25 years after the Honda Insight as Britain’s first petrol-electric hybrid, the latest Honda HR-V is more relevant today

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Car Reviewed: Honda HR-V Advance Style Plus

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It is arguably one of the most eye-catching family cars, both externally and internally. Our range-topping MY25 example had a very good equipment list to satisfy users as well.

There are five versions in the MY25 range: Elegance, Advance, Advance Plus, Advance Style and Advance Style Plus, from £31,495 to £37,995 on the road.

The top model tested comes with wireless charging, premium 10-speaker sound system, 18-inch alloys, multi-view cameras, two-tone paint and a big sunroof.

The HR-V was produced between 1998 and 2006 and then from 2013 to the present day as a five-seater mid-size, five-door SUV.

Don’t be put off by the comparatively small 1.5-litre engine because the electric motor gives it a helpful boost when needed.

The system is very smooth, works seamlessly, and comes with a simple lever-controlled automatic box to select direction or parking. You have econ, normal and sport modes to bring out the best in the powertrain and the console button brings about immediate change as desired. Performance is good and it can be encouraged along or left to its own devices as a driver wishes, with a mechanically quiet motorway cruise or more frantic sound in sport mode through the countryside.

What’s so pleasing is that the powertrain can return over 50mpg without any effort, as we discovered. The driver can also determine how much regenerative electricity is put back into the system when easing off or braking, which helps reduce fuel consumption.

We started our test with an indicated 340 miles showing, over 80% battery charge and a full fuel tank, so it’s a car you might be able to fuel up once a month and use for running about.

We said the engine noise does rise with throttle pressure and in a sportier mode and there was a constant road rumble from the 18-inch tyres, but transmission and wind noises were low.

There was very good assistance and feedback through the steering, and there was a reasonable turning circle when parking. The brakes were nicely balanced between power and precision.

Handing was safe, and road-holding surefooted; the seats were big but a bit firm for some tastes but had good adjustment range for reach and raked in front with those behind able to comfortably sit without too much compromise for legroom or any headroom.

Honda developed their ‘magic seats’ in the back, which need a single release to fold flat or flip up and that’s very useful for a stressed parent with a lot of shopping or children. Luggage capacity can be gradually raised from a modest starting point and is reasonable in total behind a wide, long, flat floor.

The hidden handle to open the back doors gives the HR-V a coupe like profile and they have tight access but the front pair are better.

The seat height has been slightly raised in the new HR-V improving visiblity over the bonnet, both sides and over the shoulder, the back window has a high bodyline and you must rely on the reversing sensors and camera when parking.

All controls are easily accessible around the wheel, across the fascia, or on the console. The instruments are arranged in front of the steering wheel, and the infotainment panel above the console houses the navigation, including social media and communications displays.

It works flawlessly with smartphones and apps, and the links are instantly published with excellent audio quality. Our test model, however, required a determined push rather than a light touch to change displays on the infotainment panel.

The heating and ventilation system was simple and effective, providing good control, output, and direction throughout the cabin. It was further supported by electric windows all round.

Space for oddments room was good unless you needed to stow more significant items.

It is a good-sized car for users, easy to manoeuvre, comfortable, well equipped for safety and sound tastes and the overall economy is satisfying.

Hybrids have come a long way in 25 years, asking nothing of a driver but giving a lot in return.

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For: Striking design inside and out, economical, good handling, reasonable equipment, fair performance

Against:  Expensive to insure, average warranty, some restricted rear legroom, road noise noticeable, average bootspace.

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