Honda HR-V - Top alternatives

If you thought that the world of crossover SUVs was getting really crowded - you haven’t seen anything yet. Since this category is further subdivided into what is known as ‘sub-compact crossovers’. The genre of these vehicles has been all the rage in recent years and has been instrumental in propagating the growth and influence of the crossover.

As one can imagine, these subcompact crossovers are based on the same platform as that of their smaller, less “adventurous” hatchback/sedan cousins. The Honda HR-V is one of the most dominant candidates in this market, and as explained before, is based on the architecture (albeit a modified) as the Honda Jazz.

If you are in the market for a vehicle that will not only suit your requirements of being a high-riding ‘crossover’ but will also be a decent car, then you got to look at the Honda HR-V. However, the HR-V is not the only vehicle in its class that can command attention. In a market that’s occupied by buyers who prefer crossovers over your everyday hatchback or sedan, there are quite a few alternatives.

But before we proceed with the options you have, let’s glance over some of the basic parameters of the Honda HR-V…

Honda HR-V dimensions:

Measurements	Honda HR-V
Length	4,346 mm
Width	1,790 mm
Height	1,605 mm
Wheelbase	2,610 mm
Boot Capacity	437 litres

 

Just as important, here’s a peek into what is under the bonnet of the Honda HR-V… There are two distinctly different powerplants on offer in Malaysia: there’s a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit with an integrated 30 hp electric motor.
While the former produces 140 hp at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm of maximum torque at 4,300 rpm,

the hybrid powerplant puts out 150 hp and 190 Nm of shove. The hybrid-assisted HR-V specs sheet comes fitted with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the regular fossil-fuelled variants come paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

If you are interested in the Honda HR-V’s performance - the best it can do is 190 kmph and a 0-100 kmph time of less than 10 seconds. On the other hand, the HR-V hybrid could (theoretically) return around 25 kmpl. As for the variants of the Honda HR-V, here’s what you can expect at the showroom and their respective prices…

Honda HR-V prices:

Variants	Price
1.8L E	RM 108,800
1.8L V	RM 118,800
1.8L V Hybrid	RM 120,800
RS	RM 124,800

 

However, if you don’t want to buy the Honda HR-V, here are decent alternatives…

Alternative 1 – Toyota Rush

With prices ranging from RM 93,000 to RM 97,000, the Toyota Rush is one of the most popular choices in the Malaysian crossover market right now. The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder in the Rush makes 104 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm - considerably less than the Honda HR-V. Mated to a 4-speed automatic, the Toyota Rush is good for a top speed of 175 kmph.

The Rush is longer, taller, and boasts a larger wheelbase - measuring in at 2,685 mm. The SUV-inspired design also works in its favour. On top of that, Toyota has equipped the Rush with 7 seats - unlike the

Honda HR-V which is a strict 5-seater. The fully-loaded Rush comes with several features, including:

• Panoramic View Monitor (PVM)
• Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
• Pre-collision Warning, Pre-collision Braking, Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control

If you need more seats and an SUV-inspired design, then the Toyota Rush is a good choice.

Alternative 2 – Renault Captur

The latest iteration of the Renault Captur was unveiled was just over a year ago. The French automaker sells the Captur in its TCE 120 EDC avatar for RM 107,980. If chic styling and a modern feature kit is your thing, then the Captur is a good alternative, indeed. It houses a 1.2-litre motor that churns out 118 hp and 190 Nm, pushing this crossover to a top speed of 192 kmph.

While smaller than the Honda HR-V, the Renault Captur specs sheet comes equipped with features like:

•  Stop-start function
• Digital instrument cluster
• LED fog lamps
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• 7-inch infotainment display with offline navigation feature

Alternative 3 – Mazda CX-3

The stylish and fun-to-drive Mazda CX-3 is only available in one variant that costs RM 130,159. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-banger that develops 154 hp and 204 Nm, the CX-3 drives the front wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Along with its suave styling, high-quality build and comfortable cabin, the Mazda CX-3 specs sheet feature the following equipment:

• Automatic LED headlamps with auto levelling
• LED fog lamps
• Automatic wipers
• Power-operated & auto-folding wing mirrors
• Dual exhaust pipes
• Electronic parking brake
• Head-up display
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic monitoring
• Mazda G-Vectoring Control technology

Alternative 4 – Peugeot 2008

With its sporty front fascia, punchy yet efficient motor, and a comfortable cabin that’s also decently built - the Peugeot 2008 makes a good case for itself on this list.

Apart from its relaxing interior and decent performance, the Peugeot 2008 specs sheet also comes with some modern creature comforts that include the following:

• Panoramic roof
• LED ambient mood lighting
• Arkamys 3D-sound premium audio system
• Aviation-inspired parking brake control
• Head-up display
• Automatic rear wiper
• Auto engine stop-start
• Semi-bucket leather seats

Overall, the Honda HR-V is fighting some tough competitors. From locals to international players, this genre is pretty well represented. Buyers have enough options to toss around - with the obvious being at the forefront of the whole battle.

If price, as is understandable, is really important to you, and you want to hit the nail on ever ringgit you spend - alternates from the French side become pretty convincing.

Also Read: Honda HR-V RS gets black interior, replaces original ivory trim