Honda CR-V 2WD auto 2013 review

CRV was an excellent concept for Honda to latch onto back in the late ‘90s. The first generation was a cracker and won a legion of converts to the compact SUV fold, aided by Toyota's RAV4. Now, these smaller softroaders account for a large slice of new vehicle sales in this country. People love the practicality, style and value when compared with say a small wagon.

Honda's gen' four CRV has just lobbed and it ushers in the first front wheel drive CRV as well as a diesel mid-next-year. The "new" model is actually a "top hat" or new skin on the previous platform with extra goodies and a revised 2.4-litre petrol engine in addition to the ‘new' 2.0-litre in the front wheel drive variant. It's out of the previous model Civic Sport with revisions.

Value

The initial five model range comprises six speed manual and five-speed auto 2WD in low spec' VTi grade and VTi, VTi-S and VTI-L 4WD with the 2.4-litre engine and five-speed auto only. Prices range from $27,490 for the entry manual ‘twobie' up to $42,990 for the 2.4 L ‘fourbie.' The diesel will be a 2.2-litre unit already used in European Hondas and will probably cost more than the VTi-L.

New kit in CRV includes reverse cameras across the range and a clever one touch rear seat folding system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. All models get a full size alloy spare and a comprehensive trip computer. The new CRV is actually smaller outside than its predecessor but available interior room is greater.

Design

Honda has attempted to make the CRV more car like in its drive feel and overall appearance. It's shorter, lower and has a lower ride height. But the look is derivative with a strong similarity to the previous model. It's inoffensive to look at but lacks ‘wow' factor, in other words, boring.

The interior has a modern style and is functional but the entire dash is in cheap hard plastic and there are only two soft feel areas, the door armrests and the top of the centre console - not ‘premium' like some of the competition.

Technology

Honda has made efforts to improve powertrain efficiency but the use of a five-speed auto puts that in question. However, engine internals and wheel bearings are friction reduced, aerodynamics are better, the vehicle now has electric power steering and there's an ‘Econ' mode that optimises some functions including engine ‘mapping' for efficiency.

There's a driver coaching ‘Eco' mode too but no engine stop/start on Aussie CRVs. No hybrid either - anywhere. The 2.0-litre achieves 114kW/190Nm and 7.8-litres/100km while the 2.4 achieves 140kW/222Nm and 8.7-litres/100km.

There's a paddle shift on the 2.4 model which gets plenty of kit across the range. There's no 4WD locking mode on the fourbie (unlike half the competition) because Honda says buyers won't need it. Tell that to the bloke trying to haul his speedboat up a slippery boat ramp.

Safety

It gets a five star ANCAP rating partly due to the strong body/chassis construction, multiple air bags and stability control. Honda says the suspension and other vehicle dynamics have been refined this time around for better ride and handling. No local calibration though.

Driving

We drove the entry level 2WD auto and the top of the range 4WD auto and have to say they feel, well, just like a CRV to drive. This was emphasised by a concurrent drive of the previous model at the launch function.

The engines lack low-end torque and like to rev - a Honda trait. They have adequate performance making a bit of noise when you exercise the right foot. We got nowhere near the claimed fuel consumption figures. The 18-inch wheels on the top-of-the-line car generate too much road noise on coarse chip roads. Ride is comfortable and controlled and the new vehicle feels good to drive as a ‘normal' runabout.

Verdict

Next.