Honda CR-V Review

The CR-V is an SUV tha's more of a car, which is what most owners want. True, the styling is debatable and it is not as proficient dynamically. However, the sweet engine, refinement, intelligent interiors and overall feel-good factor make it the accepted choice.

DESIGN

Honda has on purpose made the CR-V look more car-like, the objective being to state its on-road rather than off-road credentials. In fact, the CR-V doesn't look much of an SUV. The tailgate is not side-hinged and opens upwards like a hatchback. The spare wheel too sits under the body. The curved D-pillar is meant to give the CR-V a coupé-like look to balance its rather low-slung stance. We are not sure if it works well though and the radical styling, in particular the fussy-looking front, is bound to polarise opinion. It has a ground clearance of 185mm though.

The CR-V has a full-time four-wheel-drive system, but no lockable differentials, which limits its off-road ability.

CABIN

A class atmosphere pervades the CR-V's cabin. All surfaces feel sophisticated to touch and the design, though not as radical as the Civic, has an air of superiority you would only expect in a considerably more expensive SUV.

The CR-V's interiors are finished in beige and black with good forward visibility.
In the rear, the CR-V is tremendously comfortable. The seats are supportive and the few extra inches of space make it feel that much more spacious. The CR-V's cabin makes more clever use of space. The 40:20:40 seats add to the functionality and by moving the gear lever to the dash, there's a lot of space that's freed up between the front seats.

The rear seats in both cars slide back to give you those vital extra few inches but the CR-V's flat floor makes it better for the centre. The 556-litre boot has a good shape and extends to 955 litres if you tumble the rear seats forward. A strong and firm shelf creates a double-deck boot but its set too low, which means you can, at best, slip one big bag under it.

ENGINE

The CR-V comes with twin-cam 2.4-litre engine producing 152bhp. The i-VTEC engine is every bit the Honda engine you expect it to be. Smooth, refined and very rev-happy, it lacks relative responsiveness at low speeds and this can be a bit annoying but once you cross 4000rpm the engine doesn't want to stop.

The CR-V uses a five-speed conventional auto that compensates a little for the CR-V's lack of low-end grunt. Even so, the auto 'box with its Grade Logic programming which curtails unnecessary shifting in the interests of fuel economy plays killjoy by sometimes not kicking down to a lower gear when you want it to. The strong top end means that the CR-V is a great highway tool and the tall gearing allows you to cruise all day without any bother.

RIDE AND HANDLING

The CR-V is a brilliant handler in its own right. The steering feel lacks steadiness and is not as evenly weighted as the Outlander but the low-slung mechanicals give it such a planted feel that makes it out corner many saloons. The manner in which the CR-V digs in and goes around corners is overwhelming. Seeing how tall it is, it's not supposed to be so corner-happy but it is. Simply point and squirt into the corner and the tremendous traction from the electronic 4WD system keeps the car heading in the intended direction with negligible drama.

The front struts have variable rate springs for improved straight line stability, the steering box has been mounted lower for better feel and control, and a large 20mm anti-roll bar keeps the SUV running flat in corners. Squat and dive, normally experienced in a high-sprung SUV under acceleration and braking, are also tuned out.

FACT FILE  Wheelbase 2620mm Fuel Petrol Type 2354 cc,4 cylinders Installation Front.transverse, all-wheel drive Valve Gear 4 valves per cyl, DOHC Power 161bhp at 5800rpm Torque 22.2kgm