Honda released this slightly unconventional MPV about 2 years ago. Rather than being longer and severely compromising luggage space with a third row seats, Honda decided upon just two rows of seats. Two rows of three seats. Therefore the car is a little wider but otherwise doesn’t look much bigger than a Ford Focus. The stance and the shape actually look quite sporty.
Accommodating six people is made easier by the middle seats’ ability (front and back) to slide back. The seat rows then make a “V” shape, and the middle person is a somewhat behind the side-seated people. It sounds complicated but isn’t and is surprisingly effective.
The interior is versatile. And apart from a few surfaces on the dashboard, the materials used appear to be of good quality. The lack of centre housing looks a little strange. Most cars place their gearlever and handbrake there, but the FRV places a seat there instead. Here function comes first. Also the individual rear seats can easily be folded down flat to create a big delivery van. This is a very versatile car.
The car’s wide stance has a positive effect on its handling; body roll is well controlled, ride is helped by relatively soft springing and grip is strong. Understeer is reasonable but the FRV isn’t wonderfully balanced like a Focus.
The FRV which I drove was the petrol 2 litre iVtec. This is powerful at 148 bhp, a touch noisy (especially at idle), efficient and with bullet-proof reliability. There is a good spread of power, with a surge at higher revs for overtaking . Fuel consumption is only reasonable. Over a month of in-town and fast A-road driving, it averaged 28 mpg.
Driving this car isn’t an event, nor an adventure. For that, buy a Civic Type-R! This isn’t the FRV’s role, but it still is a good drive. It’s nice looking, and seems to get better looking with familiarity. This is a very good car: Amistad recommended
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