Finally got to see the HR-V. Not in love with it, mpg's is my biggest problem. When I asked about getting a FWD in red he said, there are no FWD being shipped to the Northeast only AWD. Does this sound right? That 32 mpg on that AWD is a deal breaker. Not that the FWD is all that good at 35when I am getting over 34 on my HHR.
The dealer said he might be able to get one in 4-5 months from another state.
I'll bet it would not take you 4-5 months to go to another state, buy one, and drive it back >
We'll prolly get an AWD for the wife's perceived "safety factor." However, I notice that even here in Maine, a fair number of CR-Vs, Ford Escapes, etc. are FWD. Many opine that with 60%+ of the weight on the front, steered wheels, in the AWD versions, even in the snow, roughly 70 to 90% of the traction is provided by the front wheels ... that "you don't need AWD."
Of course, when you "need that 10 to 30%" you REALLY need it! Enter the incremental, perceived "Satety Factor."
Notwithstanding the limited ground clearance, in the winter, with Bridgestone Blizzacks on my 2010 FWD Prius, I do just as well as she does with all-season TOYO's on her 2003 CR-V.
Finally, because the RWD is disengaged when the front is not slipping, I suspect the mileage hit is only 1-2 mpg, at most.
P.S. The dealer makes a little more off the AWD, initial cost, maintenance, etc.
WHOOPS: I forgot about the aerodynamic, underbody panels ... whatever they're called. As with the Prius, that may enable a few more MPG out of the FWD ...
