Honda HR-V long term review​​

​The small hybrid Honda crossover impresses with its fuel consumption, achieved on long distance trips. The official WLTP figure claimed by Honda on a combined cycle is 52.3 mpg, which in itself is a remarkable result. During the road test the car’s engine was set up in eco-mode in order to see how many more miles could be achieved without refuelling. After several trips of different distances, the tank was half full. Surprisingly the road test achieved 58.3mpg which is a higher fuel economy figure claimed by Honda. 

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However, these figures should always be taken with a pinch of salt. Manufacturers’ fuel figures don’t always reflect the real-world driving conditions hence are different. For example, the Peugeot 508 PSE plug-in hybrid that was tested had recorded 35mpg instead of 139mpg claimed by Peugeot. With the HR-V being a self-charging hybrid, this isn’t an issue, and given the spiralling cost of fuel it becomes an attractive proposition. Especially so if you’re not quite ready to make the jump to a plug-in or fully electric vehicle.

Predictably, achieving those higher mpg figures wasn’t straightforward or easy. You have to adapt your driving style, maybe even changing completely. As mentioned before by manufacturers, there are many factors affecting fuel consumption, such as driver inputs (throttle acceleration) road and weather conditions (slow traffic driving, rain). You can get higher mpg figures by using the regenerative braking system. With the regen in its maximum setting it almost becomes a one-pedal driving experience. Once you become accustomed to this you can easily see over 60mpg driving around town.