Hybrids.

[hackney]

Have bitten the bullet(wife really because she is finding the CRV to big,especially in a big city.)& have put an order in for the new Honda HRV Hybrid(general release on the 19/4/22) 45k,which as everyone knows is a set price with Honda these days, no haggling no ifs no buts.We did option it up, with a nicer set of Honda alloys & few other bits & pieces. The dealer that we went to(& have purchased quite a few vehicles off them over the years,& have always looked after us pretty well,so no complaints there.)They had three HRVs there of the new model, one was just a petrol model & the other two Hybrids.One was floor model only & not for sale as it is there for people to have a good look @ & sit in etc…(& won’t be sold for six months)The other one is a demonstrator.This one had only come in a day or so before,& only had 30kms on the odo.We we’re bel believe it or not the very first to drive it(the car is booked out next week for people wanting test drives.)First impressions?Very nice to drive,very,very comfortable vehicle,Hybrid system is impressive.Negatives?It is only a four seater in Australia(ADR rule).In the EU & UK it is a five seater, as the seat belt comes from above you, but,it is not a place you would want to sit anyway, very hard in the middle.Not a deal breaker for us, but many would not like it.The engine?So,so,1.5 litre VTEC same as the Civic.96KW & 253Nm of torque.If pushed the engine noise flares up,but again not a deal breaker.The car will cruise quite comfortably @ freeway speeds,@ 120kph + it is fine.Hybrid system is different to Toyota(Honda we’re the first in Hybrid technology with the Honda Insight in 1999)Unlike traditional mild hybrids the e:HEV L’s engine aids the electric motor, not the other way around, resulting in a smoother driving experience.They are not new to the technology.A lot of people who are looking @ them are people who are after the Hybrid technology,& are frustrated @ the delays with Toyota.Whether this happens with Honda remains to be seen.We will be one of the first to own one.There are a lot on the ‘water’ being shipped to dealers in Australia for first delivery’s.Reviews are mixed o’seas with them.But all in all they seem pretty good.