AM Awards 2016 - New Car of the Year

Honda’s HR-V returned in 2015 and entered a market that has become one of the most hotly contested within the industry.

However, the compact SUV – up against the likes of Nissan’s Qashqai and the Mazda CX-5 – has won the hearts, minds and votes of AM readers with its coupé-like looks and impressive practicality.

With prices starting at £18,495, the HR-V locks horns with the Qashqai on value and by offering impressive flexibility along with a frugal engine line-up.

Potential customers can select one of two engine options: a 128bhp, 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which claims fuel efficiency of 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and 125g/km CO2 emissions, or a 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel claiming 70.6mpg and 104g/km CO2 emissions.

Three specifications (S, SE and EX) are available, with the option of sat nav and Honda’s CVT automatic transmission ensuring there is a HR-V to suit most tastes.

Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’ can free up a huge load space in the rear, in addition to the 453-litre boot, with ample storage beneath the centre arm rest and in the door pockets handy for front-seat occupants.

Other interior highlights include the Honda Connect touchscreen infotainment system, which is fitted to all HR-Vs as standard.

Collision avoidance courtesy of the City-Brake Active System is also standard and helped the HR-V to secure a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Emerging as Car of the Year by securing the votes of AM’s influential readership will be a boost for Honda as it looks to 2016 to secure impressive sales in its promising newcomer’s first full year on sale.