The Honda HR-V became arguably one of the more anticipated models from the Japanese carmaker since word about its arrival came out last year. Most everyone had been eagerly awaiting its introduction until its launch here in our market nearly two months ago.
Here is a vehicle that combines the maneuverable size of such models as the Mitsubishi ASX and the Subaru XV, engineered with the premium engineering and cachet of the 'H' badge. Plus, it has quite a slew of equally upscale features to boot. Apart from all these, this car is likewise very safe--or so says the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The HR-V has just been given a five-star rating by the agency.
Based on tests conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research of the Malaysian Ministry of Transport, the compact crossover garnered a score of 15.21/16 for frontal offset collision for adult occupant protection, and 73% for child occupant protection. The top-rank rating can be attributed to the rigid body structure, as well as top-notch safety gear that include features such as an electronic parking brake with brake hold, emergency stop signal, hill-start assist, and vehicle stability assist. These complement the usual suite of safety equipment such as antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and six airbags in the top-spec EL variant.
This latest safety accolade should strengthen the vehicle’s popularity, which has skyrocketed to roughly 25,000 units in Thailand alone since it was revealed in November of last year. The HR-V joins the ranks of Honda vehicles that have boasted strong safety records since 2012. These include the Civic, the CR-V, the Jazz and the City. All this reinforces the company’s global tagline of "Safety for Everyone." With this new distinction, we won’t be surprised to see more HR-V units roaming our roads.
