SUV Reviews

The entry-level model in the Honda HR-V 2019 model range is the VTi, which lists from just $24,990 plus on-road costs.The entry-level VTi model is attractively priced, and scores some points on specifications, too.Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen with in-built satellite navigation system, plus Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and USB connectivity. Sadly, no model comes with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.The media screen doubles as a display for the reversing camera. There’s cruise control, single-zone climate control air conditioning, and the VTi has projector halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights. You don’t even get HID lights on the base spec, which is disappointing.The safety features list has been improved for this facelifted model, with the addition of a low-speed auto emergency braking (AEB) system, known as 'City-Brake Active'. It will warn the driver and apply brake force at speeds from five-32km/h.Powering all HR-V models is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW of power and 172Nm of torque. The engine is teamed to a CVT auto, and all HR-V models are front-wheel drive only.

The flagship model in the Honda HR-V 2019 range is the VTi-LX, which is priced at $34,490 plus on-road costs.This version builds upon the equipment of the models below it, adding electric driver’s seat adjustment, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric folding side mirrors, chrome exterior door handles, auto up/down windows for all doors, LED interior lights, dual-zone climate control, and front parking sensors.That’s on top of leather appointed seats, heated front seats, adds rear tinted windows, auto wipers, alloy sports pedals, and a “smooth sports leather-wrapped steering wheel” with paddleshifters. It also has keyless entry and push-button start, auto on/off LED headlights, LED ‘optical style’ tail-lights, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Honda’s 'LaneWatch' side camera system. This version gets roof rails, too, which the base grade misses out on.As before, VTi-LX models have the more comprehensive safety suite, including high-speed auto emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (not active lane assist) and auto high-beam lights (but still no blind spot monitor or rear cross-traffic alert).However, the VTi-LX drops back to a 17-inch wheel instead of rolling on 18s like the RS, and it doesn’t get the sports leather steering wheel.Powering all HR-V models is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW of power and 172Nm of torque. The engine is teamed to a CVT auto, and all HR-V models are front-wheel drive only.

The second level up the ladder in the Honda HR-V 2019 model range is the VTi-S, which starts at $27,990 plus on-road costs.This spec sees the addition of keyless entry (smart key) and push-button start, auto on/off LED headlights, LED ‘optical style’ tail-lights, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Honda’s 'LaneWatch' side camera system. This version gets roof rails, too, which the base grade misses out on.The interior of the VTi-S model moves up to chrome and piano black finishes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-bound gear-knob, and the passenger’s side vanity mirror is illuminated. Plus you get an extra pair of 12-volt plugs (one in the back seat, one in the rear), and a second map pocket in the back (the VTi has only one).As with the VTi, this version has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with in-built satellite navigation system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and USB connectivity. Sadly, no model comes with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The screen doubles as a display for the standard-fit reversing camera.The safety features list has been improved for this facelifted model, with the addition of a low-speed auto emergency braking (AEB) system, known as 'City-Brake Active'. It will warn the driver and apply brake force at speeds from five-32km/h.Powering all HR-V models is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW of power and 172Nm of torque. The engine is teamed to a CVT auto, and all HR-V models are front-wheel drive only.

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Mazda has thrown the word 'Sport' on the end of its mid-range Maxx variant as well, which surely suggests it's got more gear than the old car. Stepping up to this level will cost you from $25,490 drive-away, which gives you the option of either FWD or i-Activ AWD, which almost no one will take up, realistically.  You also have the choice of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 110kW/195Nm and producing fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100km (or 6.6L/100km for the manual) or the 1.8-litre diesel (which again, almost no one will choose), which only comes with FWD and an automatic transmission, and delivers impressive fuel economy of 4.7L/100km, plus 85kW and 270Nm.Above and beyond the Neo Sport, the Maxx Sport adds 16-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a fold down armrest with two cupholders for the rear passengers, leather-wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel, sunglass storage, climate-control air con, satellite navigation, 'Blind Spot Monitoring' and 'Rear Cross Traffic Alert'. Apple CarPlay is not yet available, but it's coming soon, and a kit to retrofit it will be available at Mazda dealers in the near future.

The spunky little CX-3 range has sexed up its names slightly, so the base model is now a Neo Sport, rather than just a plain old Neo.This entry car is available as front-wheel-drive only and comes with a choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic paired with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 110kW/195Nm and producing fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100km (or 6.5L/100km for the manual).Standard kit for your $23,990 drive-away price (that's manual, auto adds another $2000) includes 16-inch steel wheels, body-coloured powered mirrors, black cloth front seats with height adjustment, electric parking brake, a 7.0-inch full-colour 'MZD Connect' touch screen to control your audio system with DAB, Bluetooth and six speakers, and a multi-function 'Command Control', plus keyless start, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and 'Smart City Brake Support', which works in both forward and reverse. It's a (very) good-looking package at a tempting price. Apple CarPlay is not yet available, but it's coming soon, and a kit to retrofit it will be available at Mazda dealers in the near future.

The range-topping Akari feels noticeably more plush and premium inside, and you'll pay for that, with the entry price rising to $33,990 for this spec and topping out at $37,290 for the AWD LE, which is a lot of money for this little car. Engine wise, you get the option of either FWD or i-Activ AWD, which almost no one will take up, realistically. You also have the choice of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 110kW/195Nm and producing fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100km (or 6.6L/100km for the manual) or the 1.8-litre diesel (which again, almost no one will choose), which only comes with FWD and an automatic transmission, and delivers impressive fuel economy of 4.7L/100km, plus 85kW/270Nm.On top of all the above kit, the Akari adds a power sliding and tilt sunroof, front seats with 10-way power adjustment and two memory settings, which are trimmed in either black or 'Pure White' leather, and heated, plus 'Mazda Radar Cruise Control' with start-stop function, which Mazda says is unique to its brand at this level, a 360-degree view monitor, adaptive LED headlights and lane-departure warning. Apple CarPlay is not yet available, but it's coming soon, and a kit to retrofit it will be available at Mazda dealers in the near future. Consider this a very small burger with the lot.

The sTouring is the almost-premium car in the range, and will no doubt be the sweet spot for some buyers.Starting at $30,740, you get the option of either FWD or i-Activ AWD, which almost no one will take up, realistically. You also have the choice of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 110kW/195Nm and producing fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100km (or 6.6L/100km for the manual) or the 1.8-litre diesel (which again, almost no one will choose), which only comes with FWD and an automatic transmission, and delivers impressive fuel economy of 4.7L/100km, plus 85kW and 270Nm.You get a bit of visual differentiation from the lower models here, starting with 18-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors with heating and auto folding, LED day-time running lights, fog lights, headlamps and tail-lights, black 'Maztek' and cloth seats, head-up display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry and start, 'Driver Attention Alert', from parking sensors and 'Traffic Sign Recognition'. Apple CarPlay is not yet available, but it's coming soon, and a kit to retrofit it will be available at Mazda dealers in the near future.