SAY goodbye to the Honda Jazz and say hello to its worthy successor, the Honda HR-V V Turbo CVT Honda Sensing. The Honda Jazz has been a beloved choice among Filipino motorists due to its sleek design and agile performance. However, with its discontinuation, the question arises: Which model will fill the void? While Honda suggests the Honda City Hatchback, I respectfully disagree. I believe the Honda HR-V is the perfect fit.

Nimble as a subcompact hatch

Gracing these pages is the Honda HR-V V Turbo CVT Honda Sensing, quite a mouthful, right? But what you need to focus on is the “Turbo.” Yes, underneath its hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC engine. While its output numbers may be far from sports car figures at 177 hp and 240 Nm torque, for a lightweight crossover package, it is more than enough. For city driving, it packs ample torque making drives easier. Step deeper into the throttle and the turbo will work harder to give boost, making the midrange engine speed (rpm) richer in power.

The Honda HR-V V Turbo CVT Honda Sensing offers three driving modes: Normal, Econo and Sports. The default mode is Normal, while Econo focuses on fuel efficiency by dialing down performance. Engaging Sports mode enhances the driving experience, with quicker revs and sharper steering response. In this mode, the engine even produces a more pronounced rasp.

In terms of fuel consumption, during my city driving with occasional sprints, I achieved 9.5 km/liter. However, according to Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI), this variant can reach up to 24.3 km/liter. Finding the sweet spot on the throttle is key, and the continuously variable transmission or CVT is easy to adapt to.

Ride comfort is very much like a subcompact hatchback, too. Its ride is far from being soft, it is rather sporty that definitely adds to the agile steering control of the HR-V.

Compact yet spacious

Another thing that I love about the HR-V is its size. Driving this around the metro is a breeze and parking will not be a hassle, thanks to its subcompact size. The relatively short wheelbase makes it easier to maneuver even in tight spaces. With the HR-V being just a tad longer than the Jazz by 33.5 centimeters (cm), taller by 5.7cm, and wider by just 9.6cm, the HR-V will feel right to many car buyers who long for a new generation Honda Jazz.

Despite its size, the HR-V offers ample passenger space, with lots of leg and head room for both front and rear passengers. Hauling stuff will not even be a problem, thanks to the HR-V’s ULT seats that are composed of three adjustable modes: Utility, which puts the rear seats in foldflat allowing maximum cargo space; Long mode, which folds front passenger and rear seats, ideal for long cargos; and Tall mode, which tip-up the rear seats for more vertical space.

Well-equipped

The Honda HR-V V Turbo CVT Honda Sensing may be the mid-variant model among the all-new HR-V line but it is wellequipped with most modern car features. It comes with an 8-inch infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. It also has a reliable keyless entry and keyless engine start/stop system. Power folding and adjustable side mirrors as well as auto-dimming rear view mirror come standard in this trim level. Backing up can be done with ease thanks to the HR-V V Turbo’s multi-view rear camera. People might only look for a power adjustable driver seat that this variant misses, but not me, I still prefer manual seats. It just feels more secure with that locking sound when you adjust the seat.

Adding value to this mid-variant HR-V is the Honda Sensing features that come standard in the HR-V V Turbo. This subcompact crossover is equipped with adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high beam, and lead car departure notification.

The upgrade

Now, let’s circle back to the notion of the HR-V as a worthy successor to the discontinued Honda Jazz. The HR-V offers nearly everything that Jazz enthusiasts cherished in a subcompact hatch, with a touch of upscale refinement. HCPI developed the all-new HR-V with pleasure, confidence and aesthetics as its guiding principles. After spending a significant amount of time behind the wheel, I can confidently say that these values shine throughout the HR-V experience.

While the HR-V tempts spirited drives on highways and mountain roads with its peppy four-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine, it excels as a practical daily driver, effortlessly tackling various tasks in the city — a trait it shares with the Honda Jazz. The all-new HR-V serves as an excellent upgrade for those who adored the Jazz, encompassing nearly everything they loved about it within a subcompact crossover package. If you’re seriously considering the HR-V, the V Turbo CVT Honda Sensing variant hits the sweet spot in the lineup, delivering all the desirable features you seek. It’s just the right package.