Despite recent post I was persuaded, after 18 months Crosstar ownership, by a local main dealer to trade in for a 72 reg HrV Advanced Style ex demonstrator with 4K miles
Karoq did an extensive post in Jan 22 detailing his experiences with a new HrV.
Given the recent close purchase price of the Jazz & HrV I thought that it may be helpful to some to add my own experiences.I do add the caveat that we all like to have ownership verification and our purchases always reflect our own needs & wants i.e.horses for courses.
Positives
Much higher driving position - on par with previously owned Yeti.
The additional height of the Crosstar over the Jazz never really convinced.
Was recently grateful for additional ride height as it allowed me to circumnavigate floods which the Crosstar wouldn’t have managed.
Much more compliant ride despite the 18” wheels. This was especially important as the local area is pothole ridden & the Crosstar used to crash over these & was the main reason in deciding to exchange.
Forward vision is good, despite the missing quarter lights. Rear vision only marginally down on Crosstar
Addition of heated steering wheel, blindspot monitor, partially heated screen, & cross traffic alert.
Economy Only marginal differences In 18 months brim to brim average for Crosstar 53.7 mph , 50.1 mph for HrV in 2 months
Interior Especially in Advance Style trim much more premium feel & whole dash feels much more coordinated. I am not sure that the Crosstar is as durable, or will age as well
Exterior V much personal choice but now feel that the HrV is worthy of an ‘ over the shoulder look ‘ after parking it.
Honda sensing HrV has the full suite but it appears that the RDMS is less sensitive. Now much less of a pain when I forget to turn it off on start up plus brake hold stays on in between journeys
In common with Crosstar has magic seats
Boot marginally bigger such that weekly shop is less of a tight squeeze
Stereo in Advanced Style with additional speakers a surprising upgrade on Crosstar
Passenger seat height/dash height. In the Crosstar my 4’ 9” wife had to use a cushion, now no longer needed
Turning circle still good
EV mode Despite increased size & weight gives good acceleration from a standing start
Lights LED all round including 2 in boot & interior lights.Strobing front turn lights & rear light bar + cornering lights
Engine noise especially on start up. The Crosstar was v loud and ‘tappety’ on start up & sometimes when cutting in to charge up Hybrid battery. HrV much quieter.
Also not been concerned with/troubled by ‘mooing’
Larger rear view mirrors give v good coverage & do not intrude too much with wind noise
Front towbar cover doesn’t fall off
Rear luggage cover clever design gets in the way of loading much less & impossible to bang your head on
Electric tailgate with ‘ kick opening ‘
Increased dimensions still allowed car to fit into garage
Negatives
HrV forum moribund compared to the Jazz forum
Insurance almost has doubled but not entirely due to the higher insurance group
Previously paying £230 now £440
Honda App Despite being an ex demonstrator telematics had not been switched on hence had to pay for both core connectivity & safety/journey service.
Residue of 8 months safety & journey could not be transferred to new vehicle
Beware on trade in valuations, residue of service plan unlikely to be factored into price offered
12V Battery drain Possibly more sensitive than Crosstar as needed 1 booster pack start on getting vehicle.Hopefully now addressed with new replacement battery & longer journeys .Booster pack kept in car as an insurance but so far not called upon
Hope that this helps
Again I am aware that variant loyalty/validation will kick in here and that purchases will fit individual circumstances.
For our own needs the HrV has ticked all of our boxes and are very pleased with having made the switch
.Clearly the Crosstar wasn’t quite what we needed, but in saying that it was & is a good car which retains Tardis like qualities & certainly was never a case of finally got rid of the Jazz .I am sure that the new owner will have many years of faultless & reliable use.