Welcome to another episode of PakWheels First Look Review. Today, we’re checking out Honda’s much-anticipated hybrid SUV: the Honda HR-V e:HEV. This marks Honda Pakistan’s first locally available hybrid car, and naturally, expectations are high.
What is e:HEV?
There’s been some confusion about what “e:HEV” actually means. Some people think it’s a plug-in hybrid, while others assume it’s a fully electric car. In reality, it’s Honda’s proprietary hybrid technology. According to Honda, it provides a driving experience close to an electric vehicle because of two major advantages:
- High fuel efficiency
- Extremely low engine noise
We’ll dive deeper into how this system works when we get to the drive experience, but first let’s walk around the car.
Front Look & Design Changes
From the front, the HR-V e:HEV has a slightly updated design compared to the petrol variant. The grille is more curved, and the blue Honda monogram instantly signals this is a hybrid. The e:HEV badge is also displayed prominently, as Honda is pushing this branding strongly.
You get triple-point LED headlights with daytime running lights (DRLs). The bumper has a dark grey diffuser-style finish, adding a sporty touch to the front look.
Wheels & Side Profile
Moving to the side, you’ll spot the 18-inch alloy wheels right away. They feature a machine finish with piano black accents, and the tyres are sized 225/50/R18. There’s also e:HEV badging on the side, emphasizing Honda’s hybrid platform.
Honda is running a campaign called “Feel the Performance” and offering test drives at 38 dealerships across Pakistan. So, if you’re interested, you can experience the car yourself before making a purchase decision.
Color Options
Honda has added two new colors to the HR-V lineup:
- A bold sporty red (exclusive to the hybrid variant)
- Two-tone color schemes with a black roof, carried over from the petrol version
Rear View & Boot Space
The rear looks very similar to the petrol HR-V. The main visual difference is the blue Honda monogram, once again indicating it’s a hybrid. It comes with a power tailgate and a kick sensor, allowing for hands-free boot access.
Because of the hybrid system, the car does not come with a spare wheel. The battery pack is located in that space. However, Honda includes an emergency puncture repair kit. The boot also features LED lighting and a 60:40 split rear seat setup, which folds down flat for carrying larger items. It’s quite spacious and practical.
Interior Highlights
Inside, the cabin feels modern and premium. The seats are covered in perforated leather, and the steering wheel is also leather-wrapped. Both front seats are manually adjustable.
The 7-inch digital instrument cluster is the same as the one found in the Civic RS Turbo. A green indicator on the display confirms that Honda Sensing (ADAS) is active.
The infotainment system features a 9.1-inch touchscreen, which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via Honda’s own app. The dashboard layout is similar to the petrol variant, with a single-zone climate control system and a leather-wrapped gear knob.
There’s a wireless charger in the center console, and the transmission features both D (Drive) and B (Brake) modes. “B” mode allows for stronger regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery while driving. Paddle shifters are also included to help control regenerative braking on downhill roads.
Honda Sensing – ADAS Features
The HR-V e: HEV is equipped with Honda Sensing, which includes several advanced driver assistances features such as:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Auto High Beam
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lead Car Departure Notification
All these features can be manually disabled using a dedicated button if needed.
At the back, passengers get rear AC vents, two USB-C ports, and a nearly flat floor, making it comfortable for three adults to sit side by side. The overall passenger comfort, space, and practicality remain similar to the petrol variant.
Powertrain & Hybrid Technology
The HR-V e:HEV comes with a 1.5L DOHC (16-valve) petrol engine paired with two electric motors. One motor powers the wheels when the car runs in EV mode, while the second motor works with the petrol engine to charge the battery.
In typical city driving, the car operates mostly in 100% electric mode, making the drive quiet and smooth. When more power is needed, the car shifts into hybrid mode, combining both power sources to deliver a combined torque of 253 Nm. The response is instant, and the acceleration feels quick and refined.
There are three driving modes in the HR-V e:HEV:
- Eco Mode – Green theme
- Normal Mode – Blue theme
- Sport Mode – Red theme
Each mode adjusts throttle response and display themes accordingly.
Honda HRV e:HEV- Fuel Economy
Honda claims a combined fuel average of 25 km/litre for the HR-V e:HEV. During the test drive, the display showed 99.9 km/litre because the car was running entirely on electric power at that time. While real-world mileage will vary, it still promises to be highly fuel-efficient, especially in city conditions.
The car is fitted with a sound-insulated windshield, reducing outside noise. Since the car often runs in EV mode, engine noise is almost nonexistent. However, you might notice a bit of road noise from the tyres, especially in electric-only mode. That said, the cabin still feels quiet and composed.
Safety Features
The HR-V e:HEV includes:
- 6 airbags
- Traction control
- Downhill assist
- ABS and EBD
- The full Honda Sensing ADAS suite
This makes it one of the safer compact SUVs in its segment.
What’s Missing?
While the car comes loaded with features, there are a couple of notable omissions:
- No 360-degree camera, which is now standard in many rivals
- Reverse camera only has static guidelines (no dynamic lines)
- No glass or panoramic roof, which is available in the imported Honda Vezel
Besides these, the car is nearly identical to the imported variant, even down to the same 18-inch wheels.
Pricing & Value Comparison
The ex-factory price of the HR-V e:HEV in Pakistan is PKR 8,999,000. By comparison, the imported Honda Vezel hybrid—equipped with a 360 camera and glass roof—costs almost PKR 3 million more, and that too for a 3-year-old used unit.
Considering the features, fuel efficiency, and local availability, this seems like a well-priced and sensible option in today’s market.
First Drive Impressions
The steering response is great, thanks to Honda’s Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGS) system. It’s light at low speeds and tighter at high speeds, making the car fun and easy to drive. Ride comfort is smooth, transitions between EV and hybrid mode are seamless, and the overall drive feels refined and efficient.
The Honda HR-V e:HEV brings a strong feature set, a smooth hybrid driving experience, and a comfortable interior. It’s a bold step by Honda Pakistan into the hybrid segment, and the car delivers on most of its promises. With rising fuel prices, its claimed average of 25 km/l makes it an attractive option for many buyers.
We’ll follow this up with a detailed expert review where we test the real-world mileage, ADAS usability, and city/highway performance. Until then, if you haven’t already, subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell icon to get notified of all our latest reviews. Also, drop your thoughts in the comments section.
Thanks for watching, take care, and drive safe!
