LOS ANGELES -- With more people choosing to live in urban environments, compact SUV are becoming popular. Honda gets in on that trend with its new HR-V model, getting a North American debut at the LA Auto Show.
This diminutive SUV looks good, using modern Honda styling touches such as a grill that flows between the headlight casings and angular lines down the sides. Although just a bit over 14 feet (4.3 meters) long, the high stance allows for easy passenger and cargo access.
In fact, Honda seems to be following the playbook for its successful Fit model by offering what it calls the "Magic Seat" feature in the HR-V. This second row seat folds up in different ways, allowing multiple configurations for cargo.
The engine specs don't sound very impressive, but should turn in good fuel economy. Honda went with a 1.8-liter four cylinder, a small engine producing only 138 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. That spells practicality but not excitement.
You'll be able to choose between a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. The HR-V also comes in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, but the latter is only available with the continuously variable transmission. The Nissan Juke forces a similar choice.
Honda will offer similar driver assistance systems and cabin electronics as it does in the Fit. That means a full navigation head unit, USB port for digital audio and its LaneWatch feature, which gives the driver a video monitor view of the right-side of the car.
Pricing has not been announced yet, but the HR-V should base below $20,000 if it hopes to compete in this new segment.
