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Just mention the Hybrid engine, surely many people know the popular hybrid cars in the local market. Honda Malaysia offers a range of their vehicles with hybrid engines, with the RS e:HEV version for selected models. Last August I had the opportunity to drive the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV and this time I had the opportunity to drive two models in their SUV family, the CR-V and HR-V with both being the RS e:HEV version.
When it comes to the Honda SUV family, both the CR-V and HR-V models are very iconic and loved by Malaysians. In fact, the HR-V is a very popular model around 2015 because of its very practical design and functionality combined with its price which is not too expensive. Now after several generations, these two models have started to be assembled in Malaysia (CKD) with various latest technologies.
For the driving event of these two models will be done from Putrajaya to Janda Baik, before returning to Putrajaya and slightly different from the previous driving event, this time Honda Malaysia brought a media delegation to participate in the driving activity at the MAEPS parking area to allow participants to try and experience for yourself the safety functions on their SUV series. There are 4 driving tests that are conducted which are the 'slalom' test, the ABS brake test, the alertness test and also the sharp cornering test which will put this vehicle in extreme conditions.
The most interesting for me was during the ABS brake test, where we were given the opportunity to know the difference if the ABS did not work. The ABS function, which is the Anti-Lock Braking System, is a function that prevents the tires from locking when braking in an emergency. When the brakes are 'locked', it can cause the vehicle to lose control more severely, and also potentially cause the vehicle to overturn due to uncontrolled inertia. ABS prevents this by braking multiple times in rapid succession, allowing the vehicle to be controlled.
In a test to feel what happens when the ABS is turned off, I, who drives a Honda HR-V, had to drive around 40 km/h and press the brakes as hard as possible when driving on slippery surfaces. The car was seen spinning in one direction because this test was also done in a controlled situation, and only one side of the tire hit the slippery surface. Even so, it is still stable and no accidents happen. The next cornering test was performed, and the control did not fail thanks to the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) technology.
Comfortable Honda CR-V Driving With Honda Sensing
For the two days of this media event, I started driving away in a Honda CR-V and returned in a Honda HR-V. For the journey I have tried the functions offered through Honda Sensing such as Adaptive Cruise Control which allows the driving speed to be set according to the vehicle in front and the Lane Keep Assist System which allows the position of the vehicle to be set according to the lane. The combination of these two technologies makes long-distance driving very comfortable, plus the benefits of a Hybrid engine that saves energy, and only uses gasoline power when reaching high speeds.
For the drive to Janda Baik, I used the Normal driving mode and all this information was clearly displayed on the 10.2-inch driver's display. This neat display also shows the battery situation and energy flow, settings and distance through the Adaptive Cruise Control system, the position of the car through the Lane Keep Assist system and also it can still display other users such as motorcyclists through Honda Sensing.
All this information will also be displayed through a large Heads Up Display, and the information is sufficient. You can also activate the energy flow display through the 9-inch inforia display that also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions.
On the way to Janda Baik, I also sat in the rear passenger side of the Honda CR-V and enjoyed the very spacious and comfortable seating area. The rear compartment is equipped with air conditioning vents, 2 USB-C power plugs, and also Bose speakers that provide quality audio. In terms of legroom and roof height, it is seen to provide a spacious and comfortable space.
Honda HR-V Driving With B Mode
For the return trip to Putrajaya, I drove a Honda HR-V and for the first round from Janda Baik to Gombak, I activated B Mode to try different uses. B Mode is a special mode that increases braking and for the RS e:HEV version, this braking will also recharge the car's hybrid battery. I found it has a driving pattern like an electric car, where the battery is quickly replenished.
While climbing Genting Sempah, I used a lot of battery power to accelerate up the climb, before the battery was recharged due to the descent. During the 21 minutes of the 16km trip I was driving in Normal mode and many times I saw the 'EV' label light on, indicating that I was driving on battery power.
Unlike the CR-V, the HR-V has a driving display that combines a mechanical meter and a multi-information display. So information about energy flow is still easily displayed, and drivers can still choose other displays to view together. And one of the new things found on the HR-V is the air conditioning funnel that now comes with a 'diffuser' option that produces a cool breeze, instead of direct wind.
What this diffuser does is that it makes the surrounding air cooler, without directing the air directly to the surface of the user's skin. This is because the cold air that is continuously directed at the user will irritate the surface of the skin, and make the situation uncomfortable. This diffuser option is only available on the new version of the HR-V.
After changing the driver, the journey continued back to Putrajaya and for me who also experienced the rear space, there is still an air conditioning vent for the rear passengers, along with two USB-A charging plugs to ensure the rear passengers can still charge their devices.
Benefits of e:HEV Driving
Arriving in Putrajaya, I found that we only used 1 dash of oil. This is a very high saving considering that this car is driven on hilly terrain and highlights the potential of this engine. This e:HEV engine also most of the time has low oil consumption, which is 4.1 L / 100 KM for the HR-V, while 5.0 L / 100 KM for the CR-V. Both of these usage rates are significantly lower for other versions in these two models.
For the RS e:HEV version, this hybrid engine will use a lot of electric power generated either from regenerative braking, or from a generator that generates electricity for full electric use. Only when this vehicle reaches a speed of 100 km/h and above, will it use the power produced by burning gasoline. Thus you may only hear the sound of the engine when at high speed.
During these two short days I can still conclude that both of these SUVs offer an exciting drive coupled with very high fuel economy despite driving in hilly areas. This is complemented by the various functions, sophistication and comfort that Honda offers, from the Honda Sensing feature, the integration of the Honda Connect application that facilitates monitoring the status of the car, and is offered at a value that is still within the reach of local people.
The Honda HR-V RS e:HEV is sold at a price of RM 141,900 while the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV is sold at a price of RM 195,900. If you are looking for an SUV with a high Hybrid economy function, you may be able to choose between these two models.