Honda FR-V Review
Published: 14th October 2005
Honda FR-V
How It Drove - Performance
The Honda FR-V is powered by a 2.0 litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine
(fitted to the Honda CR-V) which produces 150 PS @ 6500 rpm enabling
it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10.5 seconds and continue to a
top speed of 120 mph.
The established 2.0 litre engine uses the VTEC system which varies
the timing and amount of lift of the valves combined with VTC (Variable
Timing Control) which continuously adjusts the cam phasing to best
match the current engine load. A variable length intake manifold
is also used for improved low end torque.
The 2.0 engine performs well but you do have to be in the right gear/rev band to achieve maximum power delivery. The official combined fuel consumption figure for the 2.0 i-VTEC is 33.6 mpg and we averaged 30.9 mpg over a 300 mile mixes circuit - so not too bad. If fuel economy is important to you we would recommend the 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine which returns 44.8 mpg on a combined cycle.
The 6-speed dash-mounted gearshift might seem off putting to some
potential purchasers but we found it intuitive and natural to use.
The gear ratios have been selected so that maximum speed is achieved
in fifth gear with sixth gear providing high speed cruising and
fuel economy.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The Honda FR-V is a relatively wide MPV and it needs to be to accommodate the 3+3 seating arrangement. Honda set out to overcome MPV high roll characteristics and ensure good ride comfort and they have certainly succeeded. The FR-V has a wide track which benefits both the ride, handling and also the stability of the vehicle. Overall it is a very composed and well balanced MPV which rode well over speed bumps and pot holes.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and all-round disc brakes are standard on the Sport model ensuring that the Honda FR-V brakes reassuringly well.
The steering is well-assisted making the FR-V easy to park and offers a good level of feedback on the open road.
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