This Japanese brand’s SUV was once one of the most sought after models on sale, but now the maker has moved it in a whole new direction.

The previous Honda HR-V small SUV was one of the most popular models in its class, but a steep price rise for the new version has given its popularity a hit.

Here is everything you need to know about he Honda HR-V.

Some brands offer vast choices within their compact SUV line-ups. Honda has taken the keep-it-simple approach for its new HR-V, with a choice between petrol-only Vi-X or better equipped e: HEV L hybrid.

The Vi-X we tested is priced at $36,700 drive-away (prices are fixed) for any of the five colours. Standard equipment includes smart-key entry, a digital instrument cluster, 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors front and rear, adaptive cruise control and a rear camera that has three different views. There’s also a 9.0-inch infotainment screen incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

But there’s no wireless phone charging and the plastic steering wheel on this Vi-X is out of step with the premium price.

There’s also no spare tyre, with only a foam storage separator beneath the floor of the compact boot.

The HR-V prioritises style over space with a coupe-inspired body that conceals the rear door handles. There are also some interesting design touches, including the body-coloured slatted grille.

That style continues to the cabin where there’s a user-friendly smattering of buttons and dials and the touchscreen positioned high on the dash. The dark presentation is classy and there are some useful storage binnacles in the centre console, as well as easy access to three USB ports up front (but none in the rear).

Space up front is good and the sporty silhouette makes for a cocooned feel. Leg room is surprisingly generous in the rear by small SUV standards, although head room is less convincing.

As for cramming five in, forget it. The HR-V has only two seatbelts in the rear, ruling out a fifth occupant. There are no rear air vents.

There are side curtain airbags all around while those up front have frontal airbags.

Active safety includes lane-keep assist, speed-sign recognition and auto emergency braking but blind-spot warning is only fitted to the more expensive hybrid.

The HR-V Vi-X has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with modest outputs, just 89kW and 145Nm. That’s less than the car it replaces, although it is relatively efficient, using a claimed 5.8 litres per 100km.

Performance is helped by a CVT auto that constantly adjusts the drive ratio to tap into the best the engine has to offer. It works well, although the revs rise if you want to up the tempo. You’ll occasionally have to be vigorous with your right foot if you want to match pace with traffic, especially once hills or freeway speeds enter the equation.

Through corners the HR-V is composed and reassuring, with good grip levels.

A hill descent control system (usually used when driving down steep hills off-road) is optimistic, given the HR-V only drives its front wheels.

Hyundai Kona Elite, from about $35,700 drive-away

Solid all-rounder and sharp pricing for a car that packs in leather and Harman Kardon audio. Cabin lacks flair and engine is nothing special.

Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure, from about $33,700 drive-away

Smart presentation and generous smattering of gear teams with solid driving manners.

Toyota C-HR GXL, from about $35,000 drive-away

Diminutive 1.2-litre turbo works nicely with CVT auto, although it needs premium unleaded. Sharp styling and solid dynamics, but side vision in the rear is marginal.

Only seats only four and lacks the driving fizz and value to stand out in a busy SUV segment.

HONDA HR-V Vi X VITALS

WARRANTY/SERVICE: 5 years, unlimited km, $635 for 5 years/50,000km

SAFETY: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist

ENGINE: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 89kW and 145Nm

As Australia’s most popular car makers raise prices and drop cheaper models from their line-ups, a group of low-cost rivals is cashing in.

This SUV has gone through a monumental change adding features that it has never had before, but there is one big catch.

Despite rising new car prices this SUV is still a budget friendly option that is cheap to run and own, but you need to know a few things first.