Car Review: New Honda CR-V
I am a huge fan of the Honda CR-V. Such a fan that my mom drives one, and so does my aunt. So it is safe to say my family are also fans. And for good reason. The fourth generation CR-V was the world’s best-selling SUV. Since it launched back in 1995 it has sold more than 9 million units worldwide in more than 150 countries. It’s iconic in its own right!
I attended the launch of the new Honda CR-V this week and was excited to find out just how much it has improved. It is a completely redesigned and reengineered model. It is based on a new platform, that of the Honda Civic, it is more spacious than ever and the cargo compartment has been extended.
Take a look at the new Honda CR-V design
As I mentioned, the cabin is more spacious than its predecessor thanks to an increased in wheelbase. The space in the rear is something to note! Legroom for days! And if the uneven floor base in the previous model bothered you, you will be happy to hear that this fifth-generation now has a completely flat loading floor and a capacity of 1 084-litres. The boot capacity with the seats up boasts 522-litres.
Overall, the cabin appears more modern and fresh mainly thanks to the centrally located 5-inch (or 7-inch model-depending) display. The problem here is that it looks great, but the actual touch screen proves to be quite tricky and not particularly user-friendly. On a more positive note, the centre console includes a lidded binnacle that also acts as an armrest and can be configured in many different ways to accommodate all kinds of paraphernalia. It is mighty deep as well, loads of space to hide things from prying eyes.
The new Honda CR-V is offered with a choice of two engines, namely the familiar but refined version of the 2,0-litre four cylinder petrol engine, and replacing the 2,4-litre is now the 1,5-litre turbo engine with outputs of 140 kW of power and 240 N.m of torque. No diesel is offered. There is also no manual or conventional automatic gearbox on offer so you will have to be happy with Honda’s familiar CVT transmission. Robot to robot proves easy and hassle free, but when you want to give it horns, be prepared for that high revving sound that can make it somewhat embarrassing when passing another driver. But your average day-to-day drive will be pleasant enough.
It’s tough in a market with players such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5, but the president of Honda Motors South Africa, Toshiaki Konaka, has faith in this product, “I am confident that the new CR-V will have a solid impact on the South African market,” he says. It’s comfortable, spacious and pleasant to drive. It is a bit on the expensive side, but it is packed with standard features and the manufacturer provides a five-year/ 200 000 km service plan as standard.
PRICING FOR THE NEW HONDA CR-V
CR-V 2.0 Comfort R422 900
CR-V 2.0 Elegance R477 900
CR-V 1.5T Executive R584 900
CR-V 1.5T Exclusive R626 900