[Desperately Seeking SUV]

Hi All,
I am a first time forum user from Canada looking for specific info on the Honda HRV. I've read what out there so far and anxious for the posts from the upcoming LA auto show about the North American HR-V. Have been desperately searching for a SUV for months. Have been waiting for the release of the HR-V and disappointed that I may now have to wait till Spring 2015. Don't have a vechicle now so I may not be able to wait. I need to know specifically what the rear visiability will be like (the CR-V is just awful) and if the gas pedal is straight or angled to the right like in Subaru line. The Subaru Forrester was my top pick (on paper) but when I test drove it I experienced hip & leg pain due to the positioning of the gas pedal. CR-V was my second choice, and the position of the gas pedal was perfect, but the rear visiability made me feel like I was trapped. Not comfortable solely relying on the back up camera. I enjoyed the VW Tiguan test drive but hesitant as the crash tests weren't great & friends have had problems with the VW brand in the past. Not a fan of Toyota. The Nissan Rouge also had poor rear visibility. Planning to test drive Mitsubishi RVR, Chev Trax & Buick Encore to get a feel for a smaller SUV/CUV as I don't need a big SUV. Just trying to find the right balance between safety, reliability, visibility & comfort in the moderate price range with good resale value from a trusted brand in a new SUV. Too much to ask? Has anyone actually seen the North American HR-V in person? Know anyone going to the LA auto show?

 

[vtec]

I don't think you're asking for too much, a vehicle like this does for the most part fit the bill but of course we do need to see how exactly it is going to be configured for the American market.

How come you're not a fan of Toyota?

 

[TrueNorth]

You can take a closer look at the Vezel (Japanese spec HRV) in order to get an idea of the rear visibility. Maybe an interior shot could give you an idea of the pedals too. Ultimately for things like this you will need a test drive though. I wonder what's the earliest that would be possible.

 

[Desperately Seeking SUV]

Well not impressed that Toyota regarding deceptive recall practices; $1.2 billion penalty for hiding information about defects in its cars in additon to having to pay fines of more than $66 million for delays in reporting unintended acceleration problems. Also a good friend currently has a Rav4 and says she wouldn't buy one again, she has had repeated problems. The test drive I did of the Rav4 wasn't spectular enough to warrant me ignoring my feeling that Toyota is losing their previous good reputation.

 

[Desperately Seeking SUV]

Thanks, I have looked at the specs of the Japanese Vezel and thinking it very similar to the specs of Mitsubishi RVR (Outlander Sport in the US). Frustrated that I've had to wait so long. Not sure I want a first generation model, especially one made in Mexico. Thinking the Mazada CX-5 will have to be my default. What to do?

 

[ratboy]

Well not impressed that Toyota regarding deceptive recall practices; $1.2 billion penalty for hiding information about defects in its cars in additon to having to pay fines of more than $66 million for delays in reporting unintended acceleration problems. Also a good friend currently has a Rav4 and says she wouldn't buy one again, she has had repeated problems. The test drive I did of the Rav4 wasn't spectular enough to warrant me ignoring my feeling that Toyota is losing their previous good reputation.

I've had zero problems with my '97 Rav (around 194.000 miles now); the first generation models were so much simpler/ reliable than the later models. They were the perfect size also, the model grew larger and larger as the years went on.

I don't like the direction the company has been going either, and won't be considering Toyota for the same reasons you mentioned.

 

[TrueNorth]

Thanks, I have looked at the specs of the Japanese Vezel and thinking it very similar to the specs of Mitsubishi RVR (Outlander Sport in the US). Frustrated that I've had to wait so long. Not sure I want a first generation model, especially one made in Mexico. Thinking the Mazada CX-5 will have to be my default. What to do?

Considering that this model in a slightly different form has been on sale in other countries for some time now, I wouldn't be too worried about quality issues because it is in its first model year. But that is just me.

 

[vtec]

That is true, looking into it more, they have had time for refinement and should be fine from how i see it.

 

[Roadwork]

Thanks, I have looked at the specs of the Japanese Vezel and thinking it very similar to the specs of Mitsubishi RVR (Outlander Sport in the US). Frustrated that I've had to wait so long. Not sure I want a first generation model, especially one made in Mexico. Thinking the Mazada CX-5 will have to be my default. What to do?

I like the RVR and the people I know that own one love them, but they're a little expensive when you add stuff, but the warranty is great. I gave up waiting for the HR-V as I need a AWD ASAP, and I am now waiting to pick-up a 2015 Juke-soon hopefully. Test drove a FWD 2014 and loved it, good power for the size. and the AWD is even more fun given different suspension. The RVR is a very close second choice for me, but I prefer the Juke slightly more despite the smaller rear area and trunk space.

 

[EricMartin]

With criteria similar to yours, my second choice is the Subaru XV Crosstrek.

The HR-V remains my first choice despite what I am expecting to be poor visibility - the right blind spot will be big and I will have to rely on the mirror mounted camera. The 'hidden' door handles use a lot of area that should have been glass (aesthetics ahead of functionality).

I put the HR-V ahead of the Crosstrek because I could fit a bicycle upright in it but not in the Crosstrek.

If the HR-V comes out under-powered (1.5l) or if there are more problems with the Mexico plant, I will switch to the Crosstrek.

 

[Desperately Seeking SUV]

I'd probably be driving a Cross Trek or a Forrester now if it wasn't for the darn gas pedal. Make sure you do a long test drive and if you notice any leg or hip pain then think again. It is not something you may notice right away but after a 5 hour drive you just might.