Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda FR-V

The Honda FR-V has a novel three-by-three seat cabin and an economical new 1.8-litre petrol engine

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Honda FR-V
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The latest changes give Honda’s people carrier a welcome lift, yet top-of-the-range models still look expensive, despite the FR-V’s novel three-by-three seat layout and spacious cabin. The new 1.8-litre petrol engine simplifies the line-up and offers good fuel economy. But unless you absolutely must have an automatic, we would go for the standard six-speed manual version. It’s cheaper, more frugal and faster than the self-shifter.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's often said that two’s company and three’s a crowd – which perhaps goes some way to explaining why Honda’s mid-sized MPV, the FR-V, has not enjoyed the success of the Jazz.

Despite its novel three-by-three seating layout, it has been left trailing in the sales charts by more conventional rivals such as the Renault Scenic and Ford C-MAX.

To try to correct this, Honda has given its people carrier a facelift and a new engine. But you’ll struggle to spot the exterior changes, which are limited to a new grille, fresh light clusters and revised door handles.

The interior has received an equally light touch, with the wood trim ditched in favour of a carbon-like finish and the addition of an auxiliary socket for the stereo the main alterations.

To find the big news you have to open the bonnet, where the 1.8-litre unit from the Civic hatchback has replaced the existing 1.7 and 2.0-litre petrol engines.

It’s available alongside the impressive 2.2 i-CDTi diesel, and even comes with the option of a five-speed automatic – a first for the FR-V. But the £1,100 self-shifter saps the 138bhp engine’s performance. Not only does it add 1.8 seconds to the 0-60mph dash compared to the six-speed manual, but it dulls the unit’s responses. This makes the FR-V feel underpowered, especially in fast-moving traffic.

In manual form, the 1.8-litre combines the economy of the old 1.7 engine with the performance of the 2.0-litre, making it a welcome addition to the line-up. But even with the styling revisions, it’s not enough to lift the Honda to the top of the class.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024