Five Alternatives To The 2019 Honda HR-V

Honda recently unveiled three cars at its 'Power of 3' event. The Honda HR-V and CR-V are all-new for 2019, while the Honda Pilot receives a mid-life facelift. While the Honda CR-V is a popular crossover in UAE, the HR-V is making a comeback in a sharper avatar than before.
The compact urban crossover is powered by a 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol mill good for 140hp and 172Nm. Power is fed to the front wheels through a CVT transmission actuated by paddle shifters. As for creature comforts, Honda has equipped the HR-V with a touchscreen infotainment system, multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control in the EX Grade trim, and Display Audi screen.
Safety systems like ABS, EBD, traction control, TPMS, hill start assist, standard driver and passenger front airbags, side and side curtain airbags (exclusive to EX Grade), and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure find their place on the 2019 Honda HR-V.

Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet has traditionally been adept at making high-bodied vehicles and the Trax is no exception to the company's field of expertise. It comes with a 1.8-litre engine driving the front wheels which makes 140hp and 175Nm. A five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission are on offer. The higher-end Premier trim features all-wheel-drive. The 2019 Chevrolet Trax can sprint to 100kph in 10.6 seconds, topping out at 175kph. Chevrolet claims a fuel economy of 14.6kpl for the Trax.
Chevrolet has given the compact crossover a sophisticated safety package. You get ABS, traction control, four airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, hill start assist, and parking sensors as standard. There's also features like Side Blind one Alert, Rear Park Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax doesn't disappoint in the conveniences department either. It features available smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay. An in-house Chevrolet Infotainment system takes care of your need for music while keeping you connected. Wireless charging is also on offer through a dedicated slot.

More details on this compact crossover can be availed by visiting Al Ghandi Chevrolet in Dubai, Bin Hamoodah Auto Chevrolet in Abu Dhabi, and Liberty Automobiles for the rest of the Emirates.

Hyundai Kona

Hyundai has a knack for making smartly packaged, feature-rich cars at competitive prices. This reflects in the 2019  Hyundai Kona. The Korean automaker introduced the compact crossover in the UAE in four trims with impressive fuel efficiency and technology.
Powering the compact crossover is a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine generating 175hp and 265Nm. The Hyundai Kona can crack the ton in 7.9 seconds and go on to clock 205kph. The other engine on offer is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre mill making 150hp and 180Nm, propelling the Kona to the ton in 10 seconds and on to 194kph. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is standard on both trims, driving the front wheels.
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is packed to the gills with safety tech, the company having equipped it with ABS, traction control, tyre pressure sensors, hill start assist, six airbags, rear cross-traffic collision warning with two radar sensors, forward collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.
As for creature comforts, Hyundai claims the Kona is amongst the best in its class when it comes to leg, shoulder, and headroom. Trunk capacity of 361 litres can be expanded in multiple ways using the split rear seats for a maximum of 1,143 litres. You get wireless phone charging, KRELL premium sound system, powered seats with lumbar support, and finally an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In the UAE, Hyundai cars are marketed by Juma Al Majid Group. Further information can be availed by visiting any of these dealerships.

Kia Soul

Kia has steadily been climbing the desirability ladder with its range of offerings, whether global or region-specific. The 2019 Kia Soul is a global product and has received a major redesign for MY2019. Also on offer are new engines, three to be specific. You can choose between a U2 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor good for 126hp and 260Nm, a Gamma 1.6-litre four-pot engine producing 122hp and 152Nm, and finally, a Nu 2.0-litre four-banger that makes 152hp and 191Nm.
As for transmissions, there are three you can choose from: a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, and a top-of-the-line seven-speed DCT.
Kia has also made sure the 2019 Soul crossover is one of the safest cars in its segment. Six airbags including curtain units, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), hill start assist, braking assist, ABS, traction control, TPMS, and parking sensors - these are all standard features.
The 2019 Kia Soul does not disappoint in the infotainment and convenience department either. You get a 4.3-inch TFT-LCD screen incorporated in the instrument cluster that throws up critical information about the vehicle as and when required. Then there is a standard audio system with aux, i-Pod, and USB connectivity. The party trick of the interiors has to be the cool sound mood lamps that pulsate in a red glow in sync with the music.

For more information on this stylish crossover, head to your nearest Al Majid Motors - KIA showroom.

Mazda CX-3

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 presents a fresh alternative to run-of-the-mill crossovers with its stylish design, punchy powertrain, and choice of drivetrain architecture between FWD and AWD. Powering all the trims of the CX-3 is a 2.0-litre inline-four engine that makes 146hp and 192Nm, making sure the CX-3 isn't out of breath in trying situations. A six-speed automatic gearbox handles transmission duties.
Safety wise, you can rest assured you are in good hands. Standard safety features across all trims of the 2019 Mazda CX-3 include ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), traction, dynamic stability control, dual front airbags, speed alarm, and auto brake hold. You also get keyless entry, cruise control, and push-button start.

The 2019 Mazda CX-3  starts at AED 72,900 for the base Comfort trim, going up to AED 98,900 for the feature-packed Luxury trim.

For more information on the Japanese crossover, check out your nearest Galadari Automobiles - Mazda Motors.

Nissan Kicks

The final contender to the 2019 Honda HR-V is perhaps the strongest. The 2019 Nissan Kicks is a well-rounded package that offers a perfect blend of practicality, performance, and versatility. Nissan has plonked in a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine under the Kicks' hood that generates 118hp and 149Nm. The numbers see it sprint to the ton in 11.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 180kph.
Safety is where the 2019 Nissan Kicks claws back its value-for-money proposition. ABS, six airbags, brake assist, EBD, immobilizer, ISO-Fix child seat anchors, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, traction control, and vehicle stability control are standard fare across all trims.
Inside, you get a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, steering mounted audio controls, four speakers, keyless entry, and smartphone integration. The five-seater Nissan Kicks has a lot going for it in terms of value for money. And the clincher? Well, it is in the next line.

For more details regarding the compact crossover, head to your nearest Arabian Automobiles Nissan showroom, or access the Nissan Middle East website.