ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE NEW HONDA CR-V

The Honda CR-V has really come of age and now in its sixth generation with just about every aspect been enhanced, delivering a mix of sportiness, practicality and a vehicle which is more refined than ever. I spent an enjoyable week with this flagship SUV which is offered as a FWD plug-in-hybrid or full hybrid AWD.

To keep everyone safe and secure who travel in the largest SUV to date from this Japanese manufacturer it is the first Honda model in Europe to have SENSING 360, which is the company’s latest omnidirectional safety and driver assist system; this removes blind spots. In global sales for Honda, the CR-V tops the list and after my period in its company I can appreciate its popularity, it is practical, comfy and gives satisfying performance. The e:HEV powertrain has been revised and updated and now features a more energy-dense, downsized battery and more efficient motor, while the plug-in version with a larger battery pack offers up to 81km (50m) in all-electric range. During my test period I achieved 56km (35m), no complaints from me.

Like myself, most will associate Honda products having a sporty nature; this is something I experienced a long time ago when I drove my first car from the brand. The good news as regards the latest CR-V, Honda engineers have refined every aspect of the latest model with a focus on the advanced and sporty values of the brand, while aiming to make the ultimate all-round SUV. Drive the newcomer and you will discover enhanced sophistication of driver aids, active safety, and connected technologies, as well as the application of high-quality materials throughout the cabin, all serve to elevate the vehicle proposition; there is no doubt in its latest guise comes a premium feel. You will easily recognise the new CR-V with a design evolution that increases its on road presence; there is more aggressive defined styling at the front, with a large aperture and stylized grille opening, where e:HEV and e:PHEV variants are distinguished by their own designs.

Moving to the rear of the SUV, the vertical brake light and turn signal combination is a smart evolution of the model’s instantly recognisable tail light design, with the purposeful LED lighting creating a new, evolved light signature. A longer wheelbase and wider stance, this offers spaciousness comparable to that of a D-segment SUV, providing rear seat passengers with best-in-class leg room, the model’s larger proportions also create more boot space and increase stability at higher speeds. I was quite surprised at the spaciousness of the boot; for me a good selling point. The living space or interior is yet another pleasing aspect of the new CR-V. Honda has chosen to employ much higher quality textured materials which are a feature throughout the cabin with tactile switches and controls that are easy to understand and operate, creating a luxurious in-car experience that aligns with premium segment SUVs. Full marks to the Honda design team and engineers for using switches and controls which do not distract from the task of driving. Currently far too many car manufacturers are placing just about everything in one large screen, looks good but that is about it. For me, my real pleasure with the new CR-V was when I took to the open road, a lighter, more rigid chassis delivers a dynamic experience behind the wheel and increased driver feedback; I should have not been surprised as I have come to expect a quality of road holding and handling from Honda products. Summing up, this is  an excellent all rounder if you just happen to be in the market for a large SUV.

I, for one, rate this Honda model highly.

Ian Lynas