[SS RICH]

I own the LX (BIG FOOT ) New York edition HRV and yes the whole under carriage of the car is protected with pannel covers. Visually the bottom of the car is pretty much flat from front to back.
My hypothisis is that they are for aerodynamics , hence the improved fuel economy. The whole underside of the car is flat from front to back giving the car a slip stream effect. I think they dont do it on the AWD cars because the transfer cases and rear drive shaft attatchments are bulky. Any form of covers wold probably increase drag due the myriad of shapes and angles it would have to be and it would definately further decrease graound clearence and eventually get ripped out from under the car with any from of off road use the first time it bottoms out. So I would guess you are much better off with out it.