More than 750,000 CR-Vs have been sold in Europe since it was launched in 1997
Honda’s CR-V has been given a makeover but is it enough to make it stand out from the crowd asks Suzanne Keane
What is it? Honda’s CR-V has been redesigned for 2015 with a new diesel engine, 9 speed auto gearbox and a more engaging and refined driving experience.
Who is it aimed at? The Honda CR-V is aimed at both rural and urban living families needing comfort and practicality.
Styling? The revamped CR-V comes with a newly designed grille, headlamps and front bumper to emphasise width. LED rear taillights and a chrome trim on the tailgate have also been added.
Under the Bonnet? There is one engine available in the CR-V – a 1.6 i-DTEC – but this is available as 120bhp in the 2wd version and 160bhp in the 4wd and Auto versions. Gearbox options include a 6 speed manual and 9 speed auto box. This 1.6 engine replaces the previous 2.2 i-DTEC with more power, the same torque levels and lower emissions.
What about inside? The cream leather inside the cabin oozes comfort and the seats feel really big. 3 adults fit comfortably in the rear and no one will mind sitting in the middle as there’s no tunnel taking up valuable leg room. There’s plenty of boot space and the tailgate opens and closes automatically. However, the dashboard does look a little dated despite having all the extras you could possibly want! The Honda Connect touchscreen system comes with the ES, ES Sport and EX trim levels and allows for connectivity while on the road.
The CR-V features a one action fold down rear seat system, with the rear seats featuring a 60/40 split function allowing them to be easily folded completely flat with the simple pull of a handle
On the Road? On the motorway the CR-V really shines – especially with the i-ACC intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control which monitors lanes of traffic and adapts your speed to suit the behaviour of other vehicles. The suspension is extremely tight and steering is responsive but the ride quality can be a little rough on bumpy roads. Despite its size it’s easy to manoeuvre around town and visibility is great.
And Safety? City Brake Active system is standard across all trim levels and if you upgrade to the EX spec you’ll get the Dynamic Safety Pack which includes Forward Collission Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Cross Traffic Monitor, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Support System.
Options? The CR-V is available in 4 trim levels. The SE comes with City Brake Active System, Bluetooth, alloy wheels, cruise control, Dual zone climate control, lumbar adjustment on the drivers seat, daytime running lights and hill start assist. ES will upgrade you to the Honda Connect infotainment system, reversing camera, parking sensors all round, auto wipers & headlights and 6 speakers. The ES Sport includes Alcantara & Leather upholstery, Sat Nav, Heated seats, 18” alloys, HID Headlights, privacy glass, passenger seat lumbar adjustment and an upgraded audio system with a subwoofer. The top of the range EX model has leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, a panoramic roof and an automatically opening tailgate.
Will it break the bank? The CR-V starts at €31,995 for a 1.6 i-DTEC 120bhp Front Wheel Drive model in SE trim which costs €200/year on road tax. The model tested was a 1.6 i-DTEC 160bhp 4×4 EX model which starts from €44,495.
Verdict? The Honda CR-V is extremely spacious and ideal for anyone who covers long motorway miles or needs to move the family around with ease and in style.
Why you’ll buy one? Space; Safety; Practicality
Why you won’t? Dashboard is a little dated
Rivals
Mazda CX-5 – priced from €27,995
Nissan X-Trail – priced from €30,950
Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC 160 AWD EX
Engine: 1597cc, 160PS @ 4000rpm, 350/Nm torque @2000rpm
Max speed: 202 km/h
0-100 kph: 9.6 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 129g/km ( €280)
Model price range: €31,995 – €46,995 (Test Car €46,295)
No of Doors: 5 doors
Euro NCAP : TBC
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.9l/100km
Boot Capacity Seats up(down): 589 litres (1669 litres)
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4605mm
Width: 1820mm
Height: 1685mm
Wheelbase: 2630mm
For more information check out Honda.ie, the Honda Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Suzanne Keane
22nd September, 2015
