Honda CR-V – quality, practicality and style
Words by Mark Slack
Particularly of late it seems manufacturers are all relaunching model names from their past in new, usually EV car form. This can sometimes work well for drawing attention or, appealing to those with their own or family memories of said relaunched model name. Arguably the smart car makers never lose the name in the first place.
Honda has had the CR-V in their sales armoury since 1995, and in the UK 1997. Through all its different incarnations over the years it may not be some high-end sports SUV, but it has always provided quality, practical and stylish SUV transport. Although no Land Rover it’s always been offered with a decent four-wheel-drive system if required too.
The current, stylishly chunky, CR-V line up is a simple three trim levels with one hybrid power unit of either self-charging or the plug-in variety. Rightly praised for its build quality it feels much more premium than many competitors, and gives the feeling that little will change as the miles mount over the years.
It’s a large vehicle with ample and very comfortable seating and decent visibility thanks to its good glass area and high seating position. Thankfully Honda has taken a common-sense approach to switches and buttons, it has them! There is a large a touchscreen, with admirable clarity, but the most important and frequently necessary tasks can all be done simply and safely.
All hybrids or EVs are automatics in one form or another and the e-CVT system in the CR-V is one which doesn’t rely too much on high engine revs and the associated noise. For the most part it’s a smooth and refined drive with the over-rev, even under hard acceleration, not harsh.
The 2.0-litre engine does an excellent job of moving the large Honda with the benchmark 62mph passed in just 9 seconds. Fuel consumption is suitably frugal for such a car and if you opt for the plug-in-hybrid you can cover around 50 miles on pure electric.
Standard fare across the board includes a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, leather upholstery, reclining front and rear seats, wireless charging, power tailgate, keyless entry and start, high beam assist, auto lights and wipers and well thought out reclining front and rear seats. This enviable list increases further with the higher
trim levels.
Priced from £47,350 the CR-V is a lot of car for the money, rather good looking and immensely practical with a premium ambience to the look, feel and touch of the car. If you’re looking for a perfect mix of practical, premium and comfort then you could do far worse than the CR-V. It also possesses, for this writer at least, the style and substance lacking in many competitors.
Words by Mark Slack
