Honda FR-V
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Funky alternative to mainstream people-carriers with innovative three-abreast seating front and rear.
Review
For people concerned that buying a people carrier marks the end of their motoring life as anything more than A-to-B drudgery, Honda's suggested solution is the compellingly strange FR-V.
Behind the slightly piggy-faced styling lies a fine, adaptable car. And although the three-abreast seating position doesn't work as well as the usual 2-3-2 of a seven-seat MPV, the FR-V is well adapted to family use.
The boxy design is appropriate to the Honda's utilitarian purpose. The cabin is more confused thanks to a strange match of fabrics and materials, plus a fairly cluttered dashboard layout. The offset driving position also reveals the compromises inherent in three-abreast seating, although there's plenty of room for rear seat occupants and the boot is generously proportioned too.
On the road the FR-V's case improves further. This is one of the best of the current crop of MPVs to drive, thanks to decent roadholding, communicative steering and an impressively taut chassis. More importantly, it's also comfortable at cruising speeds, shrugging off motorways and longer journeys.
The most basic 1.7 litre petrol engine will struggle with bigger loads, although the 2.0 litre unit is brawnier. But most demand will be for the excellent 2.2 litre CTDi turbodiesel engine, which gives the FR-V a real turn of speed.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Boxy, square and useful - not the sort of thing to set pulses racing.
Handling
4 star
It drives impressively well for a people-carrier with a decent chassis and agile responses.
Comfort
3 star
Wind and road noise become a bit obvious at higher speeds, but the suspension is good at defusing bumps and bangs.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Screwed together with the usual Honda thoroughness, but some of the interior trim lacks a quality feel.
Performance
3 star
Basic 1.7 litre petrol engine is adequate, 2.0 litre petrol is better - but it's the 2.2 litre turbo diesel at the top of the range that impresses most..
Roominess
4 star
Three-abreast seating at the front takes a bit of getting used to with full-sized occupants, but the wide rear seat works well. Bootspace is good, too.
Running Costs
3 star
Fuel economy is respectable on the petrols and good for the diesel version, although servicing will be pricier than most rivals. Depreciation is also fairly steep for a vehicle of this type.
Value for money
3 star
Reasonable standard equipment means the FR-V offers respectable value as a new purchase, but basic versions come with cheap-looking plastic wheel trims in lieu of alloys.
