The primary Honda HR-V that got here to American shores in 2016 was a boring crossover sibling of the fabulous Honda Match, which was already an ideal automobile. That HR-V was boring to have a look at, woefully underpowered and fewer fulfilling to drive than the Match it was based mostly on, nevertheless it received over extra consumers due to its raised seating place and crossover categorization. The HR-V’s true first era was really by no means bought within the U.S., and naturally it was manner cooler than the HR-Vs that roam our massive American roads. Now although, you’ll be able to bid on this three-door 1999 Honda HR-V that is listed on Convey a Trailer with a clear Massachusetts title.
We’re now on the second era of HR-V within the U.S., which is bought in different markets because the ZR-V, as a result of the third-gen HR-V in Europe and Japan is a smaller, separate mannequin. Out HR-V gained extra energy and it is the model’s third-best-selling mannequin this yr, nevertheless it’s nonetheless arguably essentially the most boring mannequin in Honda’s portfolio. A brand new HR-V prices round $30,000 with all-wheel drive, and I believe this low-mileage UK-market HR-V with a handbook transmission and four-wheel drive is a manner higher deal for a manner cooler automobile.
Funky outdoors, typical inside
Honda went fairly daring with the first-gen HR-V’s exterior design; it was a clean-sheet new mannequin so it does not actually appear to be some other Honda, and this instance has sporty alloy wheels and a rooftop spoiler that is a hilarious selection for a compact crossover. It is about 20 inches shorter in size than a first-gen CR-V, nevertheless it’s solely about 4 inches shorter in top so it is acquired a singular stance. Its chunky fender flares, daring physique traces, and tall tail lights that run the peak of the C-pillar all work collectively to create a classy, sporty wanting little Hello-rider Revolutionary Car — that is what HR-V stands for, in fact.
Regardless of having funky blue fabric seats and different blue accents on the gauges, HVAC dials, and steering wheel-mounted Honda badge, the HR-V’s inside is total a usually wise late-’90s Honda design. The again seats fold down remarkably flat for an early crossover, and the HR-V’s sq. form facilitates a spacious inside with a lot of usable cargo house. It’s right-hand drive, although, so you will should stretch to seize your meals on the drive-through.
You get an imported automobile with Honda reliability, what’s to not like?
This HR-V is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 that despatched 105 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque via Honda’s RealTime 4WD system, so it isn’t going to supply a lot so far as straight-line pleasure goes, however unique critiques of the first-gen HR-V reward its car-like dealing with and fun-to-drive demeanor. It additionally acquired nice gasoline mileage with 27.4 mpg mixed, and once more, it seems to be so funky and distinctive you’ll be able to forgive some lackluster efficiency.
With simply 54,000 miles on its odometer, a clear Carfax, and all of its import paperwork already taken care of, this might make an awesome buy for somebody searching for a particular but dependable and environment friendly automobile. It is promoting with no reserve, and the present highest bid is simply $4,000 with 5 days left in its public sale. If that value does not go up an excessive amount of, I would must be bodily restrained to forestall myself from bidding on it, as a result of I like it a lot.
