Honda’s CR-V always made sense to those weren’t buying a “soft roader” primarily for the macho appeal and insinuation of off-road prowess.Rather, the typical owner wanted space, practicality, and a sedan-like driving experience allied to the ability to tackle rough roads or tricky conditions with relative ease.
The original was always going to be a hard act to follow, what with the honour of being the best-selling petrol-engined SUV in Europe for the past three years; but suffice to say that the latest CR-V offers everything that its predecessor did and more. Which means it boasts class-leading performance, exceptional interior space, and one of the smartest all-wheel-drive systems in the business.
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2002 CR-V is the engine. While it still displaces 2,0 litres and is equipped with double overhead camshafts, the addition of “i-VTEC” technology pushes output from 108 kW and 182 Nm, to 110 kW and 192 Nm – enough to propel the latest CR-V from standstill to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds.
The engine’s flexibility is enhanced even more than those numbers suggests, thanks to a broader spread of torque – a 32% torque improvement in the midrange (3 000 – 4 000) over the previous generation. The main reason is the latest generation of Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Control cam timing and valve opening system: with i-VTEC you have the benefits of Honda’s proven dual-lobe inlet camshaft to optimise performance in both upper and lower engine speed ranges, now allied to VTC, or Variable Timing Control. In short, i-VTEC = VTEC + VTC.
The latter system uses a hydraulic pump on the end of the inlet camshaft to adjust inlet cam timing by up to 50 degrees based on information supplied by the engine management computer, ensuring the right measure of power and torque for any driving conditions. In addition, there’s a lightweight variable length inlet manifold that also contributes to the engine’s excellent all-round ability, including exceptional fuel consumption.
While there’s a reassuring familiarity to the CR-V’s styling, the vehicle now has more presence, and is in fact slightly longer and slightly wider than before though the wheelbase and height is virtually unchanged.
The front view is dominated by large yet attractive headlight clusters, but the strong presence is also thanks to the deep front valance with its “blacked-out” air intake, and the horizontally split grille with the prominent H logo.
Integrated roof rails confirm that the CR-V is about stylish looks coupled to practicality, while the prominent, vertically stacked rear lights suggest that safety is never far from a Honda engineer’s thoughts.
