A commute involving 6am starts, the best and the worst that the M25 can throw at us, the A3 and of course the wonderful South Downs with which this car is familiar, proved the ultimate test for the little HR-V. It fared well.
Coming from one of the daddies of the crossover – my first-generation Land Rover Freelander – the HR-V was a world away. Being more “car-like” the HR-V was a welcome departure from the Land Rover’s agricultural character. Quiet, more comfortable, economical and well equipped, but still with that taller ride height, the HR-V is a fine example of everything that makes these cars so popular. The soft touch wheel, attractive instrument cluster and heated seats eased the long morning slog, but there are niggles.
The navigation (and the interface as a whole) was, as is in so many cars, not quite up to what we could be enjoying in 2017. For tech’ reference, the iPhone turns ten this year… A minor gripe with an otherwise highly competent, enjoyable, and efficient way to do 1,200 hard miles.
Photography by Tom Shaxson