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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
7/10
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The FR-V isn’t a bad looking mini-MPV from the front or side, but the rear isn’t its best angle. The big, aggressive headlamps and careful shaping of the sheet metal make it look less bulky visually, but the rear lights are too big and it looks boxy from behind.
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Engine Spec
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Score:
6/10
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Only one engine offered, a peppy 140bhp 1.8 that is happy to rev and doesn’t get vocal until you get near the redline. It’s a great engine, but how’s about an equally pleasant diesel, Honda?
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Performance
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Score:
6/10
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The FR-V can sprint from 0-100 in 10.6 seconds and hit 190km/h all out, but to be fair it’s actually a little faster than the numbers suggest. It likes to rev and the gearbox is pretty slick, so it’s not an engine you mind thrashing too much.
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
6/10
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The FR-V is a rather wide vehicle, which means it feels planted on the road and in corners. It grips well and the steering is reasonably quick, even if it doesn’t offer a lot of feel, but the ride is a bit firm for our pock-marked roads.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
5/10
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The cabin doesn’t work. In order to make it a six-seater (three in the front, three in the back) the heater and stereo controls have been squashed into a small area and the driver feels pushed too far to the right. The dash-mounted gearlever is a joy to use, but overall it feels incomplete, somehow.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
7/10
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The FR-V attempts the three-in-the-front, three-in-the-back seating arrangement of the Fiat Multipla but it doesn’t work as well. The middle passenger sits too close to the driver so that seat would likely never be used. However, the boot is a good size and the individual rear seats work well.
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Safety
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Score:
7/10
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The FR-V comes with front, side and curtain airbags, front seat belt pre-tensioners, three 3-point seat belts front and rear, three headrests front and rear and ISOFIX child seat anchors. ESP isn’t offered, however.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
7/10
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The six-seat FR-V is very cheap by small MPV standards, especially considering the standard equipment. Running it won’t cost much but because this is the first FR-V, we’re not so sure about resale value. It could go either way, so be wary.
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
6/10 |
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The FR-V is extremely well made and the materials are more upmarket than in most other Hondas currently on sale. The ride quality is a bit firm, considering that this is meant to be carrying families, but it is fairly quiet and handles with composure.
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Equipment
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Score:
7/10
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The one FR-V offers remote locks, a CD player, electric windows and mirrors, climate control and sliding and reclining rear seats. The 16” alloys are optional.
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Bad
Awkward
middle front seat
weird dash
tiny range.
Good
Versatile
good looking
great value
reliable.
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