and elegant, in the front bumper now two round fog lamps are installed as standard. The shape of the wheels, both installed in the standard version and offered as an option, has also changed. In general, the car has become more sporting - this is the goal pursued by the designers during this update.
It is also worth noting a slightly modified false radiator grille, as well as side windows, which are now tinted and in the basic version. The dashboard of the new Honda HR-V is made in black colors, rather than bluish, as before. The steering wheel is covered with leather, and on the front panel there are inserts for titanium. In addition, the car is now equipped with a radio with a CD changer built into the front panel. Another innovation - the 1.6-liter V-TEC engine, previously offered only on the all-wheel drive version of the HR-V, will now be available on a two-wheel drive version.
In the "standard" car has ABS, air conditioning, dual airbags, electric windows and mirrors, electric folding mirrors, remote central locking, immobilizer, power steering, audio preparation (speakers, wiring, active antenna), headlight adjustment. In addition, in the form of options: roof spoiler, sunroof, alloy wheels 16 inches, heated seats and mirrors.
