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In the case of HR-V: Granted, we find measurable tech and active safety value in this Fit platformed CUV, and arguably, with an MSRP($19,115 to $ 25,840) shadowing Honda CR-V and Fit, this sub compact CUV is an exceptional purchase or lease value. After experiencing HR-V first hand, we’d be hard pressed to find a greater subcompact crossover value on the market today.

Sometimes less is more, but you have to look for it

While attending Honda’s Miami press reveal, we put on the night vision goggles, made our way up to the exhibit platform and did just a bit of clandestine research. Interested in the suspension underpinnings, and mechanical inner workings of this sub-compact Real Time ™ all-wheel-drive CUV, we inched our way under HR-V to spend some intimate one on one time with one of Honda’s newest breakthrough developments.

It’s that inner automotive engineer that comes out in most if not all of the auto-obsessed. looking under the hood of HR-V we discovered a vast engine room of unusual proportion and access, relatively heavy suspension components and what appeared to be an active, or at the least isolated front engine mount with adjusters. What was Honda up to, and how did they build a dimensionally larger than Fit CUV on the Fit “World Platform?” Would there be a future HR-V Sport Turbo or Hybrid down the road?

Less dead weight, less frame weight, less bounce per mile = exceptional ride, quiet and stability

Looking to HR-V specifications, Honda utilizes Advanced Compatibility Engineering(ACE ™) body structure, to ensure high rigidity, greater crash test passenger safety cage integrity, and lighter overall vehicle weight through the use (27%) of advanced ultra-light steel. Furthermore, Honda engineering has measurably reduced wheel hop and road vibration transfer to the cabin through the utilization of cast alloy wheel, braking and suspension components resulting in a much larger feeling vehicle ride experience. Read our latest HR-V review here.

Amplitude reactive dampers

Fancy jargon for dual stage shock absorbing? perhaps. We've experienced this technology throughout the Honda and Acura lineup and can’t say enough good things about it. It's especially effective in Honda and Acura Divisions subcompact and compact lineup. Amplitude reactive dampers ensure less! Less bounce per mile than a comparably priced and equipped CUV, providing more! More comfort, more quiet and greater road handling. We liked it in this car.

Fabric molded belly pan

What is that image in the photo, and what is its purpose? Well, the captured photo is a picture of the first production( that we know of) fabric/ fiber molded belly pan. It’s intended purpose according to Japan Honda R&D is sound deadening. They claim it to be put in place to reduce road noise transference to the cabin of HR-V. We don’t know what it’s made off, and Honda’s not telling. We further believe that the “ sound blanket” most likely contributes to the aerodynamic down force and subsequent road stability of HR-V without substantially increasing vehicle weight. again less is more when it comes to Honda’s latest CUV offering.