Oldest in the segment, here's why the Honda HR-V is selling well vs Corolla Cross

2015 is a long time ago – though thats when the  Honda HR-V was initially launched in Malaysia, and today, seven years down the line it still pulls healthy sales, despite way newer rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Proton X50 nipping at its heels.  

So much so that it accounted for 21% of Honda Malaysia's sales last year, making it the brand's second best seller behind the City and ahead of the CR-V. Demand is still higher than the limited supply, and that's certainly something, considering it not only has to contend with rivals but also the fact the its next-gen replacement is looming in the distance.

Clearly there's something going for it even as time has caught up, and the answer could be, well, timeless: efficient powertrains and clever interior design.

It's a cheaper, full-hybrid SUV alternative

Way before Toyota's blue-badged boy rolled along, we got the RM 114k HR-V Hybrid, which despite its eco-warrior allusions, actually offers the best drive among all variants. It's the cheapest full-hybrid SUV you can get in Malaysia, pipped by the Corolla Cross Hybrid which retails from RM 137k.

Also read: Yours for RM 137k, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid launched in Malaysia

A combined system output of 152 PS and 190 Nm may not sound the strongest in our current era, but its smooth Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) hybrid system is still quite a match to more powerful opponents.

Acceleration is perky – far more responsive than any of its peers – no doubt aided by its slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (7 DCT) transmission and instant torque delivery from the electric motor.

Also read: Here’s why the all-new 2020 Honda City RS with i-MMD doesn’t need a gearbox

That, and it'll still do 5 litres/100 km without trying. 

Almost unparalleled interior space

As with most loveable machinery, a big chunk of the HR-V's talents sit outside the margins of mathematics. Actually, it's inside the car.

Step into the HR-V and though it may be your first time, chances are you can figure everything out before you drive out the showroom. Sure, the aesthetics aren't winning any awards today, but its ergonomics and cargo space are huge plus points.

Also read: Honda City Hatchback's ULTRA seats, as clever as the Jazz's, and still the segment's best

Its clever Ultra Seats can fold flat and upwards, meaning you can fit more cargo in the HR-V compared to the Corolla Cross or bigger rivals like the Proton X70.

Boot space is rated at 404 litres (Hybrid) and 437 litres for the rest of the range.

Also read: This is how useful the Honda Jazz’s Ultra Seats are! Myvi what?

Despite its smaller theoratical numbers to the Corolla Cross' 440 litres, the aforementioned flat-folding seats, low boot floor, as well as wide and tall boot aperture means that you can load more inside it.

Updated infotainment, lights, fixes big complaints

Last year's update to the HR-V range fixes the biggest complaints about the Hybrid variant, by bringing LED headlights, fog lights, and snazzy new tail lights with it. At least now it doesn't seem so 'cut-rate' anymore.

That, and a new infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across the range further ekes out a little bit more to like about the HR-V, and addresses our initial disappointments about the model.

Also read: New infotainment in 2021 Honda HR-V fixes its biggest weakness

Conclusion

When all's said and done, it's easy to see why the HR-V is still being pulling customers: you have a car that's easy to drive and park, very economical to run, and offers oodles of space for the money.

True, you'll have to live without Honda Sensing ADAS. That's something the next-gen model will likely fix, but of course at the cost of the inevitable price increase.

Also read: All-new 2021 Honda HR-V gets more expensive in Japan; Malaysia to follow

For now, the HR-V is priced from RM 104,000 to RM 118,581 (SST-free until 30-June 2022).

To sweeten the deal, Honda Malaysia is offering rebates of up to RM 5,500 on the model from now till 31-March 2022 too.

Also read: Review: Honda HR-V, still worth your attention over the Proton X70