Fleet World road tester Alisdair Suttie has spent a week getting to know the ins and outs of the Honda HR-V hybrid SUV. Here’s what he found out…

The Sand Khaki Peral Two-Tone paintwork is a no-cost option for our Advance Style trim model

Monday

First thought this morning on seeing the arrival of a car on the drive was the Army had pitched up. But no, this is a Honda HR-V finished in Sand Khaki Peral Two-Tone, which is a no-cost option for this Advance Style trim model. I wasn’t sure at first, but it’s grown on me as I glance out of the window throughout the day. Will the rest of the HR-V prove as good at drawing me in?

Tuesday

The bluff-fronted styling of the HR-V has prompted several people to ask if it’s an EV. They’re pleasantly surprised when I explain it’s a hybrid as many seemed to think nobody made this type of car anymore. The 129bhp from the 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors gives 0-62mph in a relaxed 10.2 seconds, while 67.3mpg claimed combined economy. EV-only range is very limited, but then there’s no faffing with charge cables either.

Wednesday

A day of mooching here and there on errands with the HR-V and the lasting impression is of a car that lends itself to a laid-back driving manner. This isn’t to say the Honda is sluggish, just that it encourages you to take driving duties at a more sedate pace. It’s no bad thing as it also gives you time to enjoy the HR-V’s refined, high-quality cabin.

The HR-V is available in colours other than beige

Thursday

The take-it-easy approach of the HR-V is proving hard to resist. Maybe it’s the beige exterior that means other drivers simply don’t see the car as a threat, but I swear people are being even more courteous than usual. Mind you, being aggressive is not really in the HR-V’s nature as the soft-set suspension means handling is more acceptable than agile.

Friday

Honda is well known for screwing together a car’s interior better than most, yet the HR-V’s elevates this still higher. This car feels a distinct cut above the likes of the Kia Sportage or Ford Kuga, neither of which is shabby in any way. It’s just the attention to detail in the Honda, which is up there alongside the Mazda CX-30. It also has a better infotainment system than many recent Hondas, thankfully.

Saturday

It’s the weekend and time to cart the kids around. Another tick for the HR-V here is the vast amount of rear legroom for my gangly son. It’s positively limo-like back there, so much so that my wife opts to sit in the back for the trip home from the sports centre while my daughter makes light work of fathoming the infotainment system to tune away from my preferred Radio 4 choice.

Sunday

Pondering any negatives about the Honda HR-V and there’s not a lot. The boot is on the small side for the class and the 1.5 petrol engine is noisy when worked hard, which is a bit more of the time than is ideal due to the CVT (continuously variable transmission). But that’s it. Otherwise, the HR-V is a straightforward, likeable, affordable crossover with a very classy cabin. And it’s available in colours other than beige.