Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi
Hondas Acclaimed 2.2-litre Diesel Engine Is Now Available In The Award Winning CR-V. Andy Enright Reports
Better late than never.
Honda didnt initially subscribe to the view that diesel would be as popular as it is today, figuring their VTEC variable valve timing system would provide economy and performance. Underestimating quite how quickly diesel technology would move cost the Japanese company millions and its only fairly recently that theyve made up the lost ground. You cant keep a company with the engineering pedigree of Honda quiet for too long, however, and the 2.
2-litre i-CTDi engine fitted to this CR-V is one of the best diesel units money can buy.
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Although the 148bhp petrol engined models will continue to be sold alongside it, its difficult to see why anybody would want to cold shoulder the diesel powerplant. With a maximum output of 138bhp and a beefy spread of torque that peaks at just 2,000rpm, the CR-V delivers excellent in-gear acceleration combined with refinement that existing rivals will find hard to approach. Fuel economy is excellent as well. When compared to the two leading lights in the diesel compact 4x4 sector, the Hondas 42.
2mpg combined figure stacks up very well. The
Nissan X-Trail 2.2dCi manages 37.2mpg and the
Land Rover Freelander 2.
0Td4 gets 39.2mpg from a gallon. The
Honda engine is also Euro IV compliant, meaning that business users wont get stung for a three per cent benefit in kind surcharge. Theyll also like the look of its 177g/km emissions figure.
The changing fleet market has had a huge effect on the way new cars are bought in the UK and will form the bulk of all CR-V diesel sales. Once upon a time, wanting a 4x4 as a company vehicle would have been looked upon as an act of the most bizarre folly, but the CR-V is a very civilised vehicle that will appeal to todays user choosers. Not only will it happily chew up big mileages, but itll keep the family happy at the weekend and wont make you look like a photocopier salesman when you head out in the evening. Having already received plaudits when installed in the Accord, this diesel engine is one of the most refined on the market, offering noise levels only fractionally higher than its petrol engined sibling.
A number of noise suppression measures make motorway driving very relaxed indeed, helped in no small part that the engine is turning over at just 2340rpm when cruising at 70mph in sixth gear. Prices for this variant start at £18,730, representing a £1,400 premium over the petrol model.
"Its difficult to see why anybody would want to cold shoulder this diesel powerplant"
With the latest model, some detail changes to the front and rear bumpers will probably elude all but the most ardent Hondaphiles, and the repositioned foglights, projector headlamps and bigger grille with chromed slats will likely only serve to raise a quizzical eyebrow amongst previous generation CR-V owners. At the back of the car, there are clear-lensed lights, and a spare wheel cover that does away with the vinyl unit in favour of a more upmarket solid clamshell. The interior has been treated to a sprucing with an LCD screen and backlit dials but its still not what youd describe as adventurous. Retractable rear headrest help rearwards visibility and the seats can even recline to a 45-degree angle.
Unlike so many compact 4x4s that offer a roly-poly ride and dismal fuel consumption, the CR-V seems to make sense. Honda's president Nobuhiko Kawamoto once derided the genre when he said, "They are not often used off-road, yet carry around big tyres, diesel engines and heavy military-type transmissions. It's a waste of money." So it is that the latest Swindon-built CR-V is even more car-like than its predecessor. 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 the 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 done 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 itself 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.
The Honda CR-V has long represented a capable but limited vehicle and with sales staring to dwindle slightly, the addition of the 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel has been welcomed by dealers. With this in place, the range is no longer hamstrung and should go on to remain a leading player in the compact 4x4 sector.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CDTi range
PRICES: £18,730-£22,930 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 177g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 112mph / 0-60mph 10.4s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 42.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS / EBD/ Brake Assist
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4615/2050/1710mm
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