Honda Cr-V

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a perennially popular sport utility vehicle (SUV), the largest in the range from the Japanese car maker. It’s popularity stems not so much from being the very latest thing but instead its fame has spread thanks to being a reliable, practical and sensible selection. It’s a fine choice either new or used for families or for buyers wishing to import the Honda CR-V from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand or other global destinations through MHH International’s comprehensive service.

The Exterior

The model design has changed over the years but never dramatically; it remains recognisably a CR-V. The current model, which is available only as a hybrid these days, retains the car’s boxy silhouette but is now much sharper by design. Note the sharp creases in the bonnet (hood) and bold contours around the front end. Wider arches feature and larger wheels too, with a choice of alloys, which are now positioned further towards the corners making the car look sturdier. The latest model is a good example of taking a design and improving it without losing that original idea.

The Interior

For the driver, the high-riding position is improved thanks to super-slim windscreen pillars aiding visibility in bends or at junctions. The deep front side windows and large door mirrors also make it easy to see out the sides. The design also makes for a clearer view when reversing. With very comfortable seats, the driving position is excellent with great seat and steering wheel alignment. There’s a good range of adjustment for the steering column's height and reach, and the driver’s seat offers manual height and electric lumbar adjustment. Fully electrically adjustable seats are available at extra cost as they are only standard on the highest trim level. Older models had a seven-seat option, but that’s not longer available. Five however will be sitting very comfortably.

The colour touchscreen is only seven inches across but it is clear and distinctive. Those familiar with the company’s Civic model will recognise the dashboard and overall the rest of the dashboard's buttons are big, well placed and easy to use, the design cascading down to the centre console. The range topping, flagship model, EX, adds wireless smartphone charging for improved seamless connectivity, but otherwise the usual popular apps are standard across the range. The Honda Sensing package available on the latest model is among the most comprehensive suites of active safety and driver-assistive technologies in this SUV class, combining radar and camera information to assist the driver.

Driving The Honda CR-V

As previously stated the Honda CR-V is now a hybrid-only model. There’s no further engine choice, currently. The set-up is Honda’s own, and is somewhat unique. Essentially, at low speeds the Honda functions as a pure electric vehicle, with an Atkinson-cycle two-litre petrol engine operating as a generator while the electric motors drive the wheels. This, say Honda, makes for a very smooth and relaxing car to drive at low speeds, with a totally seamless power delivery and near-silent operation, driving through a unique transmission.

Accelerate, and the petrol engine locks on to drive the wheels directly. This does not produce anything dramatic but it’s a punchy unit when called upon. Economically, it makes sense to work with the hybrid system for best returns on fuel. Regular petrol and diesel engines are available on used Honda CR-V’s driving through automatic or manual gearboxes but for this model Hybrid is the way to go.

For a big car the CR-V handles very tidily with little body roll in corners thanks to retuned suspension offering more linear handling responses and exceptional rigidity for an optimised ride. Variable-ratio electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has been makes for improved low-speed manoeuvrability and easy driving. Four-wheel-drive is an option on some trim levels and it’s standard on the flagship EX version.

Should You Buy One?

Honda have an excellent reputation for producing dependable cars and the CR-V is no exception. It’s always been good and the latest model, while not radically different, makes full use of the latest innovations for reducing emissions and improving fuel consumption. Recommended.