However, don't take our
word for it! Below is an independent article written
by Andy Enright of Car and Driving: (click
any image to enlarge)
 Do
you know what the most disquieting thing about compact SUVs is? The nagging sense
of dishonesty. All too often these vehicles are trying to portray a rugged image
when, for the most part, they're utterly hopeless as soon as the tarmac runs
out. In the real world, the most owners will actually want to do is to haul a
trailer or get out of a muddy carpark. And Honda, more than any other car maker,
is a company that lives in the real world, designing its products to suit. The
latest car to benefit from this rather refreshing approach is the third-generation
CR-V.
Here's a model which, though still able to deal with towing and slimy surfaces, for the most part concentrates on providing what most compact SUV owners really want: a more pragmatic and useful on-road package.
Discussing the suspension of a compact
SUV might seem a strange way to kick off but take a look
under the CR-V and you’ll spot independent suspension
all round with a multilink rear set-up. The centre of gravity
has been dropped by fully 35mm and Honda claims to have benchmarked
the best family hatchbacks in its class (rather than other
4x4s) when it comes to handling. Forget the cumbersome roly-poly
road manners and ponderous ride quality still common to some
cars in this class. The CR-V
has been engineered to be pin-sharp straight out of the box.
This matters. It matters because, if
you’re honest
with yourself, you never take small 4x4s off-road anyway.
It matters because it means you’re not trying to portray
some sort of lifestyle you don’t have. And, above all,
it matters because the CR-V now corners more crisply and
safely than ever before and, despite the best efforts of
the Romans, our roads tend to be very twisty.
The CR-V can handle gentle off-road tracks
thanks to its four-wheel drive system but think of this as
an all-wheel drive equipped car rather than a 'proper' SUV.
The system has been tweaked a little to direct even more
torque to the rear wheels when the front wheels start slipping.
This is actually more handy if you're planning to use the
CR-V in bad weather conditions or on an Alpine skiing jaunt.
"The CR-V has undergone a root and branch update"
The shape of the CR-V hints at the fact
that this is no shrunken Hummer. The coupe-like roofline is
reminiscent of the Lexus RX series, while the stance is low
slung and hunched. The front end is very distinctive, with
an unusual 'smiling' grille section that fits flush to the
projector-style headlamps. A choice between 17- and 18-inch
alloy wheels also underscores the Honda's on-road mission.
Other 4x4 cues have also been ditched, one by one. The tail-mounted
spare wheel has been excised, replaced by one that sits under
the load compartment floor. The tailgate also opens like a
conventional hatchback — side openings being deemed a
little passé.
The internal dimensions aren't far removed
from the old CR-V, a car which always was one of the more spacious
compact 4x4s. Load space has been increased, despite the internally
housed spare, while access has been improved by bigger doors
that open wider. The interior features metallic elements on
the dash with soft-textured black trim, while the front seats
cater for this nation's ever-expanding posteriors, being larger
and more comfortable than before. The sunroof on top-spec models
has also been supersized and can be closed off with two electric
blinds which are trimmed in the same material as the roof lining.
This feature was debuted in the Civic and, like the Civic again,
the CR-V features a relocated gear lever. Now at the base of
the centre stack, it's been brought closer to the steering
wheel, creating more floor space. Equipment levels are generous
with an eight-way powered driver's seat, leather upholstery,
front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera offered
according to trim level. Should you really want to play the
urban gangster, there's even a 19-inch wheel option. No chrome
spinners though. The rear seats split 60:40 at the base and
40:20:40 at the back and slide back and forth to maximise either
leg or luggage room. They even recline to really let rear passengers
flake out on longer trips. When not required, the rear seats
can be tumbled forwards and stowed upright to create a space
big enough for a pair of mountain bikes. You won't even need
to remove the front wheels.
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Extra versatility is served up with
the 'Double Deck' luggage storage system created by a shelf
that sits just over a foot off the load floor. This hinged
slab allows luggage below to remain easily accessible but out
of view.Two engine options are available. The petrol powerplant
is a 2.0-litre unit based on the 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine
found in the Civic range, in this instance pumped up to produce
150bhp. It'll get to 60mph in a respectable 9.9 seconds if
you choose the manual transmission, the five-speed auto model...with
an 11.9 second showing against the watch...The celebrated 2.2-litre
i-CTDI diesel is good for 140bhp...with a generously stuffed
340Nm of torque. If you're planning on towing anything, look
no further than this unit.
The Honda CR-V...has been consistently one
of the biggest sellers across Europe...Expect that state of affairs
to continue for some time yet.
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CAR:
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Honda CR-V range |
INSURANCE GROUP:
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12 |
CO2 EMISSIONS: |
173-194g/km |
PERFORMANCE:
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[2.2 i-CTDi] Max Speed 116mph / 0-62mph 10.3s |
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
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[2.2 i-CTDi] (combined) 43.5mpg |
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES:
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Driver, passenger, side and
curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist, trailer
stability assist, ABS, electronic brake assist, front
seat belt pre-tensioners, rear seat belt monitor,
active front head restraints. |
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: |
Length/Width/Height, (exc door mirrors) 4530/1820/1805mm |
If you'd like more information
on the new CR-V please visit the Honda website by clicking here.
Read
about The Hondacare after-sales package »
Click
to see the latest Honda price list  »
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