The Honda CR-V has proved a popular vehicle since it was first launched in 1995, with over 5 million having been sold in 160 countries around the world. We liked the third generation CR-V for its solidity and premium feel, but noted a noisier than expected cabin and sizable price tag. With the introduction of the fourth generation Honda CR-V, the Japanese manufacturer has addressed these character traits and a whole lot more.
The new CR-V is all about the details and it begins with the exterior where the length and height have been reduce by 5 and 30 mm respectively, yet interior space remains unchanged. A smoother and, we think, more harmonious front end, features a three-bar grille, deep-set headlights, which incorporate LED day-time running lights. The lower front bumper is designed to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle.
The tail-end is less of a departure from the previous generation and some may even find it difficult to distinguish old from new. The CR-V’s vertical tail-lights remain, but now make use of LEDs for a more contemporary look and improved visibility in terms of safety.
The new Honda CR-V rides on a redesigned chassis, which among other things, has allowed engineers to produce a more efficient package in terms of space. For example, the rear seats are positioned slightly lower to free up rear headroom, the cargo are is 76-litres larger at 589-litres and the loading lip is 30 mm lower for easier access.
The levels of road and wind noise have also been noticeably reduced, thanks to extra sound insulation material below the passenger compartment, in the rear door, rear wheel arches, door frames, front bulkhead and bonnet. The doors also now feature a double seal.
Honda has four specification levels to choose from, with interior trim ranging from black fabric seats on the Comfort model, leather on the Elegance, Executive and Exclusive models. The Exclusive specification includes a premium audio system, electrically adjusted driver seat, electronic lumbar support for driver and front passenger, as well as keyless entry. Switching between the Comfort and Executive models at launch, the modestly spec’d Comfort didn’t provide any reason to feel hard done-by and represents fair value at its price.
The new CR-V is loaded with safety equipment too and in addition to the usual alphabet soup of safety features, the Exclusive offers the same cutting edge items as found in the Accord sedan. These include Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
In conjunction with Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (MA-EPS), the LKAS system helps to keep the vehicle on the straight and narrow by gently adjusting the steering angle when necessary, to avoid straddling lanes. It’s a sophisticated system that will make extended trips less tiring, but the steering does lack any meaningful feel as a result.
The CR-V’s ride quality has become more compliant, despite increases of 7 and 9 percent in bending and torsional rigidity of the body. A 10 percent increase in damping volume, together with retuned suspension bushes for both the front and rear, which is a three-link independent system, are chiefly responsible.
Buyers now have a choice of an entry-level, front-wheel drive CR-V for the first time, which is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The 4-cylinder produces 114 kW and 192 Nm of torque, is linked to a 6-speed manual transmission and requires an average of 7.2 L/100km. The all-wheel drive version employs a 5-speed automatic transmission.
A larger capacity 2.4-litre engine is available in Elegance and Executive trim. Mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, the 2 354cc in-line 4-cylinder, channels 140 kW and 220 Nm of torque to all four-wheels, while average fuel consumption is a claimed 8.7 L/100km.
Honda’s 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine is the strongest of the bunch in terms of torque, with 350 Nm available between 2 000 and 2 750 r/min. Peak power is 110 kW and, when paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, average fuel consumption is 6.1 and 7.0 L/100km respectively.
We sampled the 2.0- and 2.4-litre engines at launch and, while the 2.4 offers enough power, the automatic transmission has ratios that are too long, which means the CR-V is unable to make the best use of its power and torque. In contrast, the 6-speed manual fitted to the less powerful 2.0-litre CR-V, felt far more willing and seemed to go about its business with less fuss.
The new Honda CR-V has become more sophisticated in its styling, safety and engineering, however, we’d like to see a dual-clutch transmission on offer in future. The entry-level front-wheel drive is priced competitively and should bolster Honda’s sales.
| Pricing (Incl. VAT and CO2 Tax) | |
| Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort FWD M/T | R299 900 |
| Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort AWD A/T | R339 900 |
| Honda CR-V 2.4 Elegance AWD A/T | R399 900 |
| Honda CR-V 2.4Executive AWD A/T | R444 900 |
| Honda CR-V 2.2 Elegance AWD M/T | R405 900 |
| Honda CR-V 2.2 Executive AWD A/T | R418 900 |
| Honda CR-V 2.2 Exclusive AWD M/T | R486 900 |
| Honda CR-V 2.2 Exclusive AWD A/T | R499 900 |
All models feature a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
