The lowdown
This is the all-new, bigger, faster and safer Honda CR-V. Due to hit our roads in January 2007, it’s aimed squarely at Land Rover’s new Freelander. Fresh new styling clothes an all-new platform, firmer suspension and a new adaptive four-wheel drive system. In response to critics of the previous model’s on-road handling, Honda has lowered the centre of gravity by 35mm and beefed up the suspension to cope. A new four-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from the Civic joins the existing 2.2-litre diesel unit. This being a Honda the new CR-V is crammed with the very latest active safety systems unveiled in the range-topping Legend. Prices are set to be slightly higher than the existing CR-V. Expect prices to start at £18,750 for the petrol and £19,500 for the 2.2-litre diesel.
It looks very familiar…
The styling is the most conventional part of the new car. The CR-V shies away from the sharp-edged styling of the new Civic. Instead the look is more evolution than revolution. Up front the nose is dominated by a new split grille and large headlight units housing adaptive Xenon lenses. Honda’s Active Front Lighting System allows the headlights to swivel as the steering wheel is turned, illuminating the road ahead. That distinctive new snout in down to Honda’s advances in pedestrian safety. The new CR-V will, Honda insiders claim, be awarded three-stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests for pedestrian safety making it one of the gentlest SUVs on the road. That ugly spare wheel fitted to the back of the old car is relocated to the underside of the boot floor, allowing room for the new split tailgate and a larger boot. The latest CR-V is 30mm wider than the outgoing model, lending it a more substantial stance and better stability on the road. Honda offers a choice of 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels.
What’s underneath?
More go, advanced new engines and a choice of new transmissions. This is the fastest CR-V yet; though don’t expect to see too many owners pounding round the Nurburgring. The new 2.0-litre VTEC engine is borrowed from the Civic, developing a respectable 148bhp and 140lb ft of torque. Mated to a new six-speed manual or five-speed auto gearbox it allows the CR-V to cruise to 62mph in 10.2secs. Joining it is the excellent 138bhp, 2.2-litre CTDi diesel engine fitted to the outgoing car and the current Accord.
It looks a little low for an off-roader
Well spotted. Honda is making loud noises about this being the best-handling off-roader. Central to its claims are a lower centre of gravity, firmer damping and a wider track to make the CR-V more stable. A new Real Time four-wheel drive system detects slip in the front wheels and apportions torque to the rear wheels accordingly. Although Honda claims the CR-V is not a serious mud-plugger, the four-wheel drive system is designed to benefit drivers in slippery on-road conditions by reacting quicker. Honda has sunk much of the technology seen in the new Legend into the CR-V. For the first time it will be available with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that senses cars in front and slows the CR-V automatically to a safe speed. It’s joined by Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System. CMBS senses when a crash is imminent, warns the driver and actually applies the brakes and activates the seatbelt pretensioners.
What’s it like inside?
The interior space is much the same as the old car up front although the quality and design of the plastics are greatly improved. The utilitarian theme of the outgoing CR-V continues with tough materials, simple dials and straightforward switchgear. The options list swells on the new CR-V with the inclusion of a full-length panoramic sunroof, leather trim and sat-nav. The boot is larger and contains a hidden compartment under the floor. As with the old car, the rear seats split and fold flat.