Review
Honda’s CR-V is already one of the most popular compact SUVs in the world, but this fourth generation facelifted car faces stiffer competition now than when it was launched in the 1990s.
There are three engines to choose from, including 120hp and 160hp versions of Honda’s 1.6-litre turbodiesel and a 155hp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Depending on the power unit, you can either have a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic, as well as two or four-wheel drive.
The range consists of S, SE, SR and EX models, with all four featuring alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control and electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors. Our 1.6-litre i-DTEC SR 2WD manual version also comes with digital radio, sat-nav and a seven-inch touchscreen as standard.
CO2 emissions start from 115g/km for the 1.6-litre 120hp S and SE versions, while the 120hp SR has emissions of 119g/km, with a claimed combined fuel economy of 62.8mpg, putting it into a benefit-in-kind tax band of 21%.
The previous generation looked a little uncomfortable from some angles, but I think the latest version is a much more attractive car.
Wrap-around headlights and a newly-designed grille go a long way to achieving this improvement.
The cabin is spacious, with plenty of leg-room in the rear, and offers 589 litres of boot-space with the rear seats up. Fold them down, and it grows to a cavernous 1,669 litres.
On the road, there’s only a hint of diesel rattle, but with low revs the car feels sluggish, which can result in you burning more fuel in an effort to improve performance.
Nevertheless, it feels relatively sure-footed on the road with minimal roll when cornering and, even if the steering could be a bit more responsive, it all adds up to an SUV which will definitely appeal to fleets.
Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
