WHAT EXACTLY is a ‘lifestyle’ vehicle? Well, the Honda CR-V pretty much sums it up.
The Swindon built Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is perfectly suited to many motorists’ way of life. It behaves and drives like a ‘normal’ car; it has the space of an estate, as well as 4×4 safety, and enough grunt to tow a trailer, caravan or horsebox. The CR-V has it all really.
But what’s so different about the ‘all-new’ CR-V which is making its way to Honda dealerships as I write? Not a huge amount, actually. I mean, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Nonetheless, there are a few improvements. And I got to sample these at its UK launch on the roads surrounding Bonny Scotland’s Loch Lomond.
I discovered the fourth generation CR-V offers even more quality, practicality and refinement than its forerunner. And with environmental concerns of growing importance, the up-to-the-minute 2.0 i-VTEC and 2.2 i-DTEC engines emit significantly less CO2 than before. Also, for the first time in Europe, the latest CR-V is offered with a choice of two and four-wheel drive.
You still get the bigger-than-it-looks interior; with the rear seats up the boot capacity is a spacious 589 litres, and this extends to 1669 litres when the seats are down. But what does this mean in the real world? It means that if you are a parent with a young family, you can chuck not just one, but multiple folded buggies in – along with a week’s worth of shopping. With the seats folded down you are able to load a washing machine in as well. To be honest, if you’re not precious about keeping your car spic and span, the CR-V is the perfect vehicle to load up with junk for legal disposal at the council tip!
The new CR-V is available with four liberally equipped trim levels S, SE, SR and EX. I drove the 2.2 i-DTEC SE around the damp, misty, yet beautiful country roads of Dunbartonshire. The model’s five-inch intelligent multi info display, idle stop, dual zone climate control, cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels made motoring effortless. The fitting of hill start assist was particularly useful considering the undulating environment I was in, and the SE’s rain sensing auto wipers and dusk sensing auto lights successfully challenged the obligatory dark, drizzly days that come with Scotland’s climate at this time of the year.
The SE gives your hands a virtual massage with its leather steering wheel and gear shifter, and the driver power lumbar support does what it says on the tin very well. Other key features on my CR-V included an auto dim rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear view parking camera, one-touch power windows, electrically folding door mirrors, a 6-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, front fog lights, and an alarm.
The brand new CR-V’s 2.2 litre oil burner pulls very nicely and, although its acceleration won’t set your pants on fire, it’s certainly not sluggish. The SUV feels robust, and in slippery conditions the 4×4 traction gives you a sense of security – something many rural-based parents might well be glad of when taking their youngsters to country schools. Add Honda’s standard vehicle stability assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and trailer stability assist and you’re ‘protected’ in your own bubble of safety heaven.
Of course, with the last few snow-ridden winters, motorists have realised the benefits of all-wheel drive and sales of 4x4s have been booming. Sure, there is a two-wheel drive CR-V now available, but if you live on a farm or need to tow a horse box, or you need to tackle narrow, sub-zero country lanes, then I’d recommend you consider the adaptable new four-wheel drive Honda CR-V as your main family vehicle.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
- Robust √
- Refined √
- Practical √
- Spacious √
- Pricey X
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 118 mph
- 0-62 mph: 9.7 secs
- Combined mpg: 50.4
- Engine: 2199 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel
- Max. power (bhp): 148 at 4000 rpm
- Max. torque (lb/ft): 258 at 2000 rpm
- Max. towing weight (braked) 2000 kg
- CO2: 149 g/km
- Price: £26,105 on the road
Follow the links below to read published reviews:
East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk, April 2013
Central Horse News, February 2013
4Locals Magazine, December 2012
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
