Tag Archives: Toyota

Electric/hybrid, Honda, Motoring, SUV

Honda HR-V: A stylish, practical and efficient hybrid SUV

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Honda HR-V e:HEV

By Bill McCarthy

Honda produces some stylish cars. The Civic, and particularly the thrilling Type-R, springs to mind. While the new HR-V may not share that model’s glamour, it is a good-looking, practical vehicle featuring a new colour palette, more technically advanced options, and improved economy.

This mid-range Advance model adds LED headlights with cornering and adaptive beam functions, a power tailgate, and a heated leather steering wheel.

With its sleek profile and full-width LED lightbar, this compact SUV has a stylish road presence. This is highlighted by a signature crystal black grille, darkened LED headlamps, smart alloys, and an elegant rear lightbar.

Intuitive cabin

At the heart of the cabin is a clear nine-inch touchscreen, controlling smartphone connectivity, infotainment, and navigation. These are all accessible through the updated My Honda+ app on your smartphone, which lets you remotely control and monitor the vehicle with functions for locking doors, starting the engine, and checking fuel levels.

Clever and economical

The clever and economical e:HEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, generating 129bhp. It seamlessly switches between electric, hybrid, and engine-drive modes to optimise efficiency, achieving a claimed 52.3 mpg – a figure I matched and occasionally exceeded.

The performance is decent, not Type-R bonkers, but genuinely impressive in its efficiency. Drivers can select Sport, Econ, or Normal modes. Hit the Sport option, and the throttle response sharpens for a more engaging drive, while steering wheel paddles allow you to adjust the level of energy regeneration.

Practical and spacious Interior

Despite its compact appearance, it offers plenty of room. The cabin feels light, airy, and upmarket, with a commanding driving position and logically placed controls for minimal distraction.

Its ingenious one-pull folding ‘Magic’ rear seats allow long items like skis, bikes, or camping equipment to be transported with ease. Boot capacity is generous for a car of its size, complemented by practical features like a hard-wearing rubber mat for wet equipment like wellies.

Composed ride and handling

Ride and handling are composed. While the driving dynamics emphasise comfort, revisions to the suspension and steering provide more direct cornering and a smoother ride. Honda says noise and vibration have been reduced, contributing to a quiet and refined cabin – a claim that was hard to argue with.

Safety Systems

Safety kit is comprehensive, with a suite of active and passive safety systems as standard, including a full range of airbags. The Honda SENSING technology uses a new wider-angle high-definition camera for enhanced collision and lane departure warning, making it feel as safe as houses.

The Verdict

This compact SUV is a package that successfully blends striking style with very good real-world efficiency. It has a practical and well-built interior and a relaxed, comfortable driving experience.

While it may not excite driving enthusiasts like the Type R, it excels as a rational and sensible choice for everyday life.

Factfile

Honda HR-V Advance e: HEV
Price: £33,380
Mechanical: Combined 107PS 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via CVT transmission
Max speed: 105mph
0-62mph:10.7  seconds
Combined mpg: 52.3 WLTP
CO2 emissions: 122g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Insurance group: 32
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Motoring, SUV, SUV/4X4, Suzuki

Suzuki’s compact SUV worth considering

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Suzuki S-Cross hybrid Ultra

By Bill McCarthy

In the crowded and highly competitive world of compact SUVs, the Suzuki S-Cross has always carved out a sensible space. It has a loyal customer base who are confident in the product.

It may not feature some of the bells and whistles and luxurious touches of rivals, but this latest version, with a series of upgrades, offers very great value for money in a tight market.

Having said that, some of the features, especially on the range topping Ultra, are real high end, like the full sliding sunroof and clever 360-degree camera.

A major update for 2026

With the comprehensive 2026 model year update, the S Cross is better looking, has an improved interior, and efficient hybrid engine technology, including a 48V mild hybrid option with manual transmission driven here, and a new full hybrid version.

Smart new design

Both look good and now feature a sleek yet, at the same time, muscular design for a strong road presence. It is arguably Suzuki’s best-looking vehicle with a raised bonnet line, a piano black front grille, and new, sharp three-LED position headlamps.

The back end features larger combination lamps and the look is completed by roof rails and an integrated rear spoiler. There are two models: Motion and the Ultra driven here.

Hi tech well well-equipped cabin

The cabin centrepiece is a new nine-inch infotainment display that features controls, infotainment, smartphone connectivity and a three-dimensional navigation map.

It also a 4.2-inch display that shows a range of information including engine output and torque data, fuel consumption, average speed, acceleration and brake operation as well as driving G-force tracking.

Thethe system also allows the driver to use certain smartphone applications with MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection. 

The interior is not only practical but also packed with equipment, including dual-zone automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, and front and rear parking sensors.

This Ultra grade adds, which adds polished alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a large panoramic sunroof consisting of two individually sliding glass panels which extends over the front and rear seats.

Standout features

Another standout feature on the Ultra is the 360-view camera, which is fitted as standard equipment and is equipped with four cameras linked to the central display to provide a clear all-round view to the driver. Functions include a 3D opening view which enables the driver to check surroundings before moving off and a birds-eye view which makes parking this SUV an absolute doddle.

Efficient hybrid pwertrain

This model features the 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine uses a belt-driven motor-generator. It assists the petrol engine for a torque boost during acceleration, recovers energy during braking and deceleration to charge the 48V battery. It enables smooth engine stop/start and coasting reduces engine load and fuel consumption.

New auto transmission

This model featured the slick shifting, six-speed manual gearbox, but new for the S Cross is the six-speed fully automatic transmission, available for both Motion and Ultra grades. The transmission also includes paddle shifters for a more engaging drive.

Impressive economy

Economy is good on this model, with more than 50mpg delivered over an extended drive. The official combined mpg for the two-wheel-drive manual model is 49.7mpg, making the performance of this four-wheel-drive model all the more impressive.

Confident four-wheel-drive

This Ultra grade comes with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘Select’ four-wheel-drive system as standard. This system delivers surefooted performance. There are four driver-selectable modes – Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock.

New is the feed-forward function, which sends torque to the rear wheels before slippage occurs, ensuring stability rather than simply reacting to a loss of grip.

The pin-sharp steering keeps the car firmly in the direction you point it, and the grip is huge, providing a stress-free drive.

Comprehensive safety

The safety features are comprehensive, with both active and passive equipment standard across the range.

These include seven airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems like Dual Sensor Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Verdict

Now even smarter looking, the S-Cross stands out as a stylish, well-equipped, and versatile compact SUV, offering good value and a strong set of features.s. With efficient hybrid options, standard all-wheel drive on the Ultra grade, and competitive pricing, it makes a sensible choice in its segment.

Factfile

  • Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Hybrid Ultra
  • Price: £27,495
  • Mechanical: Combined 109PS 1,373cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all wheels via six speed manual transmission
  • Max speed: 111mph
  • 0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 49.5 (WLTP)
  • CO2 emissions: 131g/km
  • BIK rating: 32%
  • Insurance group: 16
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles