July 2000 Volume 81 Number 7 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

HR-V Sporty to Drive

Honda’s futuristic-looking HR-V is a sporty car to drive. And, while it may lack sports-car acceleration, it is adequately powered. Providing the engine is kept on the boil and the superb gearbox is used correctly, there’s not much that will slow the HR-V down. It’s quiet, corners well and has good braking and steering characteristics.

Apart from its good highway manners, HR-V is a great commuter with the ability to eat dirt, sand and snow.

It has a short, wide stance and an eye-catching body design that may not appeal to everyone. Its sloping windscreen and bonnet, “bug-eyed” headlamp assembly and long roof rails - complete with rear wing - give it a youthful appearance. The tailgate has convex, fixed glass, with a long vertical tail lamp assembly fitted on either side.

This theme continues inside with bright blue treatments to the gauges and ventilation controls. Small fuel and temperature gauges are featured inside the larger tachometer. The dash layout is simple and smart, with all controls well placed and easy to use.

Storage areas include:

• Two glove boxes.
• Front door pockets.
• Four drink holders.
• A rear map pocket.
• Handy compartments in the centre facia and console.

HR-V’s four comfortable, adult-size seats have a recline function, headrest and offer plenty of head, shoulder and leg room.

The cargo area has a flat floor and a removable hatch-style shelf. Under the floor is extra storage space and a narrow, emergency-style spare wheel. The rear seat has a 50/50 split-fold design, which provides excellent cargo space when the seats are folded.

Power is supplied by a 1.6-litre, SOHC, 16-valve engine producing 77kW @ 6,200rpm. The engine is coupled to a smooth-shifting, five-speed manual transmission, or an optionally available Multimatic automatic transmission with Honda’s Grade Logic Control.

HR-V is also fitted with a Dual Pump REALTIME 4WD system. This system uses hydraulic pressure to activate a multi-plate clutch to simultaneously transmit torque to all four wheels when its needed.

The HR-V is considered reasonably priced at $22,750 (three-door manual) and $24,750 (slightly longer 5-door).

Standard features include:

• Dual air bags
• Power windows
• Remote central locking
• Four-speaker radio-cassette player
• Power mirrors.

New Standard in People Movers

“People movers” were once commercial vans with extra seats and windows. The move today is toward a new breed of brilliantly-designed, purpose-built vehicles which feature high levels of luxury, safety and power.

Honda’s latest Odyssey could be the new people-mover yardstick. Powerful, very smooth and extremely quiet, it is a dream to drive. Only under harsh acceleration is the engine ever heard; and most gear changes go totally unnoticed.

The base model seats seven, sells for $44,950 and features a 2.3-litre VTEC, four-cylinder engine that provides a healthy 110kW of power at 5,800rpm.

The up-market V6L - tested by the Police Journal - sells for $52,500. Under its sloping bonnet is a smooth and powerful 3.0-litre SOHC VTEC V6 engine, capable of producing a substantial 154kW @ 5,800rpm.

Both Odyssey engines feature variable valve-timing and valve-lift to provide extra torque and power through the entire rev range. The four-cylinder engine is coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 gets a very smooth five-speed auto box. Both feature an S-Matic gear lever mounted in the centre facia, which allows the choice of fully automatic gear selection or manual-style sequential gear selection.

Sumptuous leather seating in three rows for six adults features throughout the V6L. The front and centre rows boast captain-style bucket seats, each offering forward and rearward adjustment, a reclining function and an adjustable armrest. The rear seat is a double bench which can be concealed under the cargo bay floor. All positions are serviced by air conditioning vents, storage areas and cup holders.

The cabin features a flat, walk-through floor with fold-down tables between the front and centre seats. The rear doors open outward, instead of the more common sliding action. Compared to its predecessors - and competitors - Odyssey’s overall body shape is lower and much sleeker.

Odyssey’s standard features include:

• Dual climate control air conditioning
• Central locking
• Cruise control
• Power windows
• Anti-lock brakes
• Fog lamps
• Driver and passenger airbags
• Four-channel, 40watt audio system
• Alloy wheels.

The V6L also features:

• Leather upholstery
• Leather steering wheel
• Six-stack, in-dash CD
• Captain-style second-row seats.

Prices quoted are pre-GST

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