The updated Honda HR-V quietly rolled into South Africa in 2025, bringing a fresh face and a simplified model lineup. As competition in the compact crossover segment grows fiercer, the big question arises: does the HR-V still deliver enough value to win over buyers?
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Overview: What’s New for 2025?
Honda South Africa has trimmed the HR-V range to a single variant: the 1.5 Elegance CVT. The brand removed a few luxuries from the previous flagship model to keep pricing competitive, while retaining most essential safety features.
Fast Facts: 2025 Honda HR-V 1.5 Elegance
• Price: ± R539 900 (October 2025)
• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol (Naturally Aspirated)
• Power: 89 kW | 145 Nm
• Transmission: CVT – front-wheel drive
• 0–100 km/h tested: 11.62 seconds
• Claimed Fuel Consumption: 6.0 L/100 km
• Luggage Space: 304–1 274 litres using Magic Seats
Looking for a used Honda while new stock evolves? Browse options through auto24.co.za, offering second-hand listings suitable for South African conditions.
Exterior & Design: Subtle Yet Modern
The facelift features:
• Redesigned grille and sharper LED headlights
• Clean, uncluttered body styling
• 18-inch wheels with a balanced stance
Honda’s approach remains understated. It’s more “smart casual” than “look-at-me,” ideal for drivers who prefer timeless designs over flashy statements.
Interior Quality & Comfort
The HR-V still excels at practicality, with a tidy cabin layout that prioritises user-friendly features.
Interior Highlights
• Wireless smartphone charging
• USB-A and USB-C ports
• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support
• Physical climate controls for quick adjustment
• Soft-touch surfaces blended with durable trim
Rear passengers enjoy generous head and legroom, plus storage and charging convenience. The Magic Seats® system remains the HR-V’s trademark functionality, enabling excellent cargo versatility for everything from bicycles to flat-pack furniture.
Performance & Fuel Efficiency
Honda sticks to its naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine paired with a CVT. Efficiency takes priority, not exhilarating acceleration.
Pros
• Smooth and quiet when cruising
• Ideal for relaxed city and highway driving
• Real-world fuel economy close to claimed figures
Cons
• Overtaking feels slow
• Engine gets noisy when pushed hard
• Thinner high-altitude air worsens performance in Gauteng
Our fuel test averaged about 7.2 L/100 km, but careful driving should get you closer to 7.0 L/100 km. With a 40-litre tank, that means around 650 km per fill-up.
Ride, Handling & Safety
The HR-V prioritises comfort while maintaining stable road manners.
• Well-balanced suspension
• Light and accurate steering
• Low road noise at cruising speeds
• Rear parking sensors and reverse camera included
• Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control retained
Blind-spot monitoring has been removed, which could disappoint buyers at this price point.
Pricing, Warranty & Value
The HR-V 1.5 Elegance comes with:
• 5-year / 200 000 km warranty
• 4-year / 60 000 km service plan
• 3-year AA roadside assist
That said, value competition is intense. Rivals push harder on engines, tech, or passenger seating.
Strong competitors include:
• Toyota Corolla Cross (including hybrid powertrains)
• Kia Seltos turbodiesel
• Mazda CX-30 for style-seekers
• Chery Tiggo 8 Pro with 7-seat versatility
• Haval H6 offering strong spec at a similar price
Shoppers exploring premium EV imports as an alternative future-proof option can also check EV24.africa, which assists drivers in acquiring electric vehicles suitable for African roads.
Verdict: Solid, Sensible, but Not Segment-Leading
The refreshed HR-V continues to deliver Honda’s long-standing strengths: practicality, trusted reliability, and excellent fuel economy. Despite those merits, the lethargic performance and fierce competition make it harder for the HR-V to stand out in 2025.
The HR-V suits drivers who value comfort, ease of use, and clever interior flexibility above all else. A good car, certainly. In a hotly contested category, though, good may not always be good enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 2025 Honda HR-V cost in SA?
Approximately R539 900 for the 1.5 Elegance CVT.
What engine does it use?
A naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with 89 kW and 145 Nm.
Is it fuel-efficient?
Yes. Claimed consumption is 6.0 L/100 km, and real-world driving can stay close with careful input.
Does it have Magic Seats®?
Yes. The HR-V offers highly flexible seating modes for tall or long cargo.
Who is this car best suited for?
Urban families or commuters who prioritise practicality and comfort over strong acceleration.
