Car reviews

Introduction

This new generation Honda CR-V is a big improvement on the older model with improved engines, better ride quality with a luxurious and spacious interior. It has clearly been designed more as a road vehicle, where it excels, rather than an off roader, but this doesn't mean it can't be taken off road with it still being able to tackle muddy tracks and wet fields easily enough.

Exterior & Interior

The CR-V is a stunning looking 4x4 with a much more modern and aggressive look than its predecessor. Inside it is just as good offering a roomy interior with plenty of space for five adults to sit comfortably and there is plenty of head and leg room, even in the back. The back bench can also be slid forward and back to favour either boot space or legroom. An optional panoramic glass roof can be selected to help give the CR-V an even airier feel. The boot is one of its stand out features being extremely large offering 556litres which can be increased by folding down the split folding back seats. It also has a shelf that splits the boot space into two separate levels making it safer to transport fragile items as they are less likely to get squashed. The cabin comes with a very up market feel thanks to many of the components coming from the Honda Accord.

The SE entry level trim comes with electric windows, air-con, a CD stereo, electronic stability control and a MP3 player socket. Higher models come with 17 inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, headlight washers, leather trim, rear parking camera, dual zone climate control, DVD sat-nav with Bluetooth and a panoramic glass roof.

Drive

The CR-V may be labeled as a 4x4 but Honda have clearly gone for a more lavish and comfortable interior rather than improving it's off road capabilities. This doesn't mean it cant be taken off road as it holds it own fairly well being able to tackle muddy tracks and wet fields easily enough, but don't expect it to match up to the likes of the Defender and X-Trail off road. It has been designed to be a smooth on road driver and it pulls this off exceptionally well with superb cornering feeling composed and sure footed. To achieve this, the suspension is fairly stiff which makes rougher roads more uncomfortable to drive along, but they are far from unbearable. The steering feels well weighted and accurate especially in the diesel as it doesn't use the same electric power steering as in the petrol and the gear changes feel smooth and solid. Wind noise is kept to a minimum in the cabin, but there is a faint hint of road and engine noise especially when the engine is pushed and on rougher roads.

Faults & Repairs

The CR-V has suffered from a few problems despite Honda's reputation for reliability that includes excessive front tyre wear, the car pulling to the left and steering wheel shudder. Some owners have also reported some pieces of trim working loose. Make sure to check underneath it as it's a 4x4 after all and may have sustained some under carriage damage whilst off roading. Honda dealerships may be pricey when it comes to services and repairs, but they do provide excellent customer service.