Fiat has, at last, a competitor in the six-seater MPV market. Honda has launched the FR-V that like the Multipla features two rows of three seats.
Unlike the Fiat that seats six adults comfortably the FR-V’s front row is really only suitable for two adults and a child in the middle. The centre seat is not full size and while it slides back a good distance it is better suited to a child’s frame - that said you cannot turn off the front passengers airbags - something you can do in the Fiat!
When not in use the centre seat can perform a host of party tricks and is best used as an armrest. As you would expect there are cubbies galore and plenty of oddment storage space.
The exterior of the €27,475 FR-V is surprisingly interesting with some almost BMW X5 like panels and a quirky rear end featuring curved tailgate glass. The car has a relatively low roofline that is far less in your face ‘MPV looking’ than the competition.
The car to accommodate three abreast is wide. Be warned you will find some city centre car parks challenging. Inside the FR-V is spacious and like most Hondas these days very black.
Honda assures me that black is far easier to keep clean but I find it a little too depressing. Idiosyncrasies include the Civic-like dash mounted gearlever.
Like all Hondas the controls are light and effortless to use. The handbrake is a little annoying at times as it is a pull out towards you affair (like some pick ups) that takes a bit of getting used to. I found it difficult to get a seating position I liked and the seat adjustment was disappointing.
The FR-V has the edge on the Fiat in the boot compartment. The FR-Vs boot is really useful and a decent size. The Multipla is shorter than the average hatchback but the clever design cost boot space and most users would prefer a longer car with a decent boot. The Honda now offers the best of both worlds.
On the go the Honda is comfy enough and in a straight line fine, in corners the car loads up its suspension very quickly and the car feels ungainly.
No one buys MPVs to rally but I found myself avoiding twisty routes home, which was a shame. The FR-V is a little noisy to. The only engine option at the moment is a four cylinder 1.7 litre petrol unit (125 bhp) that tends to drone at motorway speeds. I would like more sound insulation in this model. A 2.2 diesel (Honda’s fantastic 4 cylinder unit) is on the cards when production can catch up with supply. A two-litre petrol is available in other markets also.
The FR-V is pricey next to the Fiat but it is still a Honda and therefore worth more secondhand and generally perceived as a posher machine.
People who buy MPVs like value for their seats, sure just look at the massive sales success of the Hyundai Trajet - a very ordinary car, it retails for a practical price that the Irish public can’t and haven’t ignored. In the six-seat sector I would spend my money on the Multipla first.
Those controversial Italian looks (I kind of liked) that made more than the odd child scream in terror have been banished thanks to a rather bland face lift so there is no excuse not to try the Fiat if you are in the market for a six-seater.
The Honda badge will sell a good few FR-Vs and its subtle styling will see it as a reasonable proposition for the more well-heeled school run brigade.
Michael Sheridan
