Honda HR-V RS e:HEV Efficiency over excitement

The electrified push is well underway for Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), and after introducing the hybrid versions of the Civic and CR-V, the Japanese automaker has now electrified its popular subcompact crossover, the Honda HR-V, with the debut of the HR-V RS e:HEV.

- By JACOB OLIVA

We got behind the wheel of the HR-V RS e:HEV during a recent media drive to Baguio. With the scenic Mt. Camisong Forest Park as our picturesque backdrop in our time with the new hybrid crossover, we focused on three big questions: How does it perform versus its turbocharged predecessor? How was its fuel efficiency? And is it worth the money?

HYBRID POWERTRAIN: EFFICIENCY OVER NUMBERS Unlike the larger CR-V and Civic hybrids, both of which pack a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the HR-V hybrid is powered by a more modest 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. While it may sound underwhelming on paper, it's a different story once you understand how Honda's e:HEV system works.

Rather than relying solely on the gasoline engine for propulsion, the HR-V e:HEV uses its engine mostly as a generator to charge its lithium-ion battery, which in turn powers the electric motor that actually drives the wheels. That means no need to plug it in; just gas up as usual and let the system manage itself.

In total, the system outputs 131 hp and 235 Nm of torque — lower figures than the previous turbocharged HR-V. But that's not the whole picture. Despite the hybrid system prioritizing electric drive, torque delivery is not punchy or instantaneous, though I won't say that it's lacking. The acceleration is smooth and linear, which differs a lot from the fun, punchy character of the older turbocharged HR-V.