[Kanban]

Today we got our first shred of details about the new to market CX-3 and Honda HRV. Details are extremely sparse for now but we'll begin with what we have...

ENGINE

CX3: 2.0L SkyActiv 4 cylinder
HRV: 1.8L Earthdreams 4 cylinder

POWER

CX3: 155 bhp (estimated based on Mazda 2)
HRV: 138 bhp

TORQUE

CX3: 150 ft-lbs (estimated based on Mazda 2)
HRV: 127 ft-lbs

DIMENSIONS (LxWxH in.)

CX3: 168.3 x 67.5 x 61
HRV: 169.1 x 69.7 x 63.2

 

[zbgirl]

So glad I didn't go with HRV. Though I did like the majic seat.
I have noticed alot of mazda CXs running around Victoria but have seen only one HRV around town!

 

[greaseman85]

The only thing I can say without doubt I like on the HR-V better than the CX-3 is the center console. Not just it is more functional, but it looks better being raised.

 

[Trixstar]

CX-3 is better looking and better driving, it lacks in usable room. (Fun)
HRV is just more spacious. It lacks in everything else. (Boring)

 

[VANDAL]

I feel like HRV's biggest competitor is the CRV.

 

[DJ9999]

The HR-V should have the Civics 1.5T and the US should receive the attractive LED headlight display found in other markets. Then it would be a contender.

 

[VANDAL]

I find Honda, in the North American context, has perpetuated themselves (over the past decade) to be this non-exciting automaker. Who's sole purpose is to create reliable, yet mundane machines for the average consumer that just needs a vehicle to get from point A to B.

Whereas Mazda really markets, and backs up their enthusiast-minded mantra aimed at consumers that want affordable, reliable vehicles that are good looking, and fun to drive. We want a bit more "flair" with our car.

It's a shame because Honda is capable of so much more (JDM / Euro markets' Civic type R), their history with creating fun / performance vehicles: S2000, Integra / RSX...

 

[jetydosa]

A coworker of mine just got a HRV EX and I got to drive it. I do think the vehicle is competent, however in styling inside and out, the overall driving experience, and in quality of materials the Mazda is in a totally different league. The HRV is obviously larger, however. I do think I prefer the HRV to the CRV actually.

 

[greaseman85]

I find Honda, in the North American context, has perpetuated themselves (over the past decade) to be this non-exciting automaker. Who's sole purpose is to create reliable, yet mundane machines for the average consumer that just needs a vehicle to get from point A to B.

Whereas Mazda really markets, and backs up their enthusiast-minded mantra aimed at consumers that want affordable, reliable vehicles that are good looking, and fun to drive. We want a bit more "flair" with our car.

It's a shame because Honda is capable of so much more (JDM / Euro markets' Civic type R), their history with creating fun / performance vehicles: S2000, Integra / RSX...

Unfortunately that's where the money is. Honda and Toyota have created this image of "reliable everyday family car", while the image of Mazda is "fun to drive", even though Mazda is just as reliable and good for families. However the majority of people only associate Honda and Toyota with the reliable image, and these companies do aggressive marketing and provide huge discounts which Mazda can't match, so they're outselling Mazda by huge margins.

But hey I love the fact my car is not all over the streets. I would hate to drive a Civic or Corolla for example since everyone and their grandmothers drive one.

 

[LeeBeckstar]

A coworker of mine just got a HRV EX and I got to drive it. I do think the vehicle is competent, however in styling inside and out, the overall driving experience, and in quality of materials the Mazda is in a totally different league. The HRV is obviously larger, however. I do think I prefer the HRV to the CRV actually.

While I haven't driven the HR-V, I've sat in them at the auto shows this year. The exterior styling is okay for a Honda, but the interior design looks like something GM would have done in the 80's (and reviewers would have hated it). I am impressed with the amount of space they've carved out of the interior and it's their obvious ace in the hole for this segment. What I can't get on board with is the low seat bottoms. I'm 6'3" and the front seats offer zero thigh support since they're low, flat, and offer no tilt adjustment. I've found the same problem in it's donor, the Fit, so it's not surprising.

 

[Stevecrz2cx3]

But hey I love the fact my car is not all over the streets. I would hate to drive a Civic or Corolla for example since everyone and their grandmothers drive one.

I completely agree, I sort of liked the new Civic and even the redesigned Kia when it first came out. Now I see them everywhere and they look boring to me. Don't get me wrong, I want the CX3 and Mazda to do well, but I hate the follow the crowd mentality.

 

[greaseman85]

Same here I really like the Civic redesign, far better the last gen, but I already see quite a few on the road.

 

[zbgirl]

If I were a car like the HRV I would be embarrassed to have such a dinky little exhaust pipe. (she says cheekily)