Honda has recently introduced its new fourth-generation CR-V, it may have been somewhat mislaid in all the motoring news with the introduction of the all-new Civic and confirmation that the hot new NSX will be going into production. The CR-V is an important model nonetheless within Honda’s model line-up, with worldwide sales in excess of five million units since it was first launched in 1995.
This new CR-V boasts improved efficiency and an improvement in refinement. Our test car was the 2.2-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel variant, Honda’s claims of refinement are certainly true, and on the move the CR-V offers significant levels of comfort for all occupants. We found the interior to offer generous space, there’s 589 litres of luggage space available, this increases to an impressive 1,669 litres with the rear seats folded down. This diesel engine provides ample power (150hp & 350Nm) for any motorist, mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission that offers a short, crisp gear change.
The CR-V is available across four levels of specification, SE, ES, ES Sport and EX with prices commencing from €37,785. Honda’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive is fitted as standard to all models, it’s an electronically activated system that replaces the hydraulically activated system in its predecessor. The standard level of equipment onboard is certainly fine, with 17” alloys, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, an alarm, LED daytime running lights and USB connectivity all included. The ES variant benefits from the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights, rear parking camera, auto lights & wipers, a leather steering wheel and electrically folding mirrors. ES Sport adds a leather and Alcantara upholstery, 18” alloys, heated seats, Xenon headlights and privacy glass among its additional items. The top of the range EX CR-V is fully loaded with leather upholstery, HDD satellite navigation, keyless entry & start, a panoramic glass roof, power tailgate, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a video jack.
Later this year Honda Ireland will introduce their new 1.6-litre iDTEC diesel engine into the CR-V range, this was recently debuted in the new Civic and is sure to increase sales of the new SUV.
After a week’s drive, we found the CR-V to offer exceptional levels of comfort and practicality, it’s a car that’s very forgiving and therefore easy to live with. There will be some stiff opposition in the market place with the newly launched Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage just two of its competitors. The CR-V is priced higher then both these models so it’s also competing with the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q3. Overall the CR-V gets on with the job in hand with little fuss, backed up by Honda’s renowned reliability.
