Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda FR-V

We've already been impressed by the Honda FR-V in 2.0-litre form. With its excellent combination of value for money, great packaging and decent driving dynamics, it's one of the best cars in the compact MPV class.

The FR-V is a quality package that will have broad appeal. However, the 1.7 model is not as refined as the 2.0-litre at speed, so whether it's the one for you depends on the driving you do. If school runs and shopping trips are your priority, then the 1.7 will be fine, but the 2.0-litre model is a better bet for motorway work.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We've already been impressed by the Honda FR-V in 2.0-litre form. With its excellent combination of value for money, great packaging and decent driving dynamics, it's one of the best cars in the compact MPV class.

And now we've driven the £14,750 1.7 SE, which despite being the entry-level model, comes with a healthy list of standard equipment. On paper, it's a tempting choice. Pick the cheaper model and you save £950 over the bigger-engined car.

The CO2 emissions rating is also down by 20g/km, which will please fleet users, as will the improved fuel economy figures. Insurance costs are lower, too, as the 1.7-litre falls into group 9, compared to the 2.0 model's group 11 rating.

The smaller-capacity model isn't short of power, either, developing an impressive 125bhp. That's enough to provide some sparkling performance. The engine is smooth and willing, happily revving all the way through to the near-7,000rpm red line, giving the FR-V some real spirit. But it's not all good news. In typical Honda fashion, the unit is reliant on high revs to deliver decent pace, and in fifth gear - the cheaper model does without the 2.0's six-speed box - there's minimal torque to cope with motorway work, with downchanges often necessary to keep up with the flow of traffic.
Honda has tried to address this by lowering the gearing, so that in top the engine is turning over at 3,500rpm at 70mph. But with maximum torque at a high 4,800rpm, it's an unhappy mix.

The high-revving nature of the engine affects refinement at speed, while at the same time the car is not at its most responsive. This was always going to be an engine that works best if you drive it hard - and to compound matters it gets a bit boomy when you do.

So from a driver's perspective, the 2.0 is worth the extra money. It's more expensive than some rivals, but it will hold its value better than most. It also benefits from a £330-per month finance, insurance, warranty and service package giving five years of worry-free motoring.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025