Released in late 2012 the fourth generation Honda CRV has found its way back to where it started from, at the forefront of space, style and design. The latest CRV is certainly a leap forward from the rather dull predecessor.
This design edge is shown through the clever angular ‘D’ pillar, the wrap around headlights, 18 inch wheels, wide opening doors and the almost vertical rear lights. Overall the exterior looks more muscular, sleeker and stylish.
Internally the Honda CRV is all space. The heated leather front seats are comfortable and 8 way electrically adjustable for the driver. The steering wheel feels great in your hand. It is a leather thick rimmed height and reach adjustable with controls for MFD, stereo and cruise control and Bluetooth etc. This really is a beauty.
The dash is unusual with large central dial and two half dials at the side. Once you get used to it, it works a treat. In the centre of the centre dial is a MFD. Storage is a feature with large door pockets, glove box, central bin and with the transmission lever on the centre stack, plenty in the central tunnel area.
The centre column stack houses the transmission lever as mentioned, (kept going to the normal place for it though), another 5 inch MFD which displays the phone and radio functions and the sat nav entertainment system.
Entertainment is provided by a combination Audio system with AM/FM radio, CD
with MP3 and WMA capability and USB connectivity. The reversing camera also displays through the centre screen.
Rear seat passengers are well catered for. Not only do they have comfortable leather seats, but through a combination of clever design and flat floor they have plenty of head, foot, shoulder and knee room. The rear seats are probably the most comfortable in the class at the moment
Boot space is immensely practical with 60/40 almost fold flat rear seats with low load height, cargo blind, and volume ranging from 550L to 1120L. The spare is underneath the boot floor.
The 2.4-litre engine delivers 140kW @ 7000rpm of power and 222Nm @ 4400 rpm of torque. This drives through an AWD system and a 5 speed Automatic transmission. Fuel usage for the automatic is 8.7 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions of 201g/km. Also fitted is the Honda ECON mode.
Safety is a key feature with 5 star ANCAP rating. Features include – Front airbags, side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and full length curtain airbags with roll over sensors, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with TCS, ABS with EBD, HSA, reversing camera and Transmission Shift Lock. Additionally on the VTi-L model only is the ADAS system which includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation and Braking system, Lane Keep assist and seat belt pretensioners.
The Honda AWD CRV VTi-L ADAS is the personification of the urban SUV. Designed with clever features and ideas, at the forefront in the market segment again. For a family of four that spends most of their time in town it is ideal.
What is good:
• Driver comfort
• Internal space
• Rear seats
What is not so good:
• Towing capacity
• Transmission paddles useless
• getting used to position of gear lever
Model Honda AWD CR-V VTi-L
Model Price $49,951 RDAP
Engine 2.4L 4 Cyl Petrol
Drivetrain AWD 5 Speed Auto
Power 140 Kw @ 7,000rpm
Torque 222 Nm @ 4,400rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 201 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 4 Star
Economy (ADR comb) 8.7 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 1500 kg
Tow Ball Rating 100 kg
Servicing $Not Supplied
Warranty 3yr/100,000km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 79/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 8
Equipment 9
Performance 7
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Ability 5
Off Road Ability 6
Value for Money 9