Honda CR-V, Friend to the Modern Family

The previous CR-V was no oil painting, but when you’re driving the kids everywhere, practicality often trumps looks. Honda’s given the fourth generation CR-V a much better-looking front end, with enough bling to satisfy the glamour seekers. The swept back headlamps and daytime running lights make for a dynamic and modern “face”, but the rear remains lacklustre. Although that bulbous behind is not attractive, it serves a very important purpose: To offer class-leading amounts of space.

A smart & roomy cabin

The predominantly black interior isn’t at all fashionable, but it is tasteful. The symmetrical dashboard imparts a feeling of order, and silver accents along the width of the fascia add visual interest. In the middle of the dash is the infotainment system’s 7-inch touchscreen. It’s not as elegant as some of its rivals’ screens, but it’s not ungainly either. It also has a cool trick of rotating upwards to reveal the slot for the CD player.

And since CD players aren’t standard fare in many modern cars anymore, I was quite thankful to be able to listen to some golden oldies which never found their way onto my iTunes. For those of us who always have to be connected, the CR-V offers many options.

A deep armrest/storage bin in the centre, houses 2 USB ports, a 12V socket and a port for an HDMI cable. There’s an additional 12V power socket close to the gearbox.

Bluetooth is standard on all CR-V’s.

The leather-covered, 6-speed manual gearshifter is situated directly underneath the touchscreen. It may seem a bit high at first, but it’s exactly where you’d want it - within    
easy reach. Honda’s are known for their good ergonomics and the CR-V is no different. There’s space for three Skinny Latte’s between the front seats, and the frontal door bins can also accommodate multiple drinks or water bottles.

The Elegance variant has full leather seats, which are marvellously comfy. Mom and Dad can each adjust the driver’s seat to their specified position, and store that setting by using the memory function on the door. The front seats can be heated too, an absolute treat when the weather is foul. Another super-practical highlight is the sunglass holder that doubles as a conversation mirror - that way Mom can look you straight in the eye when she tells you off, without turning her attention from the road. Rear-benchers will enjoy ample amounts of legroom and additional air conditioning vents. The CR-V also offers Honda’s Magic Seats that can be configured in multiple ways. Pull the handles in the boot and watch the seats tumble forward.

Everyday Driveability

The CR-V’s 2.0-litre engine offers good low-down torque, and I often pulled away from robots with the (accidental) screech of tyres. The manual gearbox is easy and slick and is always my first choice in any Honda. I’m not crazy about CVT transmissions - most of they time they sound like they’re taking strain.

Regardless of the healthy 114kW / Nm figures, the CR-V is no athlete. It’s more of a laid-back highway cruiser, with soft suspension that simply soaks up bumps and potholes. It was most definitely not built for darting around the bends excitedly. A much better option is to press the green “Econ” button that makes the CR-V a little more conservative and less thirsty. I traveled mostly long distances in the CR-V, but never managed anything under 9.2 litres per 100 km, which sounds about right for a naturally aspirated 2-litre engine.    `

The CR-V faces tough competition from the Toyota RAV4, Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5, to name but a few. But if you have always been a Honda fan, the CR-V offers the usual high standard of build quality and functionality that Honda is known for. Whoever gets to be in the driver/passenger seat, or on the rear bench, won’t want for anything.
 

Facts & Figures:
Price	: R 421 800
Engine	: 2.0-litre, four cylinder
Transmission	: 6-speed manual
Power	: 114 kW
Torque	: 192 Nm
Top Speed	: 190 km/h
0-100 km/h	: 10 seconds
Ground clearance	: 170 mm
Luggage volume	: 556 - 1120 litres
Realistic fuel consumption	: 9 - 10.5 l / 100 km
Safety	: ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, fog lights (front and back), 7 airbags,
Warranty
Service Plan	: 5-year / 90 000 km
Roadside Assist	: 3-year / unlimited km