Vehicle on test
Honda CR-V
Good:
Looks, equipment levels, ride & handling
Not so Good:
Image, parcel shelf
Overall:
These days, the mid-sized 4x4 market is an important one. Despite the fact that the Land Rover Freelander has traditionally dominated the sector, Japanese manufacturers – Honda, Nissan and Toyota, in particular – have been producing some quality competition for years. The major problem was in the looks department. The Freelander was no shining beauty, but even so, the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V were both “Plain Janes” in its company.
Not any more. The new, Swindon-built Honda CR-V is a far more attractive car than its predecessor, both inside and out. There are some quirky features facing the driver, including a chunky handbrake and a gearstick that protrudes from the dashboard, Civic-style, but the general feeling is one of quality. Access to the rear is now a via a traditional tailgate instead of the old model’s side-hinged door, although a rather flimsy-looking shelf in the boot area didn’t look as though it could be trusted to carry much weight. In addition, the spare wheel has been moved from the rear door to a position underneath the car to further improve its lines.
The old model was always receiving praise for its on-road manners and the new one improves on the handling still further, with a lower centre of gravity, a wider track and some major changes to the suspension system. Running in 2WD for most of the time, with all wheel traction being automatically engaged when needed, the CR-V is also quite frugal. Two engine options are available – a 2.0 litre petrol motor and Honda’s excellent 2.2 litre CTDi turbodiesel – and it’s thanks to the selectable 4WD transmission that the diesels will return over 43mpg while still hitting 62mph in a shade over 10 seconds. The CR-V is available in three trim levels, with air conditioning, a CD player with MP3 socket and some nifty electronic driver aids standard on even the entry-level SE models.
Honda predict that the best-selling CR-V will be the mid-range ES, which gains alloys, parking sensors, privacy glass and folding door mirrors. The range-topping EX models get larger alloys, leather, DVD sat-nav, a premium audio system and a panoramic glass sunroof. Other mid-sized SUVs have suffered from the “anti 4x4” brigade and so Honda is quick to point out that “not all 4x4s are the same.” The petrol engine emits less CO2 than a MINI Cooper S or a Vauxhall Vectra estate, while pedestrian safety was also a high priority for the car’s designers.
The new CR-V is clearly aimed at owners who enjoy the elevated driving position, but who also demand good looks, economy and safety from their car. Surprisingly, over 70% of existing CR-V owners are male, with an average age of around 50, so Honda will have their work cut out persuading “yummy mummies” that the CR-V would be the perfect car for the school run. But, with new mid-sized SUVs due this year from Mitsubishi, Citroen and Peugeot (essentially the same vehicle), the choice of which 4x4 to opt for is about to get even more tricky…..
Report by Mark James
