Here's a review of the Australian version. I'm suprised by the 3.5 star rating as they didn't really hammer the HR-V on any big points.
http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2015-honda-hr-v-review-first-drive-30976#.VNrtTi6xVoM
Here are my thoughts on some of the more interesting parts of the review.......
1) "Just like the creepy TV ad for the new Honda HR-V, you could be forgiven for thinking you've been woken by a bad dream, pursued by a swarm of
city-sized SUVs."
- Creepy TV ad, I really liked the Australian ad, and I don't think it's "creepy" at all.....
2) " The Honda HR-V comes hot on the heels of the
Mazda CX-3,
Renault Captur and
Jeep Renegade unveilings and preview drives.They are part of the fastest growing segment in the new-car market. Officially, they're called SUVs, but
in reality they are high-riding hatchbacks....
They're as sensible on a dirt road as high heels."
- I think Renegade owners would disagree. Also, I think there's a difference between "dirt" and true "off-roading"
3) "Genius? No the genius part is that it doesn't cost much to put a hatchback on stilts but we're so slavishly in love with the idea of a bit of extra height (presumably to see past some other SUV in front of us in the traffic) we'll pay up to $5000 more for the privilege."
- He goes on to say that the HR-V does have more going for it than just increased ride height. At least here in the US we don't have many small "cars" that offer big cargo room like other markets seem to have, so I think the HR-V offers a bit more that can't really be found in smaller cars sold here.
4) "The Honda HR-V (yes, you've really got to emphasise the 'R' otherwise it could make for an interesting conversation when asked what car you have)"
- I don't get it???
5) "So it was a pleasant surprise to discover the Honda HR-V is pretty good, straight out of the box."
- That's good to hear
6) "the headlights on the cheapest model are milky and not as good as regular headlights on other cars"
- Listen up Honda, give the USA the nicer headlights!! I wonder how they'll compare to the competition here in the US.
7) "the driver's seat feels a little flat (there is no way to tilt it under thigh), and the car lets in more road noise than normal, depending on the surface."
- Hopefully the seats aren't too bad and the noise is acceptable, things only a test drive can determine for each individual buyer.