New CR-V provides a timely shake-up notes Damien O’Carroll.
The Honda CR-V has been a consistently popular medium SUV crossover ever since it basically invented the concept with the Toyota RAV4 back in the 1990s.
Now there is a new version here that shakes up the CR-V’s established order of things more than any model in its history, as it now comes with a small turbocharged engine and is, for the first time, available in a model with seven seats.
Not that you would know it to look at it, mind you, because the basic shape of the new car is classic SUV and distinctly a CR-V. Nicely proportioned and handsome, it is however quite busy in its details. There is quite a bit of fiddliness and complication in its design for my tastes, and in typical Honda fashion, there is too much chrome present.
Inside, it is far better, with a comfortable and nicely made interior that is well laid out and attractively modern. Everything you come into direct contact with is sturdy and made of high quality materials and what hard plastics there are are well hidden.
Like other new Honda models, the infotainment system is rather clunky, unintuitive and a bit flaky in its operation.
One thing that IS different about this incarnation of the CR-V its tucked under the bonnet – Honda have used a more powerful 140kW/240Nm version of the Civic’s brilliant little 1.5-litre turbo engine.
Like in the Civic, the engine is smooth, refined, decently powerful and nicely flexible as well. While it boasts seamless performance around town, you do occasionally realise that this is a small engine hooked up to a CVT in a relatively large vehicle when you head out on the open road.
On the road the CR-V boasts lovely chassis dynamics and has an impressive ride that is firm and controlled, but always comfortable and composed, although it can get a bit fidgety over rough surfaces at times.
The steering is pleasingly weighted and offers decent feel and feedback, particularly for an SUV. Sharp and responsive, but with a nicely relaxed feel.
The latest CR-V is a big improvement over the slightly average previous generation. It has a lovely chassis that feels lithe and nimble, yet always composed and comfortable. It has an impressive engine that is more than powerful enough as well as refined and modern. It has a handsome basic overall design that is distinctly a Honda, yet also a pleasingly modern SUV shape.
While the styling is a bit fussy, it is still a largely handsome and distinctive entrant in the super-competitive medium SUV segment.
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Specifications:
Body type Five-door SUV
Drive All-wheel drive
Engine type Inline 4-cylinder petrol turbo
Engine capacity 1.5-litres
Max power 140kW @ 5500rpm
Max torque 240Nm @ 2000rpm
l/100km (Combined) 7.4
C02 emissions 168g/km
Boot capacity 522/1084 litres
Spare tyre Full size steel
ANCAP rating Not tested yet
Price $47,900
