Up front let me say that I am not a fan of SUVs mainly because a) my lifestyle does not involve any significant amounts of off-roading, b) they are generally a bit cumbersome for everyday use, c) they are often not very space efficient, and d) they can flatter to deceive. Maybe there is a bit of an image problem, too, like when you see such off-roaders being parked on the flower bed at a packed shopping mall car park… However, regular readers of CAR magazine will be aware that I AM a station wagon devotee, so when the new turbodiesel version of Honda’s CR-V SUV was offered to me for long-term assessment, the trick was to keep an open mind regarding its appeal.
Well, after a week I had to admit to myself that this part-time four-wheel drive was rapidly winning me over. Now, less than two months after its arrival and with a couple of weekend trips reflected in its logbook over and above routine commuting, I can only state that my coolness towards such vehicles has been warmed over – big time!
Flashing indicator lights reveal that the remote central locking is being activated, but I would prefer some form of audible signal. Somehow it is more reassuring. Open the door, and you are met with a chorus of chimes… In its pearl white paint and body-coloured sills and bumper undertrays (a departure from the petrol-engined models), the CR-V has a striking appearance that somehow disguises its size, although the design of the front end is decidedly pronounced – which leads to a slight problem. The front inner park sensors are positioned on the angled part of the bumper so narrow obstacles – such as a pole – directly ahead are not always picked up.
Being 1,92-metres tall, with any folding rear seat-equipped vehicle I more often than not have to first move the driving seat forwards and remove the rear seat head restraints. Not so in the Honda. My driving position does not have to be disturbed to facilitate folding the CR-V’s rear seat, the backrest of which is split into three and with section offering some angle adjustment. The only gripe I have is that there is no memory control for the electrically adjusted driver’s seat, which is irritating when, as inevitably happens in the CAR garage, many people have to hop in to move the vehicle and need to adjust the seat setting. By and large, though, I appreciate Honda’s Executive trim spec, which is comprehensive in a practical sense.
There is a good balance between performance and economy from the 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine, which develops 110 kW at 4 000 r/min and 350 N.m of torque at 2 000. Transmission is a five-speed auto with selectable first, second and third gears plus a button that cuts out the top two ratios – the recommended choice for when towing. Generally, performance feels adequate and the fuel economy is quite impressive – 8,77 litres/100 km is the average over the first 3 500 km. (The CR-V arrived with a mere 14 km on the odo.)
The CR-V is really comfortable to travel in, although the inner folding armrest necessitates some “elbow in” when turning left, an action that soon becomes distinctive. The basic boot area accepted all the self-catering gear for my wife and I for a long-weekend in Montagu, taking in the Robertson Wine Festival in the process. The following weekend and it was off to Knysna to attend the Hillclimb (see report in December CAR, on sale 22 November) where atrocious weather and road conditions experienced over the four days was a case study in the effectiveness of part-time four-wheel drive. The Honda was reassuringly sure-footed regardless of the state of the terrain, which varied from extremely slippery mud on the back roads of Simola to angled streams of water across the N2 on the way home. At no time did the CR-V wheelspin or aquaplane. The area of windscreen swept by the wipers is generous and the Executive-spec HID headlights are very effective on both dipped and main beams.
Big side mirrors can cause some wind rush but not too severely. The “rear conversation mirror” in the header rail is proving useful, especially when transporting hyper-active grandchildren. Typically Honda, the climate control system needs some manual adjustment to bring hot in-car temperatures down quickly.
All in all, a highly satisfying experience so far. Yes, I am being been won over.