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Australia in February

26733 Views 49 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  Bicepeak
From what I have been reading, it looks like the Aussies will be getting the HR-V in February. Wish and hope it could be that soon for the US.


On the other hand, they do say "launched" so I guess that could mean they don't actually get the cars then.
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Our HR-V was launched at the LA show... >:D
I know, I know.....I am just getting too anxious for it to get here.
From what I gather February is when it will be on sale in Australia. I assume that does not mean on the dealer lots, but technically you could walk in and put a deposit on one.


It has been said over and over again on the net that we will know more in Feb. So you can expect either a press release by the end of the month or maybe something at the Chicago Auto show.

I was just daydreaming about what happens in Australia will reflect on when we will get the cars. They aren't getting them from Mexico so it's a whole different ballgame.
Besides, they are using words like debut and launch which is what we have been hearing too and we know that has nothing to do with sale dates. Did you find a website that said they will be taking orders in February? I'd like the link.
I was just daydreaming about what happens in Australia will reflect on when we will get the cars. They aren't getting them from Mexico so it's a whole different ballgame.
Besides, they are using words like debut and launch which is what we have been hearing too and we know that has nothing to do with sale dates. Did you find a website that said they will be taking orders in February? I'd like the link.
I should add that if the Aussies get cars much earlier we should hopefully have some good test drive reviews to read while we wait.


Ah...here is an article indicating actual sales may to taking place in February in Australia.....
http://performancedrive.com.au/2015-honda-hr-v-confirmed-australian-market-0311/
"Showroom entry will kick off in February." May the test drive reviews begin then!
Here is another promising article from Australia about reviews.
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/60487/2015-honda-hr-v-australian-features-confirmed
I like this last line...
"Watch for TMR's review of the new HR-V to come in early February."
Yes. And they are getting the same engine although with different emission standards so that will affect MPG.
I saw an Outlander Sport today and I maybe in the minority but I hope the HRV is smaller. I understand length is about the same but there is no way to get good MPG out of a vehicle that size.
Good point about the emissions affecting gas mileage figures. Would be good if we matched the 34-35 mpg they are estimating.

I liked the Outlander Sport and it could work for me. It just never gets good objective reviews, so I am hesitant to choose it.
If they aren't on dealer lots in February but you can still put down a deposit for one, when do you think people should expect their delivery? March?
That's anybody's guess. My guess would be they would get theirs faster because they don't have the delayed Mexican production problems.
Good point about the emissions affecting gas mileage figures. Would be good if we matched the 34-35 mpg they are estimating.

I liked the Outlander Sport and it could work for me. It just never gets good objective reviews, so I am hesitant to choose it.

Actually , it has been a couple of years since I looked at an Outlander Sport.


Checking it's dimensions it is pretty close except it has less cargo capacity, but has higher ground clearance (8.5 vs.7.2). It is an inch higher in overall height.
I will have to stop and look at it again to maybe get an idea of how the HR-V will appear size wise. Being higher off the ground a bit and more upright styling may make it seem larger.
So I've recently been reading about this car because we are currently looking for a vehicle in this size.

From what I've read some dealers have already gotten some HRVs and are hiding them out back awaiting launch in early February after the January sales.

This is the flyer with Australian specs:
https://hrv.honda.com.au/assets/pdf/hrv_flyer.pdf
Does it differ dramatically from what's in the states?

Also what is:
- LED guide style tail lights
- Lane watch
- Remote key FOB operation (how does it differ from "smart entry")

Looking forward to having a look at this as well as the Renault Captur also launching in February and Mazda CX-3 which is scheduled for March (although it may be delayed).
Hi Ninja,
Where have you heard that dealers have them? Do you mean in Australia?
Sorry - my bad. I'm Australian!
Cool. Let us know when you get to see some and get us some pictures.
I am especially interested in the LX interior pictures.


Thanks!
The VTi-L is exactly what I have visioned the HRV to look like with the LED string lights and all!!!!!! Ship me one here in the states please!

"This is the flyer with Australian specs:"
https://hrv.honda.com.au/assets/pdf/hrv_flyer.pdf
l thought of you when I saw that. :)
The green and blue are my favorite colors. Noticed that 6 out of the 7 colors shown in that brochure are either metallic or pearlescent; fine print indicates that buyer must pay additional cost for those colors. Hope Honda doesn't pull a dirty trick like that here in the states...
Checking now to see what the CRV has for colors. I expect the HRV to be similar.


OK....I see the CRV has no extra cost colors.
I think that this might be a good idea. They could add $400 to the price and offer all the colors instead of taking $400 off but making people pay more for most of the colors. I'm sure they have some business research behind their decision though.

Are you kidding? Adding $400 to the price is a terrible idea. Especially since I doubt there will be more than one custom color in NA.


Having most of the colors cost extra is extremely unlikely to happen in NA anyway.
I hope they go with colors closer the the CR-V line rather than the Fit line. I think the more "mature" colors will look better than the colors currently offered on the Fit.
I agree. The colors I've seen so far on the HR-V give the cars a more solid, sturdy look. Something you want to project in a CUV. When you use bright colors , it can make a car look cheap.
This is common practice for most car brands in Australia. Usually the metalic or pearlescent paint options cost around AUD $500 to $2000 more.

I just realised recently that there is no navigation in this model so it has slid down the shopping list somewhat. A strange oversight really. I was also under the impression from an article I read early last year that 2015 Hondas were going to have Apple Carplay implemented but apparently that isn't the case either.

I still don't know what the difference is between remote key FOB operation and smart entry. I'm also a bit perplexed as to why there are two black colour options listed.

Nevertheless it's still worth a look to see how it is. Happy to upload pics as requested if I am allowed to take them.
Navigation is on the EX-L in NA.


Smart entry is when the car recognizes the key in your pocket and unlocks the door as you walk up.
I noticed the "high beam support system", that's the first I've heard of that feature, I don't think we'll get that here in the U.S.
What is it?
On "page" 7 of the website or page 13 of the brochure it shows the feature. It looks like it detects a car coming at you and turns off your high-beams for you.
Ah.....I remember that as a feature on '60s Cadillacs.
Hey everyone, stumbled on this forum and thread googling about this car as I recently test drove one in Sydney, Australia.

From what I can gather, they're already selling them here.

Anyway, in the flesh the car is hot to look at and on the road it's a lovely drive. Piano black centre console and massive touch screen really lends it some class once you're in the driver's seat.

A cool feature is the side mirror camera. Once the left indicator is engaged, the dash screen turns on to show you footage of the lane next to you. Great safety addition.

The panoramic sun roof is a bit of an indulgence but has a wide berth and really lets in a sunny day.

The finishing throughout the cabin is outstanding and myself and my dad (who was with me) both agreed that the top of the line HRV was far more attractive inside when compared to the Subaru XV. Leather seats and leather binding on the doors and side trims plus steel finishing on speaker enclosures and various other recesses. It screams quality.

The steering especially was super light and responsive - an interesting build fact is that it's electronic and responds to the speed you're driving. If you're on a highway, the steering tightens up to keep you stable.

My only concern is the 1.8 litre engine capacity however the output in comparison to similar 2.0L vehicles in the segment is positive.

Anyway I just thought I'd share my experience. I'm tossing up between one of these and the Subaru but I'm yet to test drive the XV.

Hope that helps. I drove the top mode HRV by the way.
Great report! Thanks for sharing.
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No problem guys, glad to help.

I test drove the HRV at the Homebush Honda dealership on the corner of Parramatta Rd and Bridge Rd Homebush. Spoke to a guy named Darren who was really knowledgable - he mentioned that he'd been down to Melbourne with the design team and actually provided feedback on design elements. It was nice to deal with someone who actually just let the car speak for itself. Not a sales pitch to be seen anywhere.

They had a bunch there that were being test driven and Darren mentioned that he'd already sold one just before we arrived.

As for other vehicles in the class, I've done a bunch of research which narrowed down the list to the XV, the CX-5, the Mitsubishi Outlander as well as some Jeep models which were quickly removed from the list after checking some reviews. Personal preference for me means I'm avoiding purchasing a Holden. There's no real rational reason here other than the fact that I think I can get better resale value down the line with a Subaru/Honda plus the design lines of the two cars I've mentioned just seem a little more masculine.

I'm not exactly a 'car head' if you know what I mean but from the day I spent visiting the dealerships, nothing really jumped out as far as looks and practicality as much as the XV and the HRV.

The CX-5 is a great vehicle but is probably a little too expensive for my budget, not to mention that it definitely reeks a little too much of 'soccer mum' for mine.

My sister has a CX-5 that I drove and it's a really nice ride, the smoothness was reminiscent of the HRV to be honest. You really notice that Skyactiv technology when you're on the road. It makes it feel like a far smaller car - you really float along.

And look, I totally agree that we're spoilt for choice in the segment. There have been moments where I've really felt overwhelmed with the options available. One thing I didn't mention earlier is that another factor to consider for me is whether or not it's a good idea to be buying a car without a proven track record, even though I thoroughly enjoyed the test drive and loved the car.
Always good to hear from someone who has actually driven one. Thanks.
Thanks for the excellent and honest review. Great pictures!


One thought is I am glad I will not have the panoramic roof on the LX. Even the sunroof on the US version will take some headroom away and the extra weight would tax the power of this car. (Not as much as the huge panoramic roof, of course). This accounts for the fact that the EX and EX-L have 4 cubic feet less passenger volume.
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