2018 Honda CR-V Reviews

There was a time when Honda was considered by some (and itself) to be the Japanese version of BMW. Sporty, prestige cars that were distinctive and high-end. How things changed.Frankly, Honda lost its mojo somewhere around the turn of the century, and while there have been glimpses of that former aspirational brand, many of Honda’s products in the meantime have been cannon-fodder stuff. And into that mix, you could probably toss the CR-V.It’s not that the CR-V was a bad car, just that it lacked the old sparkle. The fifth generation of the CR-V SUV failed to change that perception or Honda’s unenviable sales trajectory.A shift to Thailand production didn’t help, either, and somehow the CR-V has struggled along. Which is not to say it isn’t worth a look as a used-car buy, because in terms of ride quality, cabin fit and finish and interior space relative to its exterior dimensions it’s still a Honda. In other areas, not so much…Dubbed internally the 'RW' series CR-V, this car was available in Australia in a bewildering range of models and driveline layouts. That started with the entry-level VTi which was a five-seater, front-wheel drive variant. The range then moved up to the better equipped VTi-S, still with five seats, but a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The range-topper was the VTi-LX which was a five-seater and AWD only and then, just to confuse us, Honda also dropped the VTi-L into showrooms with its FWD platform but seven seats.Which ever variant you bought you got the same powertrain; a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine driving through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Unless, of course, you bought the most affordable model which Honda quietly slipped into showrooms in 2019. Called the Vi, this was a stripped-out version designed to get a car on to the market at under $30,000, As a result, the turbo engine was dropped in favour of a gutless, low-tech SOHC 2.0-litre, four-cylinder with but 113kW. Add the same CVT auto and you had a recipe for humdrum.

Malcolm Flynn is spending three months living with the two-wheel drive version of the CR-V VTi-S, to see how well it fits his family.

The Honda CR-V is much bigger, much safer and much more plush than its more fun-focused ancestor, but does it have as much charm?

If you want a car that does it all, you probably think of an SUV as the option for you. A lot of buyers do, because these vehicles can offer great value, practicality and safety.

The VTi-L, has two personalities. In its day job, it's a five seater, and it does that job really well. But in those moments of need, when you really wish you had two extra seats in your car, two seats magically pop up in the back and you can throw the extra kids in there.