WE LIKE
1. Comfort and refinement
2. Very well built
3. Excellent diesel engine
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Fiddly control layout
2. Lacklustre driving dynamics
3. Not as green as Honda boasts
Despite never having made a true off-roader, Honda has enjoyed a fair amount of success with its CR-V 4x4.
So it is no surprise that a mid-life facelift has not drastically altered the looks of the popular SUV. The changes it has undergone are recognisable, but not radical. Swoopier headlights and a slightly flatter rear end are all that mark the latest CR-V out from its predecessor, but it remains a good looking vehicle and the changes are for the better.
The biggest change to the CR-V line up comes with the inclusion of an automatic diesel for the first time. It sees a five-speed auto box paired with the 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine that is now the diesel choice for the whole range. The gearbox was developed by Honda, and is an impressive set up. There is no lurch when switching between any of the ratios and it copes well with motorway speeds, although a sixth gear might be a good addition.
This may be one of the contributions towards a comparatively poor emissions and fuel economy performance. The auto only boasts a CO2 emission rating of 195g/km, which is not great even when compared to the manual figure of 171g/km. This translates to fuel economy of 38.2 and 43.5mpg for the two respectively. A smooth-revving 2.0 litre petrol unit is also available that is actually cleaner than the diesel at 193g/km, although economy is distinctly worse at 33.8mpg.
The big sell for the CR-V is its practicality, and this remains the case with the latest version. A dividable boot space allows the ability to hide plenty of kit out of sight, and includes a handy shelf that can take loads of up to 10kg. There are an assortment of cubby holes and segments for cabin storage in the front of the car as well, with arm rests for the front two seats making the front of the car a comfortable and practical place to be. The only real niggle is with over-complicated control layout, including no fewer than 17 buttons on the "multi-function" steering wheel.
Back seat passengers are not forgotten either as they benefit from a fantastic view as the seats are set high and boast plenty of legroom. This shows the CR-V is aiming more at the family than the off-roading market, and the driving dynamics certainly major on comfort.
The CR-V is a talented mile-eater, with compliant suspension settings ensuring smooth progress over choppy road surfaces and excellent refinement at motorway speeds. The flip-side is an indifferent performance on twisty roads, where the Honda rolls and pitches too much for comfort or confidence. At least the four-wheel drive system provides reassurance on low-grip road surfaces, even if it won?t be taking the car off road on many occasions.
Average
User reviews (5)
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Allan Wilkie10 January 2011
Now on my second CRV 2010 Auto (diesel) one the best car's I have owned. Driving within the speed limit can achive a easy 44mpg.
Report as inappropriateharry reekie17 February 2011
love my honda 2007 crv es only one problem the parking sensors dont seem to be loud enough i was told they were preset and cannot be ajusted is this true
Report as inappropriateTerry Jackson31 May 2011
I purchased my CRV in 2008 and it is now just over 3 years old. Have had numerous small problems including - Clicking Clutch Pedal (6 visits to workshop), Air-Con needs re-gassing every year, Steering Column had to have a new bush fitted as there was a leak (this was found during it's 2nd service), and now I have discovered the rear door seals (on the car not the door) have worn through at the level where the door trim just below the window catches it as you shut the door. Still waiting to see if Honda will renew the seals free as the warranty has just expired.
Report as inappropriateBal02 September 2011
We own a CR-V 2007(57) EX Auto petrol. Reliability has been rock-solid, apart from a flat battery 3 times to jump-start, and recently again resulting in buying a new battery as it was not holding charge. There are a few gripes. As mentioned by one of the other posters, the rear-door seals are worn through. Honda refused to replace them even in the warranty period. The interior plastics are sub-standard and mark easily. The automatic petrol feels very underpowered and economy is very poor 24MPG around town and 27MPG on the motorway. On a positive note, the car holds its value and is very well equipped(try specifying all the options on the EX on a similar car and you'll pay circa £3-4K on top of the list price of the car). Its not all rosy though as the economy is beginning to hit us hard and frequent visits between Belgium and South Wales means we will be looking to downsize in the next six months to something a bit more enconomical. The wife's seen the Toyota Verso, but I absolutely hate it! Any suggestions on how to deter her away?
Report as inappropriateWilliam SAMPSON09 November 2011
I am trading my 2009 CRV i-CTDI Ex in for the 2011 CRV i-DTEC Ex. I have also owned a 2007 CRV diesel Ex. Both my wife and I have been extremely pleased with the CRV's. We normally lug 4 Dalmations about or 2 Paragliders, which the boot handles easily. In fact the raised height and adaptive 4 wheel drive allow us to access a number of hill top flying sites. We always feel safe and secure and if we drive the vehicle sensibly it is possible to get 50+ mpg. Alternatively we very rarely drop below 44mpg. I have read a number of poor reports, but all I can say is this model (CRV) has proved to be the best car of its type that we have had the pleasure to own. We also have the pleasure of owning a 2009 Honda S2000, which satisfies our wilder side. Well done Honda.
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