The Honda HR-V is a good looking compact crossover. Stylish and well suited to younger families and couples, the HR-V combines famous Honda reliability with head-turning looks and impressive technology. To make choosing one easier, we’ve taken three of the best taking into consideration three different budgets.

The smart choice for saving money – HR-V S

The S specification may sit at the base of the HR-V trim levels, but that doesn’t mean drivers will see a spartan cabin. Far from it, even from the entry-level price of £18,495, the HR-V S represents excellent value when you take into consideration the amount of standard equipment it has.

Inside, the HR-V features Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, as well as Honda’s impressive ‘magic’ rear seats. These fold completely flat into the floor, and provide an impressive load area for larger items. A DAB radio is included, as is an auxiliary port for MP3 players and smartphones, all of which can be controlled via steering wheel-mounted buttons.

On the exterior of the car, chrome door handles help lift the HR-V’s look, while a body coloured tailgate spoiler gives it a sporting edge. Daytime running lights give the HR-V an up-to-date look and halogen headlights provide adequate night time visibility. Of course, the HR-V also contains all manner of safety equipment including side curtain airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution and city-brake active system. As far as occupant and pedestrian safety goes, few cars can offer as much.

The smart choice for those on a budget – HR-V SE

The SE builds on the S specification, adding extra equipment and exterior touches.

The biggest change to the interior of the car comes in the form of Honda’s CONNECT infotainment system, which is displayed through a 7-inch touch screen. This incorporates DAB radio as well as internet browsing and apps. A CD player is also included, too.

The SE also benefits from six speakers, over the S’ four. A leather steering wheel and shift knob is also included, as well as chrome interior door handles.

On the exterior, the HR-V features 17-inch alloy wheels and a shark fin antenna, as well as rain sensing automatic wipers and parking sensors at both the front and back.

Usability is the name of the game with the HR-V. That’s why cruise control and automatic climate control are included to make long journeys fly by. One touch power windows also make lives a little easier, as do electrically adjustable and retractable door mirrors.

Of course, the added equipment does command a premium over the base S mode car. At £20,960 it is noticeably more expensive than the S, but offers a good compromise between price and specification.

The smart choice for technophiles – HR-V EX

The EX sits at the very top of the HR-V range and boasts the very best that Honda has to offer in terms of technology and equipment. For button pressers, there’s very few that beat the EX.

Inside, the EX benefits from a similar range of equipment as the SE, with Honda’s CONNECT infotainment system included as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a 6 speaker sound system. There’s also two USB ports for charging devices and playing media through the car’s stereo.

The EX also has a multi info display, which houses a shift indicator light to allow drivers to check to see which is the most economical gear they should be in. An ECON mode also allows the car to pick the most economical settings possible, utilising idle stop technology among others.

The biggest changes come on the exterior of the car. A panoramic open glass roof gives the HR-V a visual edge over other cars in the range, while also lifting the interior of the vehicle. Satin finish door handles also give a premium look to the outside of the HR-V, while rear privacy glass gives an added visual element. It provides greater security, too.

LED daytime running lights help lift the front of the car, while full LED headlights give the very best night time visibility. These also have an auto on and off time built into them, designed to aid leaving the car in the dark.