Road Test: Honda CR-V Luxury

Review by Jay Williams - 08/June/2010

For the 2010 model year, the CR-V receives modest style, powertrain, and equipment changes. The exterior changes include revised exterior mirrors to further reduce wind noise, a redesigned front end with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised taillights. 

The rear bumper is also redesigned, as well as new 7-spoke alloy wheels for the Sport model, while the Luxury model gains newly designed 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels as well as auto headlights and wipers.

Probably one of the key elements joining the list of new features is the addition of curtain airbags on the entry model; now every CR-V in the range has dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags as standard.

The CR-V’s colour range has been expanded too, now featuring six colours including two new additions, Urban Titanium and Habenero Red.

In addition to the specification upgrades, pricing of the 2010 CR-V range has come down as well, making it a more compelling chioce for customers.

Drive: 3/5

Honda's CR-V drives quite well on the road. The steering is responsive and fairly light (and also speed sensitive) which works well for city and commuter driving. Honda have kept things simple and safe making the CR-V competent in everyday driving conditions, with a responsive set of brakes and a feeling of stability and security.

The CRV’s car-like ride and handling has been further improved with changes to the front castor angles and compliances bushes at the rear.

However, take the CR-V for a free sprited trip through some winding roads and things become unstuck. Large levels of body roll due to the heaviness of the vehicle, constant understeer is apparent and the ESC stability control didn't help matters. 

The CR-V didn't really blow me away in terms of its off-road capabilities. Honda's Real Time 4WD system, that engages when it senses traction loss from the front wheels, sends power to the rear wheels making it a four-wheel-drive. It's less than inspiring and many will feel it's slow to react.

But in terms of day-to-day driving the CR-V stacks up pretty well and will impress most for its people moving and storage capabilities.

Engine: 3/5

The 2010 Honda CR-V features a 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC, four cylinder, petrol engine that is mated to a 5-speed automatic with Grade Logic Control.

Peak power of 125kW is similar to its competitors and, as you would expect from Honda, a lot of emphasis has been placed on engine technology. It's free revving, refined and fairly frugal considering the bulk it has to lug around. It doesn't mind revving either: peak power is at 5800rpm, but the 2.4-litre is capable of revving out to 6700rpm if you so desire.

The CR-V weighs in at around 1630kg, chuck in a few passengers and some baggage, and CR-V's engine begins to lag under the increased weight. I found that I had to really put my foot down to get any real peformance, this became a problem when trying to overtake. Perhaps Honda should think of putting its V6 power plant into its Sport and Luxury CR-V models. However, once the CR-V got up to speed it felt fine cruising around.

While it's not the most powerful compact AWD on the market - particularly compared to V6 and some diesel competitors, it is one of the more fuel efficent. Returning 10.5-litres per 100km on combined highway and city driving. 

Exterior: 3.5/5

The Honda CR-V removes away from the traditional box-like styling of the past generations and has gone in favor of a more modern and aerodynamic shape. 

Starting with the newly designed double-layered front grille, which features a horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower portion and moving up to the re-sculpted bonnet, angled windscreen and remodelled side windows, the CR-V looks more stylish than previous models.

The rear end is perhaps the most similar to its predecessors, with vertically stacked brake light clusters being easily recognised by owners of past CR-Vs. The rear tailgate is the least rounded section of the car.

The Luxury model that we tested sat on 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels which filled the flared wheel arches nicely.

Interior: 3/5

The centre console is logically laid out and easy to use, all controls such as the radio and climate control air-conditioning have big clear buttons which keeps things simple.

The instrument cluster is one of the few areas that focuses more on functionality than design.

The CR-V has basic, legible fonts for the speedometer and rev counter and a practical information LCD screen wedged between these displaying fuel consumption, distance travelled and other trip functions. Both the speedometer and rev counter feature a blue glowing ring around them while the LCD information screen features a white-on-blue theme.

The seat cushions aren't as comfortable and supportive as they looked, and the quality of leather could have been better considering this is a 'Luxury' model. Front seats are heated and both driver and passenger get fold out armrests – which were particularly handy for freeway use when the cruise control is engaged.

The steering wheel feels good under hand and adjusts for reach and height, so it is safe to say that finding a suitable driving position isn't an issue.

The extra-large exterior mirrors – along with the standard rear-parking sensors – helped make life easy and reversing simple.

Storage would have to be one of the CR-V's strong points, numerous cup holders, a twin glove box adds even more storage cubbies and a never ending centre console box that hides 120V and MP3 connections.

Another feature (which, in my opinion, is the coolest) is the sunglasses holder which doubles as a convex mirror... for parents to keep an eye on their kids in the back seat!

Rear passengers get a decent amount of leg room to work wth, and boot space is pretty good too - enough room for a push bike or perhaps the weekly shop. The tailgate opens from a remarkably low level as well, allowing for easy loading and unloading from the low and flat floor and the folding rear seats provide a more flexible 40:20:40 split. This extends boot space to a whopping 2060-litres when all are folded flat.

Overall: 3/5

If you're looking for a comfortable, practical and safe compact AWD with loads of cargo space to take the dog to the park, transport the family and head off for a weekend trip, the CR-V is still a contender.

The Honda CR-V still sits at the top of the class for reliability, quality and refinement. But, it also sits at the higher end of the market in terms of price. Add the ‘Active’ pack which includes bluetooth, side steps, roof racks, Deluxe mats, cargo protector tray, chrome exhaust tip, side window visors, door sill garnish and dust and pollen filter or the ‘Modulo Sports’ pack which features side steps, front skid plate, rear skid plate, tailgate spoiler, sports grille, chrome exhaust tip and chrome mirror covers. With both costing an extra $2,699, the Luxury model isn't such a great deal. If it's value for money you're after, your best bet would have to be the entry model CR-V.