Honda's new HR-V crossover is big on features, value - Chron.com
Sport and crossover utility vehicles are to automakers what pancakes are to IHOP. Among the hottest of the hot: Honda 's CR-V. In addition to racking up bonus-generating sales numbers month after month for Honda executives and retailers alike, the CR-V is a perennial award winner, whether it's scoring a Consumer Reports "best buy" rating or top safety marks from those... But last month Honda's threw a curve at potential CR-V buyers - the HR-V, a smaller, lighter and more affordable crossover. Let's just say that you should be able to wangle a brand-new HR-V for under $20,000. And make that under $19,000 if you are one of those rare souls who prefer a manual transmission. After a couple of weeks with a top-of-the-line HR-V that included a trip to New Orleans, this correspondent was satisfied, indeed. The powertrain combination (Honda's tried-and-true 1. 8-liter four and continuously variable transmission) was smooth and peppy enough for all tasks, including zipping around drivers languishing in the fast lane while checking text messages and... The ride was comfortable (give some credit to Honda equipping all HR-Vs with 215/55R17 tires - a rational compromise that won't beat up owners on the road or replacement time). On the highway, the ride was more than decent, especially considering the HR-V's 102. 8-inch wheelbase. Source: www.chron.com
