There are discrepancies as to what ‘CR-V’ stands for; Honda sales literature in UK reportedly made references to ‘Compact Recreational Vehicle’, other Honda references (including the official Honda Japan CR-V Fact Book and Honda Worldwide cite ‘Com.fortable Runabout Vehicle’. As an owner of this stunner of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), you decide which you prefer.

 

The new vehicle retains many of the now-familiar traits of the CR-V, such as the black B-pillar, which has been a trademark of the vehicle since its inception. There are, however, a number of technological advances that clearly set the latest-generation CR-V apart from previous generations. The new CR-V remains the car for every occasion. Despite being both casual and formal, it still conveys an air of solidity and reliability. LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights have also been incorporated in the new CR-V. The spacious interior has been designed to create a quiet, refined and relaxed ambiance. The cabin is spacious and stylish, and offers a significant reduction in engine and road noise.

 

The CR-V range has grown to six derivatives. The two-wheel-drive 2.0 Comfort represents the entry level, and is followed by the all-wheel-drive version of the same vehicle. The front-wheel-drive model is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the all-wheel drive is a five-speed automatic. Both variants are powered by the same 1 997cc, i-VTEC, 16-valve, in-line, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which offers 114kW of power at 6 500 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at 4 300 rpm.

The CR-V now features Honda’s multi-info central display unit, a better turning radius, anti-whiplash front seats, improved noise damping, and ECON mode.The ECON mode aims to lower fuel consumption and emissions by way of driver prompts, engine mapping and air conditioning optimisation. Critically, the new CR-V offers a host of safety systems like ABS brakes with emergency force distribution and assistance, six air bags, vehicle-stability assist, trailer assist, deflation warning system, and hill-start assist.

 

The five-speed automatic gearbox (with six-speed manual also available on some models) offers Sport Mode and Manual Override via two paddles on the steering wheel. Further improvements to the CR-V are better rolling resistance and revisions to its automated four-wheel-drive system. Two further petrol models are offered in the range, namely the 2.4 Elegance and the 2.4 Executive. Both of these models come with five-speed automatic transmissions and share the i-VTEC, 16-valve, in-line, 4-cylinder, 2 354cc petrol engine. This highly refined petrol engine has 140kW of power available at 7 000 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 4 300 rpm.

 

The all-new CR-V is available in a choice of four specification levels, depending on the chosen model. The Comfort Level offers black fabric seats as standard, while the Elegance, Executive and Exclusive models all have black leather seats. Each specification level offers a mix of comfort features, while the Exclusive specification includes such luxuries as premium audio, an electrically adjusted driver’s seat, and electronic lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.

 

Pricing

The new CR-v’s pricing includes Honda’s standard 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/90 000km service plan (as at November 2012).

 

• 2.0 Comfort FWD (petrol) - R299 900

• 2.0 Comfort AWD (petrol) - R339 900

• 2.4 Elegance AWD (petrol) - R399 900

• 2.4 Executive AWD (petrol) - R444 900

• 2.2 Elegance AWD (diesel) - R405 900 (manual)

• 2.2 Elegance AWD (diesel) - R418 900 (auto)

• 2.2 Exclusive AWD (diesel) - R486 900 (manual)

• 2.2 Exclusive AWD (diesel) - R499 900 (auto)