Honda’s new HR-V crossover has landed in South Africa offering local buyers unique styling, high-end technologies, and a frugal powerplant for a starting price of R469,000.
Mitsubishi, however, is standing in the way with its Eclipse Cross, which offers similar features, more power, as well as a distinctive design while selling for R471,995.
Buyers with their eyes on these models are in for a tough choice, as neither can exactly be called poor value for money.
We look at the finer details to find out what sets these quirky-looking crossovers apart.
Similar features
The new Honda HR-V Comfort starts on the backfoot in the features department as it gets fabric seats and a urethane multifunction steering wheel, compared to the entire line-up of Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross seeing leather upholstery throughout the cabin.
Past this, the competitors share a host of equipment including automatic LED lights with daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, automatic air conditioning with rear-seat vents, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also included in both are hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera, with four airbags on the Honda and seven on the Mitsubishi.
The Eclipse Cross then strengthens its lead with LED foglights, autonomous headlamp levelling, rain-sensing wipers, electric and heated front seats, paddle shifters, and a heads-up display – the majority of which are only available on the pricier HR-V Executive.
The Mitsubishi also brings ABS with brake assist and front parking sensors, whereas the Honda offers agile handle assist and ABS with brake hold.
Thanks to the Eclipse’s larger dimensions boot space comes in at 437 litres as opposed to the HR-V’s 304 litres, but if the rear seats are folded flat the Honda carries up to a maximum load of 1,274 litres while the Mitsubishi only manages 1,074 litres.
Different engines
The new HR-V, as well as the Eclipse Cross, are powered by naturally-aspirated petrol engines – a 1.5-litre for the former and a 2.0-litre for the latter.
The Mitsubishi puts out a more substantial 110kW and 198Nm, compared to the Honda’s 89kW and 145Nm, and both drivetrains send power to the front wheels through a CVT gearbox.
With its higher power levels, the Eclipse returns a top speed of 188km/h and a combined fuel consumption of 7.9l/100km with a claimed maximum driving range of 798km.
In the opposite corner, the HR-V does 6.0l/100km on a combined cycle and is capable of driving 667km on a single tank.
Honda South Africa has not revealed the top speed of its newest crossover, though it will likely be close to that of its hybrid siblings sold in other markets which come in at 170km/h.
On 17-inch wheels, this new HR-V also stands 187mm off the ground whereas clearance for the Eclipse Cross on 18-inch alloys measures 180mm.
For individuals who are interested in either of these vehicles it’s also worth noting that they do not support tow hooks, meaning you’ll have to look elsewhere if you regularly make use of this accessory.
Pricing
The new Honda HR-V 1.5 Comfort has a South African starting price of R469,000.
This includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and 3-year/unlimited-kilometre AA roadside assistance.
The entry-level Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS has a South African starting price of R471,995.
Along with this, you get a 3-year/100,000km warranty, a 5-year/90,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.
Honda HR-V
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
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