A handsome SUV

A handsome SUV

Honda has introduced a new CR-V. In India, it marks the arrival of the fourth generation model whereas in many other parts of the world, it marks the arrival of the fifth generation model. Accommodating seven, the new SUV is bigger and bolder and offers buyers with a choice of a diesel engine for the first time in India. Creating a better visual presence than the earlier model, the new SUV carries some of the design cues of the earlier model, for example, the split grill with a thick band of chrome as part of the sculpted front. Flaunting full-LED head lamps, along with daytime running lamps, the SUV comes with a bonnet that adds an amount of visual muscle to the design. A monocoque construction, the CR-V looks handsome. 

Walk over, and it is apparent at once that this one’s bigger and longer. The wheelbase is longer than the model it replaces, and the rear pillar is chunkier. The chunkiness of the rear pillar is cleverly masked by the tail lamps, and the SUV, in no way, looks disproportionate or awkward. The 18-inch dia alloys look smart, and along with the 235/60 profile tyres fill up the wheel arches well. The highlight of the rear is the ‘L’-shaped tail lamps. 

Airy cabin
Looking decisively upmarket than the model it replaces, the new CR-V has an airy cabin. The entry and exit to the front and middle row is quite convenient, and visibility from behind the wheel is also quite good. The dash is smartly laid out; a lot of  attention has been paid to ergonomics. The diesel version comes with a button-operated transmission, the controls of which are positioned on the centre console. The petrol version comes with a conventional gear lever. The 7-inch touchscreen as part of the centre console has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  Contributing to the smartness of the dash is the full-digital instrument panel; it is clever enough to prompt a break when it senses a change in the driver’s attention. A part of the features list of the CR-V includes driver attention assist, ESC, Hill Start Assist, Lane Watch, Isofix child seat mounts, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, electric parking brake, push-button start, leather upholstery, and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat.
 
Cramped third row  
The front row seats are comfy but taller people may find less head room in the rear row. Reclining the seat could provide some space but the rear seat is not easy to reach and to pull and flip the middle row seat is not a breeze. In terms of space, the seating position is not as comfortable as the other two rows. To be precise, it is good for kids. Interestingly, the petrol CR-V does not come with the third row. The third row is only limited to the diesel. The diesel offers 150-litres of luggage space with the third row in place. The petrol, in comparison offers 522-litres of luggage space. With the rear and middle row seats folded, the volume increases to 1000-litres almost. The 120bhp, 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbo-diesel engine has the SUV performing well. The nine-speed auto transmission does a clever job of routing power smoothly to the wheels. A torque converter unit, the transmission makes for brisk acceleration, and is quick to respond.

Verdict
Responding quickly to manual inputs (via paddles), the CR-V feels quite easy to drive in the city and cruise on the highway. A set of tall higher ratios helps. When the need to quickly overtake arises, the engine feels a bit lacking. What makes it likeable is the high refinement level. Refined at lower revs, the 154bhp, 2-litre petrol engine does seem to get a bit worked up at higher revs because of the CVT auto transmission. The transmission does a fair job of presenting the petrol CR-V with good performance, but behaves best at part throttle inputs. There are no paddle shifters, neither any mechanism to manually over-ride the transmission. Irrespective of the front-wheel drive diesel or petrol (or the all-wheel drive diesel), the SUV manages a good balance between ride and handling. The steering weighs up well. With the brakes providing a strong bite, the CR-V marks a considerable improvement over the model it succeeds. With prices starting at Rs 28.2 lakhs ex-showroom for petrol, and Rs 32.8 lakhs ex-showroom for the diesel, the SUV is contemporary in terms of looks, interiors as well as features.  

Pros: Contemporary looks, interior, refinement, features
Cons: Could do with more power, cramped third row

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com