The 2018 Honda HR-V i-VTEC V 1.8 Auto is a well-regarded compact crossover SUV in the Honda lineup. It offers a stylish design, a comfortable ride, and good fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for urban commuters and small families. As the V trim, it is one of the higher-end variants of the HR-V, offering a good balance of features, performance, and practicality.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2018 Honda HR-V i-VTEC V 1.8 Auto:
1. Engine and Performance
•Engine: The 2018 Honda HR-V i-VTEC V is powered by a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine.
•Power Output: This engine produces 139 horsepower (103 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque at 4,300 rpm. While not the most powerful engine in its class, it delivers enough performance for daily commuting and occasional highway trips.
•Transmission: The HR-V i-VTEC V comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which ensures smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic gearboxes.
•Drive Type: The HR-V i-VTEC V is front-wheel drive (FWD), offering adequate handling and traction for urban driving and light to moderate road conditions.
•Acceleration and Top Speed: The HR-V accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 10-11 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 190 km/h (118 mph).
•Fuel Economy: The 1.8L engine offers competitive fuel efficiency, averaging around 6.0–6.5 liters per 100 km (approximately 15–16 km/l) in combined city and highway driving conditions.
2. Design and Exterior
•Body Style: The Honda HR-V is a compact crossover SUV designed to appeal to urban buyers. The 2018 model features a sleek, modern design with flowing lines and a sporty stance.
•Dimensions: The 2018 HR-V has an overall length of around 4,290 mm, width of 1,770 mm, and height of 1,605 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. This gives it a relatively compact footprint, making it easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces while still offering ample interior space.
•Exterior Features:
•LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and projector-type halogen headlights
•Chrome front grille for a more premium look
•17-inch alloy wheels with a contemporary design
•Electric folding side mirrors with turn signals
•Shark fin antenna for a modern touch
•Roof rails (on some variants) for added utility
•Body-colored door handles and side skirts for a sleek profile
•Rear spoiler to enhance the sporty look
•Ground Clearance: The HR-V offers a ground clearance of around 175 mm, making it suitable for most urban driving conditions and moderate rough roads.
3. Interior and Comfort
•Seating: The HR-V i-VTEC V can comfortably seat 5 passengers with fabric upholstery in a well-appointed interior. The driver’s seat is manual adjustable in most variants, but it provides adequate support for long drives.
•Cabin Features:
•Dual-zone automatic climate control for front and rear comfort
•Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons
•Push-button start for added convenience
•Honda’s Magic Seat feature allows for multiple configurations of the rear seats, enabling taller or bulkier items to be carried in the cabin. This feature makes the HR-V particularly practical for its class.
•Storage Space: The HR-V offers decent boot space of around 437 liters, which is expandable by folding down the rear seats. With the Magic Seat, the cargo area is versatile and can accommodate larger or more awkwardly shaped items.
4. Technology and Infotainment
•Infotainment System: The 2018 Honda HR-V i-VTEC V comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports:
•Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration
•Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and audio streaming
•USB and AUX ports for additional media options
•Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines for easier parking and reversing
•HD Radio and AM/FM radio
•CD/DVD player (available in some markets)
•Audio System: The HR-V i-VTEC V is equipped with a 6-speaker audio system, offering clear sound for music and other media.
•Driver Assistance Technology: While the 2018 HR-V doesn’t come with the advanced suite of safety features available on newer models, it does include basic features such as:
•Rear parking sensors
•Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
•Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
•Hill Start Assist (HSA) for smoother starts on inclines
5. Safety Features
•Airbags: The HR-V i-VTEC V comes with 6 airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, providing enhanced protection for occupants in the event of a collision.
•Braking and Stability:
•ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for better braking control
•EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) for optimized braking performance
•BA (Brake Assist) to reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations
•VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) helps to maintain control during slippery conditions
•TCS (Traction Control System) for better traction on slippery roads
•Other Safety Features:
•ISO Fix child seat anchors for securing child seats
•Emergency stop signal that activates the hazard lights in case of sudden braking
6. Driving and Handling
•Suspension: The HR-V i-VTEC V uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, which provides a comfortable and stable ride on most road surfaces. The suspension setup ensures a smooth ride while also offering reasonable handling performance.
•Handling: The front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration and relatively light weight make the HR-V agile in city traffic, with good maneuverability in tight spaces. Its steering is responsive, though not overly sporty, making it an excellent choice for everyday driving.
•Ride Comfort: The ride quality is tuned for comfort, absorbing most road imperfections and providing a relaxed driving experience, especially in urban environments.
7. Reliability and Maintenance
•Honda Reliability: The HR-V has a strong reputation for reliability, with many owners reporting low maintenance costs and good long-term durability. Honda’s reputation for building durable engines and transmissions helps to ensure that the HR-V continues to perform well over time.
•Warranty: The 2018 Honda HR-V typically comes with a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty (depending on the market), covering most major repairs and maintenance.
•Service Costs: Honda vehicles are generally affordable to maintain, with easily accessible parts and a wide network of service centers. Regular service intervals are required to keep the HR-V running smoothly.
8. Price and Market
•Price Range: The 2018 Honda HR-V i-VTEC V 1.8 Auto is priced higher than the base models but offers more features and technology. Prices will vary depending on the region and condition of the vehicle (new or used).
•Market Positioning: The HR-V competes with other compact crossovers like the Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, and Nissan Juke. While not the most powerful or sporty in its class, the HR-V excels in comfort, practicality, and reliability.
Summary
The 2018 Honda HR-V i-VTEC V 1.8 Auto offers a strong value proposition in the compact crossover SUV segment. With its stylish design, practical features like Honda’s Magic Seat, and efficient 1.8L engine, it provides a balanced driving experience. The CVT transmission ensures smooth performance, while the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto enhance connectivity. While the HR-V might not be the sportiest in its class, its ride comfort, reliability, and practicality make it a solid choice for those seeking a compact SUV for daily driving and family use.