Ask the mechanic >How good is the Honda HRV?

Hi Paul,
I own a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy New Model and it is a 2000cc engine. It has a sport indicator on the dashboard like the overdrive button in some automatic cars, please clarify if driving with the sport on or off which one consumes less fuel? Does it happen when it’s green or when it’s not on the dashboard? When it’s on the revolution counter goes up while when it’s off the counter goes down. Secondly, what is the optimum driving speed for this car.
Fred

Fred, the Nissan Blue Bird Sylphy ‘SPORT’ mode is similar to ‘O/D OFF’ (Over Drive Off) on a conventional automatic transmission. When you select the ‘SPORT’ mode you restrict your automatic transmission to the lower gear ratios which give you better acceleration and exciting response to throttle. This is suitable for prompt take offs, overtaking and uphill driving. Whereas you get more thrilling speedy response when driving in ‘SPORT ON’ mode, the fuel economy drops because driving in this mode keeps your engine revolutions high. Switching off ‘SPORT’ mode increases fuel economy and lights up the GREEN (Econo) light. In case your Nissan Sylphy has a CVT (Continuous Velocity Transmission) gearbox the CVT complements or acts like an overdrive (O/D ON) selecting the best gear ratios for optimum use of torque and power in overcoming various road conditions.

Dear Paul,
Please advise me, I want to switch from a Toyota Premio to Honda HRV. What are the bad and good of Honda HRV that I need to know as compared to my Toyota Premio. I want a bigger car, raised, less fuel consumption, easy access to spare parts and durable.
Walter.

Dear Walter,
The Honda HRV is not a much bigger car than the Toyota Premio and the dimensions are almost the same. HRV has a ground clearance advantage which is useful on some of our suburb and upcountry roads. However, the Premio’s lower and sleek profile gives it better road holding and handling when driving fast on the highway. The comfort features and amenities in both cars are almost the same. The 1.6 litre Line 4 SOHC (Single Overhead camshaft) engine in the HRV is as efficient and economical on fuel as Premio’s 1.5 and 1.8 litre DOHC (Double overhead camshaft) engines thanks to the Variable Valve Timing Intelligent camshaft lift technology in the engines of both cars, VTEC in the Honda and VVTi in the Premio. HRV’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) selects the most appropriate gear ratios to enhance fuel economy but tends to be slow when responding to kick down. The CVT gearbox is delicate and difficult to service in the absence of correct CVT transmission oil. The HRV and Premio engines and transmission are durable. However, you have to look hard for the Honda engine and body or suspension parts locally while Premio parts are readily available. The HRV has a poor resale value.

Dear Paul,
Thank you for enriching us with the insightful knowledge about cars.
My employer called Village Enterprise Fund is a community based organisation working in the rural areas of Teso sub-Region (Amuria and Katakwi districts).
The organisation is interested in buying a field car for its operations and have opted for a Toyota Land Cruiser Hard Top. Please what is the cost of this vehicle and where can we buy it from?
Collins

Hello Collins, if your project funds allow, your best option will be buying a brand new Land cruiser Hard Top from the local Toyota dealer - Toyota Uganda. You can google their contact details. They even have a branch near you in Mbale with a car sales point, parts outlet and service centre. Given the terrain and operational requirements of your project you need a strong and reliable transport option. A brand new Toyota with a three year warranty is what you need. Toyota will provide the price and availability details.

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