The New Generation Honda CR-V.
The Honda CR-V the car that set the SUV scene in its first generation back in 1995.
Just in the showrooms the ruggedly good looking Honda CR-V. Made in the UK and manufactured in Swindon. This 4th evolution has been re-designed and innovated in all areas, smartened, toughened, lightened and is now an even more stylish family SUV. Lots of great new options are available and included. A powered tailgate, magic folding seats, LED daytime lights amongst others. The previous models with over 5 million in sales and over 140 awards worldwide proves the CR-V has always been a peoples choice and a positive success.
The sharp looks of this new SUV and the model range brings a fine lifestyle family car. CO2 Emissions across the range have been reduced an average of 12% along with large improvements in fuel economy.
The new CR-V on the outside is a lot slicker and streamlined than before. Giving a more rugged and aerodynamic look, smaller on the outside bigger on the inside. The front is sharper and bolder with a three bar grill and LED daytime running lights. To the rear there are attractively styled rear tail lights and the powered tailgate (on some models). I particularly like the sharper rear window and sloping roof with the chrome embellishments.
Keyless entry to the the interior of the car has all the functions buttons and accessories you would expect. With a 5″ multi – information display for the audio, phone and satnav. AN ECON mode and Eco Assist which adds another level of economy to the car. Worth a trip to the dealers the magic seats are a positive bonus, folding almost automatically from the back or side of the car. Quite effortlessly with a pull on the handle the headrests and seats fold away. The cabin has plenty of room for children and full size adults. The CR-V is a super family car and something it does very well.
The Bluetooth and sound system is very easy to operate and set-up, navigation of the system works well with the well placed steering wheel buttons and Bluetooth phone. The textures and material used are overall pleasing throughout and hardwearing with soft touch materials and nicely styled brushed metal additions around the dash. For me the appeal of the dashboard is slightly spoilt by the second central digital display, mainly the text and digits differ and are a different colour.
On the road the cars is more than adequately powered. The manual transmission cars also feature Stop Start which functioned very well when tested. The latest Honda AWD all-wheel drive system is a wise choice although a 2wd model will be available. We know by its SUV looks this car will never be a serious offroader, but more a safe, secure onroader, with reassurance and reliability at the forefront.
I favoured the manual 6 speed diesel models. Pulling smoothly, 0-62 mph came up in 10.6 secs not class leading but more than adequate going on to a top speed of 118mph. The CR-V brings more than acceptable levels of comfort. Driving position is car like with the added height of a softroader. On the automatic models I liked the paddle shift gears whilst driving through Scotland and the lightness of the motion adaptive electric power steering and overall feeling of the CR-V car was enjoyable. The brakes performed well with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist included on all models, stopping distances were more than acceptable.
In a family the new CR-V would be a favourite, big enough, great sound system, panoramic sunroof, the coolest folding magic seats on the market, big 17″ or 18″ wheels and tyres and a load of extras included.
For added safety All new model Honda CR-Vs are equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints and a stability control system. Visibility is as expected with fairly thick rear pillars although the well sized door mirrors help visions with reversing as does the inboards reversing camera.
Loading space in the cars is immense with 1648 litres or 589 litres with seats raised. The loading capacity along the lines of the massive VW Touareg.
The clever 4×4 systems switches to four wheel drive when the car is stationary, once the going is good it automatically selects 2wd and then 4wd as required. Clever and fuel saving. The electronic 4wheel drive means there is no transmission tunnel through the car taking up valuable space. This gives the car a flat floor and reduces the drag under the car again assisting with fuel conservation.
Competitors in the lower priced market Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai and with the higher priced models Hyundai Santa, BMW X3 and Audi Q3, Land Rover Freelander.
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