What they said when the Honda F-RV was new… (Oct 25 2004)
HONDA has brought some totally fresh thinking to the MPV market with the introduction of its F-RV.
Standing for Flexibility, Recreation and Versatility, this mid-sized MPV offers two rows of three abreast seating without a lumpy transmission tunnel in front, similar in concept to the Fiat Multipla, but differing in detail.
In the Honda FR-V, the middle seat in the front row is set slightly behind the two either side and, in common with the centre seat in the rear row, they slide independently of the outer pair, creating two V-shaped layouts if desired.
This allows a baby or small child to be carried in front and out of harms way from an airbag without impinging on the legroom behind. The middle front seat also folds and lifts to reveal some useful trays. There are also seat mounted trays in the back and a multitude of storage compartments throughout.
Launching in the UK on November 16, there will initially be three petrol models using either 125PS 1.7-litre or 150PS two-litre engines with five and six-speed manual gearboxes respectively and in SE or Sport specification.
The 1.7SE will be £14,750, the 2.0SE £15,700 and the 2.0 Sport £16,400 covered by insurance groups 9, 11 and 12.
A specially tuned version of the Accord 2.2 diesel engine will follow in August 2005 once Honda has fulfilled demand for the petrol engined models which dominate global sales in this sector.
That is likely to be about £1,300 dearer.
Honda makes the FR-V in Suzuka, Japan and anticipates selling 20,000 across Europe from the end of next year, with 5,000 earmarked for the UK.
There are currently no plans for an automatic version with the Stream fulfilling this role as an MPV until it is phased out and the HR-V will also continue in production next year, but it's likely both will eventually be replaced by an expanding FR-V range over the next few years.
The five-door FR-V is closest in size to the rival Renault Scenic and Honda sees this and the Volkswagen Touran and Ford C-Max as strong competitors.
Honda believes it can sell the FR-V with an image of quality and strong build, versatility, and appeal to a range of drivers with a significant accessories line up including Blue Tooth compatibility, premium sound and audio systems, as well as bodykit and wheel options.
The 1.7-litre models hit 62mph in 12.3 seconds and a maximum 113mph compared to 10.5 seconds and 121mph for the two-litre versions.Average fuel consumption is 38mpg for the smaller engined version and 34mpg for the bigger unit. Emissions are 179g/km and 199g/km respectively.
In a brief first drive of both models I was more impressed by the two-litre version, which was not only extremely quiet and very smooth but which had the sweeter gearchange and allowed maximum benefit to be extracted from the four-cylinder engine over some twisting and hilly roads.
The 1.7-litre tested was appreciably noisier at all times and it had to be worked harder to perform. The five speed box also had a notchier gearchange than the two litre's six-speeder. It was, however, easily capable of composed motorway cruising. Both versions had a poorly operating and performing umbrella type handbrake which sits awkwardly under the dashboard.
Ride quality was very good but seemed smoother with the two-litre,. Neither had the sharp responses of some rivals to satisfy a sporting driver although they were entirely safe and surefooted.
One feature which really sets apart this Honda is something which is not part of the car, but which turns it into Britain's only 3+5.
As part of the sales package, Honda has copied an American concept of packaging three years insurance and five years maintenance into a payment scheme which can be bought separately or as part of a Personal Contract Plan (PCP).
Separately it costs £330 and £1,300 for five years servicing and three years insurance cover but it can be lumped in for £50 a month on top of the PCP payments.
What's more, for buyers the unused part of the service deal is transferable to a second buyer and it ensures that the vehicle is kept within the Honda service network for five years.
Insurance is subject to status and only available to buyers aged over 30, however, but other customers can arrange their own cover and take out just the service element.
So, Honda may not have broken new ground with its 3x2 seating, but in the UK it is setting a future benchmark with the 3+5 and if its sums are right, that adds up to 5,000 happy Honda buyers.
Words: Robin Roberts
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