engine that produces 141 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of
torque @ 4,300 rpm.
The engine has an aluminum block and a diecast aluminum
alloy cylinder head. The pistons are aluminum, as well. The
outer skirts of the pistons are coated (actually speckled, as
the coating is applied in a dot pattern) with molybdenum for
reduced friction in the bores. In addition to which, the skirts
undergo plateau honing, a two-step process, to reduce friction.
The connecting rods are crack-separated, which provides
a custom, secure ft between the mating surfaces when
reassembling.
This is not the Fit's engine. It has a 1.5 liter engine.
Rather, the HR-V's engine is based on that used in the larger
Civic sedan.
Before leaving this powertrain discussion, it should be noted
that the HR-V is available with two transmission, a six-speed
manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
There are two drivelines, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
(AWD). While the engine is derived from the Civic, the AWD
system is predicated on that found in the now in-the-middle
Honda SUV, the CR-V.
The six-speed is standard on front-drive
LX and EX models; the CVT is available
on those two and standard on the EX-L
Navi model. Front-drive models can
have either the manual or the CVT.
AWD models are available only with
the CVT.
To keep the vehicle light but safe,
they've made use of high- and
ultrahigh-strength steels in the
construction of the HR-V, with the
ultrahigh (>780 MPa) accounting for
27% of the body structure. Key areas
for steel use: the front cross beam,
upper A-pillars, roof side raids, lower
A-pillar structures, lower side sills,
upper and lower front frame rails,
and B-pillars.
An interesting aspect of the HR-V
is that although it is arguably an
entryway vehicle into the Honda
lineup, there is an abundant array of
available technology, ranging from
such standard features as an electric
parking brake, rearview camera, and
steering wheel-mounted controls to
higher trim level, 7-in. touchscreen
display and leather seats.
Which is to say that the HR-V is
designed and engineered not to be
an econobox.
But speaking of boxes, it is worth
noting that the HR-V ofers as much
as 58.8-ft
3
of cargo space, which
underscores that they didn't lose
sight of the "utility" in the category
CUV.
AD&P; > June 2015 > FEATURE > 2016 Honda HR-V: Small Only in Size > Gary S. Vasilash > gsv@autofeldguide.com
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