Honda CR-V 2.0i-VTEC RANGE
Honda came somewhat reluctantly to the compact 4x4 market with its president claiming that few of these vehicles ever ventured off-road and that they carried around complex, heavy and unnecessary engineering that made them inefficient and expensive to run. The buying public however, do not always follow the script, behaving instead in a manner that defies logical thought and perceived wisdom. The compact 4x4 market has boomed over recent years and with it have the sales of Hondas CR-V, especially in the form of the 2.0-litre model we look at here priced from £17,400.
There wasnt much wrong with the second generation CR-V (introduced in 2002) that a clever facelift and trim upgrade wouldnt have cured. So thats exactly what weve been treated to with subtle detail changes to the front and rear bumpers as well as repositioned fog lights. projector headlamps and a bigger grille with chromed slats. At the back of the car, there are clear-lensed lights, and a spare wheel cover that does away with the old vinyl unit in favour of a more upmarket solid clamshell.
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2-litre diesel) is powered by the excellent 150bhp intelligent variable valve timing engine, similar to that found beneath the bonnet of the mid-range Accord and, in a significantly more brutal incarnation, up front in a Civic Type-R. Mated to a manual gearbox, it dispatches the sprint to 60mph in under eleven seconds and averages over 30mpg. Unlike so many compact 4x4s that offer a roly-poly ride and dismal fuel consumption, the CR-V seems to make sense. It is much more car-like than you might expect, reflecting Hondas view that vehicles like this will travel the large majority of their lives on a road rather than over a rutted hillside.
"The versatility of the cabin and the view from the elevated driving position make urban fetching and carrying less of a chore"
Utilising a development of Hondas compact and technically efficient toe control link McPherson strut front suspension and a sophisticated multi-link set up at the back, the CR-V promises nimble roll-free handling and accomplished grass and gravel traction. Available with either a floor-mounted five-speed manual or a dash-mounted four-speed automatic, both transmissions are matched to a highly acclaimed 4WD system that only engages all-wheel drive when it detects wheelspin. Although few would use it to tackle seriously tough terrain, its nevertheless a practical engineering solution that works for the target market. One reason why the CR-V has sold so well is the fact that it can fulfil the roles of two cars in one.
The versatility of the cabin and the view from the elevated driving position make urban fetching and carrying less of a chore, yet the engines game enough to tackle long distance work without a worry. The interior is a more mature, considered proposition compared to the first generation CR-V. The tandem distance (the distance between the hip points of front and rear passengers) is now a class-leading 1,007mm, but this space has been found without sacrificing luggage space thanks to the slightly longer overhangs and a lower floor helped by the compact suspension causing little intrusion into the luggage bay. Hondas MPV experience shows in the sliding 60/40-split rear bench.
These seats tumble forwards into a near-vertical storage position, freeing up enough room to fit two mountain bikes upright without having to remove their front wheels. Even with the seats in place, the load volume ranges from 527 to 628 cubic litres. The much-copied waterproof storage bin positioned under the load floor has been retained, but Honda has gone one step further in turning its lid into a panel that can be used as a bigger, taller, easier to use picnic table. Three trim levels are offered to UK customers, SE, Sport and Executive.
All variants are equipped with air-conditioning, four airbags, CD tuner, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and a rear accessory power socket. You also get drivers seat height adjustment, a picnic table (yes, really), remote central locking and electric windows. Should you opt for the Sport trim, you can also factor in alloy wheels, climate controlled air-con, a sunroof, body coloured bits and an outside temperature gauge. The Executive model features soft leather trim that wraps the seats, steering wheels and gear shifter.
Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are now standard across all three trim levels. From a reluctant entrant in the compact 4x4 stakes, the Honda CR-V has become something of a tour de force. The 2.0-litre petrol models offer excellent performance coupled with quite miserly fuel consumption.
Consequently, it is not difficult to see why they sell in such large numbers. Honda may have been slow on the uptake in the 4x4 sector but theyve certainly got their act together now with the latest CR-V.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Honda CR-V 2.0i-VTEC range
PRICES: £17,400-£21,600 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-12
CO2 EMISSIONS: 216g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 10.8s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 31.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4565/2350/1705mm
