Honda’s third-generation HR-V was given the lightest of light updates late 2024. Al Suttie tests the latest edition of the compact hybrid SUV.

Honda HR-V Advance Style Plus

List price (BiK): £37,730 (29%) CO2: 122g/km Economy: 52.3mpg Test efficiency: 59.3mpg

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Monday

Usually when a test car arrives, it’s obvious that it’s a new or heavily revised model, but the Honda HR-V caused a little head scratching and memory trawling. Ah yes, it was lightly updated in late 2024 with new front bumper, grille and headlights. There’s also a new light bar at the rear, new colours and, most pertinently here, the Advance Style Plus joins as the pinnacle of the trim options.

Tuesday

Honda doesn’t often make missteps with ergonomics, but the earlier HR-V was guilty of an awkwardly placed wireless phone charger. Not any more as this update makes it far easier to access due to the reshaped dash and centre console. Given how much fleet drivers now rely on their phones in the car for apps, keeping its battery topped up is a given. Credit to Honda for addressing a small but important point.

Wednesday

It’s a shame Honda did not also update the infotainment system in the HR-V when it sorted the wireless phone charging. The screen is a reasonable size and easy to reach from the driver’s seat, but it’s not very quick to respond and the menus are not arranged in the simplest format. There are physical buttons for the stereo volume and home screen, which are welcome.

Thursday

As with so many drivers, my routine now starts with disabling those driver aids that I find too distracting. In the Honda HR-V, this took a little longer and delving into the handbook to work out as the speed limit warning is not called that – Honda has christened it Traffic Sign Recognition. On too many roads round my part of the country, roads that are 60mph national speed limit zones flag up on the car as 40mph, causing much bonging if the system isn’t deactivated.

Friday

So, what do you get with the Advance Style Plus HR-V? Other than painted bumpers and unique alloy wheels, there’s a panoramic glass roof and that’s about it. Still, there’s plenty more kit included, so you won’t feel shortchanged next to rivals, and the HR-V’s cabin is every bit as well put together, solid and practical as you’d expect of a Honda.

Saturday

With almost a week spent in the HR-V, it’s a car with a split personality in the way it drives. In most instances, it’s quiet and fuss-free – just what you want from a compact SUV made by Honda. However, as soon as you ask for a bit more pep when overtaking or getting up to speed, the 1.5-litre petrol engine becomes way too vocal, not helped by the CVT (continuously variable transmission) gearbox.

Sunday

I find myself driving the HR-V in a gentle manner to sidestep some of its noisier traits when driven with gusto. Perhaps as a result of this, the Honda has returned an average fuel economy of 59.3mpg, which is 7mpg up on the official claimed figure. Impressive stuff. However, not even the added kit of the new Advance Style Plus can push the Honda any further than mid-table in this hard-fought class.