The seven-seat Honda CR-V SUV is quite the quiet drive

By Gerry Murphy

A few weeks back, we reported on a rather giddy Honda HR-V. This week, it’s the turn of the larger seven-seat CR-V SUV from the Japanese company and are happy to report that it has none of the same traits as the smaller car.

Here, we have two SUVs from the same company where the HR-V has missed the mark, and the CR-V, a more cultured car is bang on target.

The major difference is how both handle. In the CR-V, the ride and suspension is much better and the confidence that you get when driving it is reassuring. This week’s car is an all-wheel drive and has a bigger wheel base, and those are just two of the reason for the variance.

Last year, the Honda CR-V Range was expanded with the launch of a new high-power 1.6 i-DTEC engine combined with all-wheel drive. The new more powerful diesel engine comes with the option of an all-new efficient nine-speed automatic transmission, which was fitted in the test car.

This new 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine provides considerably higher power output than the 2.2 i-DTEC which it replaces, boosting maximum power and torque to 160PS and 350Nm. The gearbox is a big success to, and with all those gears on tap, the shift is swift and seamless under any pressure that you decide to put it under.

Normally, the engine when matched to the six-speed manual gearbox emits 129g/km of CO2.  When fitted with the nine-speed automatic unit, the CR-V emits from 134 g/km of CO2, a significant 20% reduction compared to the previous five-speed automatic transmission.

It is also a supremely quiet car on the road with little or no wind noise, road noise is treated by generous insulation in the cabin, and the engine is silky smooth that make living in the car a real pleasure. Add the nicely-appointed layout and the improved materials used, and Honda gives you a car of quality throughout.

Another positive point is the level of specification that you get with the car. An 8” screen dominates the controls and although it does get a bit of getting used to, when you get up-to-speed with the complication of the system, this is offset by the array of features offered.

Prices for the new all-wheel drive CR-V start at €37,495 for the manual and €39,995 for the automatic putting it firmly into the higher level for a car of its type. But, it is a premium SUV/Crossover that looks the part with its additional chrome inserts and it rather plush interior.

Honda has been in the game of producing big SUV/Crossover vehicles for a long time now. They have a well-earned name for reliability and strong resale values. They also have a rich pedigree in motorsport but, while this car is not so sporty, there are cues there from that history with good, solid seats and clever design inserts.

There is ample evidence that Honda customers are happy campers and are very loyal to the brand. Honda chiefs will be anxious to attract as many new buyers as possible. The market, although rising, is swamped with alternatives, and there are more models on the way.

Holding on to their regulars and adding a chunk of more clients should be enough to keep the bosses at Universal Honda happy too.

Specification

Make:    Honda

Model: CR-V

Engine: 1.6 i-DTEC

Achieved Fuel

Consumption:     6.7 /100kms

CO2 Emissions:  134g/km

Annual Road Tax:    €280

Price:     €39,995

Gerry’s Rating:   8/10