Robust and Rugged Honda CR-V
Robust and Rugged Honda CR-V
By Chad Lückhoff
In the increasingly competitive world of the compact SUV, manufacturers need to make sure that their offerings are on the crest of the latest technology, comfort, design and drive. The Honda CR-V has been an instrumental vehicle in this segment for the last 22 years, and continues to outsell many of its challengers. Now in its 5th generation, I flew to a meteorologically-confused Cape Town to sample the latest CR-V.
Design
I start with the design, as that is possibly the most disappointing aspect of the new Honda CR-V. Don't mistake me, I don't believe that the new Honda CR-V is unattractive, I just feel that the rest of the advances in the overall package overshadow the efforts of the design team.
Styling traits are carried over from the latest Honda Civic, with slim-line headlights, swooping rear quarters and inverted LED-taillights. While nothing groundbreaking in its approach, it is unmistakable, contemporary Honda. The CR-V is neither attractive nor is it offensive, it's a conservative approach to a segment that already suffers from limited variation.
The 5th generation Honda CR-V no longer piggybacks the chassis and underpinnings of the previous model, as was the case for many a year with the earlier incarnations, and rather lends engineering and design cues from the current Honda Civic sedan. Amongst these is the use of high-tensile steels in the construction, to improve chassis rigidity and safety.
Interior
Climb onboard through the wide, easy-access doors and you're immediately greeted by a fresh and interesting interior design, an intriguing area that strangely enough, feels familiar and friendly. Depending on trim level, the expanses of dark leather are only broken up by aluminium-look trim pieces or very classy wood-grain inserts that lend an air of sophistication to the cabin.
The overall touch and feel of the surfaces further bolster this high-end approach, with soft-touch panels and only the smallest inclusion of high-gloss piano black trimmings. The new CR-V is also exceptionally well-specced with technology.
On the three higher-spec models, a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay functionality, and the top-tier Exclusive model is bundled with navigation as standard. Electric seats, park distance control and rain sensing wipers grace the three upper-models, with the higher-spec derivatives further benefitting from active cornering lights, smart entry and push-button start, LED headlights and auto-dimming rear mirror.
The top of the range Exclusive model has a host of safety systems as standard, negating the need for extensive and expensive options lists; something to consider when comparing the CR-V to the competition.
The 1.5T Exclusive AWD CVT has Honda's SENSING Advanced Driver Assist System with active cruise control and Lane Keep Assist, Lanewatch, High Beam Support System, LED fog lamps and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Interior space has been improved, with more shoulder room and a larger loading area with the rear seats folded flat, which they do now in the truest sense (allowing for easier loading and unloading). The rear measures in at 1830cm long, giving you enough space for nearly anything your active lifestyle demands.
Power and drive
For the first time in CR-V history, a turbocharged petrol engine finds its way under the bonnet: the 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder VTEC engine, similar to that found in the Civic, with a few improvements for vibration, noise and durability. This direct injection engine produces 140kW at 5600rpm with 240Nm torque being produced between 2000 and 5000rpm. Honda claims 7.0l/100km from the 1.5-litre engine, and on the drive it hovered around 6.9l/100km. Accurate, then.
This engine is mated to a CVT gearbox and plumbed to all four wheels with a revised Real Time all-wheel-drive system that is predominantly rear-wheel-drive biased, allowing for improved handling. The new rear suspension system keeps the rear firmly planted and body roll is at a minimum for a vehicle of this size. Wider 18-inch tyres assist with roadholding capabilities.
The tried and tested Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine still does duty in the lower-spec Comfort and Elegance models, developing 113kW at 6500rpm and 189Nm at 4300rpm. Fuel consumption is quoted at 7.3l/100km on the combined cycle but these now wavered a little, with us getting around 8.9l/100km.
Despite this, the 2.0-litre appeared to be the quieter engine of the two when climbing the rev range, and overall noise levels seemed considerably lower as well. There is great throttle response from the non-turbocharged engine, and even with the CVT gearbox, crossing intersections and overtaking was made effortless, without the drivetrain taking much time to react. The 2.0 i-VTEC is only available in a front-wheel-drive setup, and only with the CVT. No manual CR-V models are available.
The CVT may dissuade some buyers, it's an often-lamented gearbox option but I can guarantee you that if you are to go the automatic route, then you can do a lot worse than a Honda CVT. I enjoyed it in the early Jazz models and in the CR-V it's no different.
CR-V verdict and pricing
The new Honda CR-V brings a lot of ammo to the compact SUV-fight; whether it's enough to steal sales away from the likes of VW, Hyundai or KIA remains to be seen. It will, however, resonate with buyers who have owned Hondas in the past, reminding them of the quality, reliability and durability of Hondas from yesteryear.
Honda themselves aren't too desperate to move large numbers of the CR-V, with vehicles like the HR-V and BR-V filling gaps in the compact and entry-level SUV segments. As such, I feel that if you do not require the advantages of the AWD drivetrain, then the 2.0-litre models offer the best value for money, with just the right amount of compromise and a healthy financial saving.
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
The range is backed by a comprehensive five-year / 200 000 km warranty, as well as a five-year / 90 000 km service plan.
Also included is a three-year AA Road Assist package. Scheduled services are set at 15 000 km intervals for the 2.0-litre models, and 10 000 km for the 1.5-litre turbo variants.