Joy-ish machine

Honda's third-generation HR-V wants to bring the fun back

- Thys de Beer

Honda South Africa has H stepped into the premium compact SUV fray with its third-generation HR-V. We recently drove it on a 220 km return trip to the Swartland.

The first HR-V broke cover internationally in 1999. The threedoor-hot-hatch-station-wagonSUV-shooting-brake was aimed at young families and pre-family couples who value their lifestyles and are design conscious. The HR-V came in Sunburst Yellow Metallic to emphasise its "fun" personality. As a consequence, London's Leith Creative Agency positioned it as a "Joy Machine"; one of its memorable TV ads was a young couple driving over massive bubble wrap attempting to burst each bubble.

Like with the Toyota RAV4 of the time, a playful design and personality were key characteristics. Alas, those days have long gone. These models are now more mature and demure. Still, according to Honda South Africa product manager Callon Locke, the brand's designers developed the HR-V in consultation with customers to bring back the fun and joy.

The HR-V is leading the manufacturer's latest design language and signals a move upwards. Honda's stated focus is on quality, functionality and practicality. Its colour-coded grille with slim front headlamps, rear LED strip and coupé-esque (sportback?) side profile - also points in a promising direction.