Small but trusty second-hand Honda SUV

Small but trusty second-hand Honda SUV examines the Honda HR-V’s history in Australia and the practical trade-offs of the model sold locally from 2015. Honda launched the first HR-V in early 1999 and the badge disappeared from Australian showrooms before returning in 2015, when the vehicle was positioned as a compact SUV rather than a novelty. The HR-V uses hidden rear door handles and is a five-door, but the article notes that the rear seat is tight for family use, while younger families with smaller children may find it more workable. Power comes from a single 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Honda’s V-Tec variable valve timing and a CVT, producing 105kW and 173Nm, with all-wheel drive not offered and front-wheel drive standard. Trim begins with VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L, and sat-nav was added in 2017. The piece praises the clever rear-seat setup that folds cushions to create space for a push-bike, while reliability is described as generally strong, though electronics should be checked and CVT concerns remain the main shadow.