Car Test
|
R0231 | |
|
April 2002 |
||
| Honda CR-V | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.0SE Sport | |
|
THE SUPERSEDED CR-V WAS A MILLION- SELLER HIT, BUT can you better an excellent original? Honda thinks so by introducing the Swindon-built, second-generation version of its Compact Recreational-Vehicle. It looks very familiar (height and wheelbase are identical) but it is, in fact, all new from its alloy-wheeled, Civic-based platform to its roomier, restyled body.
Like most 4x4 sport utility vehicles, this one will see more tarmac than turf. However, it is competent enough to cope with undemanding grass-and-goo off-roading, thanks to its “intelligent” four-wheel drive system that engages automatically only when needed. And, of course, its extra grip in winter benefits on-road security. The two-litre (Hobson’s choice) engine is a new, torquier and more powerful i-VTEC unit that gives sprightly performance when you exploit its eagerness to rev. Despite lacking long-legged gearing, it’s a splendid motorway mile-eater, too (keep an eye on the speedo!), but easy-going cruising is marred by an unpleasant boom on the overrun. No complaints about the excellent gearchange, though. Don’t be fooled by the CR-V’s bulky appearance; it may be solid and substantial, but it has a pleasant, easy-going ride that’s car-like in its comfort. Anti-roll bars at each end keep cornering lean under control, so it’s possible to tackle open-road bends with cautious verve, aided by clingy tyre grip and accurate, nicely weighted steering. With a bit of cushion tweaking and backrest angling, a comfortable driving position can be found behind the height (only) – adjustable wheel. Remove the rear head restraints and all-round vision is excellent, and most of the controls are where you want them. The unusual handbrake lever that forms part of the facia works well in normal use. The previous CR-V was spacious, but the new model’s extra length and width make it even more so. There’s acres of space in all directions when the sliding, divided rear seats are fully back, with six angles of backrest recline to further relax you. Side-opening tailgates aren’t ideal, but the CR-V’s opens to over 45 degrees (just), which helps, and the lift-up back window is sometimes convenient. Already generous boot space can be further increased by sliding the back seats forward (by up to 17cm) or double-folding the seats, thus opening up a big, carpeted cargo area. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
=option