After successfully introducing the Honda CR-V on the SUV-segment, the Japanese carmaker introduced a crossover based on the Civic’s platform: the HR-V.
The crossover market was almost non-existent. Even the term itself was barely used, and there were just a few offers on the table. Honda took a gamble, and it won with the light recreational vehicle that had an SUV stance, a compact-segment engine and was fitted with an all-wheel-drive system as an option.

The car’s designers didn’t take anything from the Honda range. It was a vehicle designed from scratch, and the only limitations were the technical platform. With oddly shaped headlights that took some space into the front bumper and an inch tall grille, the HR-V was a mixed breed between a compact station wagon and an SUV. The roofline was ended with a small wing in the back and a flat tailgate. Only the taillights resembled, somehow, those installed on the CR-V. The five-door version was introduced later than the three-door, in an attempt to get more attention for those who needed straight access to the rear seats.

Inside, a High Recreational Vehicle (HR-V) idea was to offer enough space for five adults and a trunk big enough for a weekend in a mountain lodge. Thanks to its big window area and oversized, door-mirrors, the car offered a 4x4 vehicle feeling. It offered standard features such as air-conditioning, power windows, power steering, and a decent audio system.

Under the hood, Honda installed a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with only 106 hp. It was mated to a 5-speed manual fitted as standard or a CVT as an option. Honda sold the car with either a front- or all-wheel-drive.