Honda has managed to keep the ruggedness of an SUV, but add to it a refinement and softness that will give the car a broader appeal, particularly to those who will never take the vehicle off the tarmac. Although the vehicle retains Honda's part time 4-wheel drive system, a lot is made of the fact that for most of the time, the car runs on front-wheel drive only. It also has less petrol consumption and lower CO2 emissions than most ordinary cars.
The ride is particularly good and not just compared to other 4X4s. Although the suspension is pretty traditional, it has been tweaked to give better ride and control.
Power comes from a 2.2ltr diesel or a 2.0ltr petrol engine. The petrol version is willing but a little overwhelmed, whereas the diesel has a little more torque where you need it and does a better job.
Safety has been a focus and it is expected that the CR V will attain a clean sheet with 5 stars for passenger safety, 3 for pedestrian safety and 4 for child safety. All versions come with anti-lock braking, brake force distribution and stability control. As an option, you can get adaptive cruise control and a collision mitigation system, which rings alarms if you are heading for something, then tugs the seat belt to wake you up and finally stops the car and tightens the seat belt in preparation for a bang.
Consumption figures are fairly good and insurance is in groups 9-14.
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Honda CR-V.