Honda CR-V is not a car that is particularly significant in any chapter. It is not the kind of car
that draws attention very much. It looks like a compact SUV in our days, but dutiful or even boring.
It is that kind of car that you do not pay attention to if you are not a Honda fan.
However, it is a car that rises above the expectations that is able to build, and
as you drive it you gradually discover its qualities.
The new CR-V received electric opening for the tailgate, both from the key and from the inside.
Also, the tailgate has itself a closure button. The closure system has a rod and electric engine,
so the mechanism is not integrated into the shock absorber, as other cars have it.
The tested car, top equipped, Executive, has keyless entry and keyless start.
All you have to do is to have the key on you. The car is unlocked when you get your hands
on the doorknob and locks when you get away from the car, and the engine ignition is made via Start/Stop button.
The trunk is big - 589 liters - and it has a large opening. It has metal anchor clips, and on the
left side there is a bag where you can store small items. The luggage hooks are on bothsides.
The seats make a show when they are folded. It is a very well thought out and effective mechanism.
The interior is quite simple, as it was in the past. Although Honda got us used to futuristic
interior designs on its new models, this one on CR-V is simpler, cleaner.
The driving position is high from the ground, but in comparison with the floor of the car,
the seat is down, so you have good ergonomics, though taken from a compact car like Civic.
Perhaps it is even better. You do not sit like on a kitchen chair, but as in a sporty car.
The steering wheel has controls like Civic, with round buttons.
You can select, for example, the design theme of the upper display, called i-MID.
The navigation and multimedia system is very nice integrated, better than those at Civic.
This is a very easy to use infotainment, including its phone options.
At first look it seems like a complicated and cheap aftermarket system, but if you give
yourself five minutes of accommodation, you will get along with him very well.
The control lever for the gearbox comes in handy and is very comfortable to play with it.
The gearbox itself initially seems to be slow, but as you get used to the car and the transmission
learns your style and the driving experience becomes more enjoyable.
On the steering wheel there are even paddles, for the sequential change of the gears.
Also, a Sport mode for the gearbox is also available.
The engine of 2.2 liters and 150 PS/HP (350 Nm) has substantial power resources and
makes a pleasant sound, which inspires strength and refinement.
The car reaches 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds.
CR-V requires special attention to obstacles and to small off road adventures.
The side skirts give you the impression that the car is high, but when you look under it you realize
that is not the case.
However, the exemplary road behavior on the asphalt roads, clearly show that this car was
made for the road, not off-road.
The suspension is rather stiff, and the steering system rather incisive.
Few SUVs can be driven as well as the CR-V. This somehow surprisingly fact is completed by
the very good seats. New Honda CR-V is one of the few cars that did not make my back
hurt after several hours spent behind the steering wheel.
Besides the tricky ground clearance, I have to point out some other shortcomings. It is a rather
noisily car - aerodynamic sounds and from the tires - and the electric engine of the front
wipers can be heard too strong inside the car.
As a conclusion, the new CR-V unveils visible progress of Honda in the direction of better cars,
but in the case of new CR-V like the tested one, Executive, the better quality
reflects in the price: 39.916 Euro with VAT.