2024 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V makes a triumphant return to New Zealand shores after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.

Managing Director of Honda New Zealand, Mr Nobuya Sonoda, says: “I would like to thank our loyal fans for their patience. I know we have many customers waiting for HR-V's return to New Zealand. Our third generation HR-V hybrid is well worth the wait.”

Having sold the Honda HR-V in the past, I was excited to see how far the incoming Generation 3 HR-V had evolved from the outgoing Generation 2.

At the recent New Zealand launch of the Generation 3 HR-V I got the chance to compare both models side by side as the team at Honda New Zealand had a handful of Generation 2 HR-Vs available for us to make the comparison through firsthand experience.

I was pleased to note that the 2024 Honda HR-V marks an exciting evolution for the model, incorporating several updates and enhancements.

Generation 3 and Generation 1

I immediately noticed the improved damper mounting points and body torsional rigidity which provided smoother suspension movement when I hopped out of the Generation 2 and into the Generation 3. 

The Generation 3 HR-V also boasts Honda’s latest hybrid technology, e: HEV, a unique two-motor hybrid system, that combines high environmental performance with driving pleasure. More joy, less cost, lower carbon footprint. With its 1.5L e:HEV, DOHC i-VTEC engine – Auto e-CVT there will be no range anxiety here.

Visually, the third Generation HR-V has sleek lines, from its new front grille to clever features like subtly integrated rear door handles that give this five-door SUV the look of a streamlined three-door coupe. It cleverly balances styling and aerodynamic performance.

Inside, the cabin is quiet and clean, offering plenty of leg room and comfort, with a simple, functional dashboard layout and a new intuitive air-dispersion system to make the journey more comfortable for all passengers. It can even simulate that exhilarating feeling of riding in a convertible, although the roof stays firmly on.

Another new feature is the cool rear electrostatic touch light which I am sure will keeps kids busy in the back.

If you have never experienced the Honda magic seat set up, be prepared to fall in love with the array of settings that give you the ability to accommodate items you always struggled to load into a standard boot. The rear seat can be configured into different positions to store almost anything in the cabin from strollers to golf clubs or even multiple suitcases.

When it comes to safety, Honda’s advanced sensing technology offers a wide range of features, including Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and a Traffic Sign Recognition System. Plus, there are multiple parking sensors and a three-angle reversing camera with Dynamic Parking Aid.

Other technology features include Honda Connect, an app which lets you connect with your vehicle to turn the lights on and off, remotely lock the doors, geo-locate your car and check your fuel level all without stepping into your car.

An enjoyable driving experience comes down to your time behind the wheel being as pleasant and stress-free as possible. The Generation 3 Honda HR-V certainly delivers this. I’d encourage you to take one for a drive and experience this first hand.

Initially, New Zealand will see just one variant of the HR-V, the HR-V Sport available for $45,800 plus ORC.