2000 Honda HR-V review from Australia and New Zealand

CVT (auto transmission) started to shudder on takeoff. Fixed at no cost by Honda in 2006 (at 40,000kms).

No other problems at all.

Quite a unique and endearing vehicle as it is a sensible size, economical and very quiet and smooth around town with the Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT).

Surprisingly roomy (the 5-door model), it has the good vision and higher hip height benefits of a 4WD/SUV without the antisocial downsides. Its pedestrian safety is particularly good (won an award for this aspect).

Handling, steering and braking is excellent, probably better than any other 4WD around town. The clearance and short wheelbase, even in the 5-door, means rough terrain can be tackled (at low speeds).

Ride is a mixture of very low road noise and rubbery insulation of small bumps with some pitching on short undulations. Feels light on rough roads, but is a whole lot tougher than it looks, a privately-entered Honda HR-V winning its class in The Daily Telegraph Sahara Challenge Trophy, part of the 2000 World Cup Rally, despite being a standard vehicle and being used as a camera car.

Luggage space is limited for families, but the vehicle is suprisingly capable of transporting 4 adults in comfort. Ideally, it is a 2-person car.

Performance is good, with the CVT adjusting automatically to the ideal ratio for the circumstance. It revs when pushed, especially in the Sport mode, but then settles into suprising quiet. Fuel consumption is quite good, partially due to the on-demand 4WD (it is normally just another front wheel drive).

Paint is average, certainly not as tough as the 2-pack paint on my VW Passat. No rust so far despite being outside all the time.

I could drive this around Australia with complete confidence.