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In terms of the environment, cars do tend to get a bad press. With the growing number of vehicles in the world and the polar ice cubes reportedly shrinking, the motor car does look a tad guilty. Though the correlation between the two is up for debate, it would be wise if we did our bit to help preserve Fred the polar bears living room. Within Europe strict CO2 emissions laws are coming into force with manufacturers having to look at ways to reduce their output of greenhouse gasses. The current trend is one of downsizing engines but finding methods to maintain performance. Honda did a great job with the new 1.6 litre diesel engine they put in the Civic, but the question is can the same unit impress in the much larger CR-V? Previously the only diesel option for the Japanese SUV was a 2.2 litre, a good engine but in a world where we are all trying to save the environment this 1.6 litre i-DTEC has now found a new home.
Our test car is in SR specification and is front wheel drive as opposed to other CR-V models where a 4X4 option is available. Visually the car is identical to the rest of the lineup portraying a modern design architecture that has a functional nature to it. In Passion Red with these smart looking 18 inch alloy wheels the CR-V looks very grown up and premium. The roof rails and aluminium trim detail the cars silhouette nicely supporting the good proportions this model has.
Now, over the past year we have driven every CR-V engine and trim level and whilst the top spec EX car has a very comfortable cabin sporting every toy under the sun, I think that this SR option is the sweet spot. The half leather half alcantara seats are extremely comfortable and give the interior a plush feel. This car also receives a DAB radio with premium audio system, UBS and MP3 compatibility, privacy glass and heated seats for those cold winter mornings. Whilst I did miss the panoramic glass roof of the EX, the CR-V’s windows are plenty big enough to let generous amounts of natural light in. Passengers should find the seats supportive and for those in the rear head and leg room is not at a premium. Its console has a nice logical layout to it that makes its operation quick and easy. The boot is vast and looks as if it could swallow the Isle of White! Lining the floor of this area is a removable flexible plastic tray that can catch dog hair, mud, sand as well as any other unwanted mess. This CR-Vs vast storage can be extended with one pull of a leaver that flattens the rear bench revealing a loading area that might just carry Belgium give or take a few boxes of chocolate.
Starting the CR-V on a cold day it does sound a bit grumbly, as do most diesels, but once up to temperature and underway the 1.6 is quiet and refined. Whilst there is no getting away from the fact that the CR-V is a big car, driving it in an urban environment is a piece of cake. Thanks to large mirrors and big windows visibility is always good. Parking sensors and a reversing camera means you can park this car in some rather challenging spots without too much of a problem. Whilst the steering doesn’t provide bags of feedback, it is well weighted and in tandem with a good 6 speed manual gearbox this car never feels like a chore to drive. Through faster bends, as you would expect from a car of this nature, there is a noticeable amount of body roll. The new 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine offers plenty of pulling power with torque accessible from low revs whilst it happily copes with the extra weight of this CR-V over the Civic. Proceeding to join a motorway, this engine also proves to be a good all rounder with the ability to not only cruise for long distances, but also get a wiggle on when an overtaking manoeuvre is necessary. The pedal box, much like the steering could do with a bit more feel but the throttle is responsive and the brakes perfectly employable for the job of stopping the car. In terms of suspension, the CR-V is good at soaking up the often aggressive bumps and potholes found on UK roads. Fuel economy sat at an average of 48MPG after the car had been put through its paces in an array of situations.
All-in-all this new engine for the Honda CR-V builds on top of an already competent package. Great levels of comfort and practicality mean that the CR-V is an ideal family companion. Don’t forget that this is a Honda and very unlikely to let you down. At just over £27,000 our test car is a bit on the expensive side, yet in terms of equipment and trim along with the 1.6 litre diesel engine, it is the pick of the bunch.
The CR-V nameplate is one of particular note when it comes to being top of its class. Collecting over 142 global awards, this crossover came to define what the masses would soon adopt as one of the most purchased car segments. I first got behind the wheel of a new fourth generation Honda CR-V in Germany on the cars launch. Most of my time was spent in the diesel variant and now I thought was a good time to clock up some miles in the 2.0 litre petrol.
Our test car, in top spec EX trim, not only has every gadget and gizmo imaginable but, is also equipped with permanent all wheel drive. Having a big petrol engine in the world that we live in today is not the most popular choice, especially in a car as big as this. However, Honda must also cater for those wanting a petrol driven car for whatever reasons and so their 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine finds a home here.
The cabin of the CR-V is a ergonomic master piece with generous amounts of space for both front and rear passengers. In the back all three seats in the can be utilised by adults thanks to a transmission tunnel that doesn’t protrude up through the floor. The boot is vast with space for not only a months worth of shopping but likely a baby elephant or two! A nice feature is a leaver that folds the rear bench flat with one pull. The spring loaded mechanism has everything stowed flat in a second or two enabling you to load heavy items with minimal fuss. Up front the neat and tidy architecture is continued with buttons in logical locations and a brilliant dual screen navigation and entertainment system. All in all the interior of this Honda CR-V is not only well equipped with Bluetooth, DAB radio, heated seats and a beautiful glass roof, but it is also a comfortable environment to be in for long periods.
Starting this CR-V is as simple as pushing a button thanks to the keyless function. The ease continues as you move out from where you were parked with the aid of a rear camera, all-round parking sensors as well as dipping wing mirrors. In fact this big car is so easy to park that you can take advantage of a space that is only just big enough to fit in, perfect for those in densely populated areas. On the move the 2.0 litre engine pulls well but needs to be revved high to get the most out of it. Engine noise is minimal and the lack of wind noise intruding makes for a relaxing drive. The steering is nice and light making manoeuvres and the fight through built up areas a breeze. However, as you would probably expect with the configuration of this car, it is on the motorway where the diesel car makes much more sense. Though the petrol model is very refined at speed, even more so than the diesel, with the higher revving engine and the weight of its all wheel drive system its predicted range started to diminish faster than anticipated. That said on our best behaviour in ECON mode we managed a respectable 33.7MPG.
At £29,400 our test car with all of the toys doesn’t come cheap, yet for that money you get a lot of equipment. Another very large plus point to the CR-V is that it wears a Honda badge. The build quality is exceptional and everything you touch has a feeling of durability and longevity.
Though the diesel engine is the specification we would recommend, this highly capable petrol is ideal for those with a family and for whatever reason require a petrol car. It has been well over a decade since the introduction of the MK1 CR-V and in our eyes this MK4 simply picks up from where the old car left off. Top of class.
Here in the United Kingdom we have something of a romance with the crossover segment. Much like we did with estate cars in the 90’s, everyone from Mum’s on the school run to marketing men, and even the famed, have adopted this flourishing segment. A trip to your local supermarket shall reveal just why nearly every manufacturer produces a car of this type as every other car parking space is occupied by one. So what does it take to become a success in this market space? The Honda CR-V provides a much desired blueprint.
Driving Position
The first thing that draws people to these cars is their much desired high driving position. The commanding view over traffic not only provides great visibility, but also promotes the idea of a big car being safer. Our model car here backs that up with a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Practicality
Practicality is obviously a big factor when it comes to cars that are to become the workhorse of any family. Ample space is required for children, dogs, push-chairs and that all important food shopping trip. However, how practical a car is is about more than just how much you can fit in the boot, it is also about how easy it is to use that space day-to-day. A neat touch the CR-V is equipped with is a system that folds the rear seats flat with a pull of a leaver making life much easier when it comes to loading the car. Doors that open wide are also greatly appreciated especially when it comes to putting things such as children’s car seats in.
Ergonomics
Having a relaxing environment whilst driving is important and the comfort of a crossover is often a make or break factor. Ergonomically the car needs to be sound, buttons in logical locations and so on. These cars do more than just the school run and can often be seen on a daily commute, thus it is key that the driving position is one that will be comfortable for longer journeys.
Toys
In a car that has to do everything, people do expect it to have pretty much every piece of equipment under the sun. The toys list in the perfect crossover should range from the necessities all the way to heated leather seats. If you want a DAB radio you should be able to have one. Our model car again provides a good example of a well structured options list that begins at S with USB ports to EX with a glass roof. In a machine that you will spend so much time in it is important that it is tailored to your liking.
CR-V
We chose the Honda CR-V as our model car for this segment on the basis of it ticking all of these boxes. As well as being a good all-rounder, its Japanese reliability and high build quality make it a very alluring ownership proposition.
In 1995 Honda revealed to the world the future in a new model named CR-V. Little did they know then what a runaway success this “soft roader” segment of the market would be. Today every mum on the school run or pensioner picking up their grandchildren has such a car, and through three generation the CR-V has led the pack. From its debut MK1 model to the MK3 Honda have sold 5 Million units world wide. Fantastic, but the problem for Honda’s engineers this time around was how to improve on an already successful formula? The market has become flooded with some tough competitors but the CR-V has always done very well within its target audience. We went to Germany to find out if one of Japans engineering superpowers can keep its SUV crown.
Not available in the UK until late October, the new Honda CR-V is a vehicle with high levels of polish, particularly in our top spec EX trim test car. Aesthetically it demands more of your attention than its predecessor thanks to a sloping roofline and stylistic windows. It isn’t imposing but it does really stand out amongst what would be considered its competitors. From the outset it presents itself as a premium looking 4X4 and inside the cabin this continues. The dashboard is clean and simple with tasteful detailing. Seating in this car deserves general all-round praise as not only do the rear units collapse at one pull of a strap, but the seats themselves proved high levels of comfort and support. The interior roofline is 8mm taller, not much you say, but it does go a long way to make this CR-V feel spacious. The much desired high driving position is complimented by a large front windscreen adding to already good levels of visibility. The boot is vast and more than capable of swallowing a months worth of shopping with room to spare. With the rear seats folded flat you can fit three full size mountain bikes in the back as well as one passenger thanks to its class leading capacity. Everything you touch in the cabin is typical Honda, by that I mean it feels solid. You know that every screw will be up to doing its current job 10, 20, even 30 years from now and this is something this company has been very good at doing for decades.
Starting up the cars 2.2 litre diesel is a prominent reminder of how far the oiler burners have come. Gone are the days of canalboat sound effects and black smoke, a refined hum is all that lets you know that the motor is running. Setting off it was immediately clear that this engine provides plenty of low end grunt. High torque levels combined with four wheel drive meant that the relatively heavy car was more than capable of surging up the autobahn. Wind and tyre noise was kept in check throughout and toys such as cruise control added to the refinement this car offers on long hauls. The manual gearbox, however, was a bit clunky at times and required a firm grip of the gear knob to avoid embarrassingly bouncing back into neutral. Some of this can be blamed on the very low millage the car had done, but it did leave us questioning if it could just be the design of the gearbox itself. Moving onto more demanding country roads the CR-V again impressed with plenty of grip and a chassis that can tolerate the tarmac when things get twisty. The suspension at first seemed a little firm at higher speeds but pottering around towns it appeared to absorb bumps and stray potholes well. Steering inputs were met with adequate responses but feedback from the road to the driver was limited. Parking such a big car is always a challenge to do well but the CR-V has a few tricks up its sleeve. Front and rear parking sensors team up with a display screen giving you a visualisation of just how close the nose the car may be to an object. The reversing camera keeps a watchful eye out for the rear end whilst the door mirrors angle themselves downward so you can see just how far from the curb you are. This car really is very good at making day to day tasks much less tedious. Honda say that the 2.2 lite i-DTEC of this car is good for 45MPG, not bad at all for its class and something that will be most welcome to buyers as the cost of fuel continues to rise.
Conclusion. The new Honda CR-V is a very competent crossover. It feels much more akin to driving a car as opposed to a 4X4 and considering the sort of people who will go and buy this that can only be a good thing. It might not provide the most enthralling experience amongst its rivals but it does cover more bases and to a higher standard than most. This CR-V can stand proud amongst its highly successful forefathers safe in the knowledge that it to is sure add to more than 142 global awards the nameplate already has.
