2 minute read
Honda CR-V - under the radar!
Road Test
byMarkSlack
THERE are some cars that operate under the radar, you can forget they’re out there and this is arguably the case with Honda’s CRV. It isn’t exciting, it’s not head turning and it’s certainly not going to set your motoring senses aflame. What it does though is provide ultra reliable, comfort able and well equipped family transport. The build quality is superb, in fact it puts some premium models to shame, and even the lead in model comes extremely well equipped. You get leather upholstery, heated front seats windscreen wiper deicer, auto wipers, auto LED lights, powered, heated, reverse tilting, folding door mirrors, parking sensors front and rear, cornering lights, auto high beam headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, adaptive cruise control, dual zone climate control, navigation with Car Play and Android Auto and a plethora of safety kit that’s not overly intrusive like so many modern cars.
The Honda comes with a 2.0litre, fourcylinder petrol unit that’s mated to a twin electric motor hybrid system that recharges on the move. The system automatically uses the most efficient drive whether electric, hybrid or engine. It’s a perfect compromise for those who see having to plugin your hybrid or electric car as a bit of a faff. Inside it’s remarkably spacious and there’s plenty of room for the family to stretch out, not to mention stow all their luggage.
The range starts from €41,558/£36,580 and there are three trim levels with two and four wheel drive and just one 2.0litre engine. As with most electric and hybrid vehicles the trans mission system is automatic, however the Honda uses a single fixedgear ratio creating a direct connection between moving components. Otherwise known as eCVT. While very smooth under hard acceleration the 2WD version reaches 62 mph in 8.6 seconds, so impressive for a low powered large car it is noisy. This is in direct contrast to lower speed city driving and cruising when the CRV is impressively quiet and refined. The transmission and drive modesEV, Econ and Sport are all switch operated rather than by levers and make for a compact and easy to use driving environment.
On the road it’s a genuinely nice drive and surprisingly nimble, the ergonomics are first class with a touch screen and instruments of excellent clarity. It may be discreet and sensible, as opposed to so many models that are overtly bold andinyourface, but that’s the secret of its success. It’s a touch of class and class doesn’t have to announce its presence.
Facts at a Glance
• Model: Honda CR-V SR 4WD
• Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol with self-charging hybrid system
• Gears: e-CVT automatic
• Price: €42,695/£37,580
• Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 9 seconds/Maximum Speed 180 kph (112 mph)
• Economy: 7.0 l/100km/39.8 mpg
• Emissions: 161 g/km
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
LAMPS, reflectors and indicators continue to be the most frequent reasons for vehicles to fail their MOTs in the UK, but it’s problems with brakes and tyres that are more likely to lead to the most serious failures, according to DVSA data analysed by the RAC.
Failures for non working headlights, indicators and reflectors accounted for just over a quarter (25.5 per cent) of all MOT failures in the 12 months to March 2022, while faulty or broken suspensions represented just under a fifth (19.4 per cent) of all failures.
Problems with brakes (16.4 per cent)
