Honda CR-V - strong position
Literally a minute ago, the latest generation of the Honda CR-V saw the light across the ocean. In the European specification, it should appear at the March Geneva Motor Show. So we have one last chance to take a look at the current model leaving the scene, which has enjoyed unflagging popularity for many years.
story
In 1998, there was only one SUV in Europe - it was called the Mercedes ML. A year later, the BMW X5 joined it. There was a lot of interest in these cars because they offered significant utility and were just something new. Later, the first smaller recreational and off-road vehicles began to be produced, such as the CR-V, which is being tested today. Today there are about 100 times more SUVs than there were then, and they are called whatever you want with all-wheel drive. For example, the second generation Subaru Forester was called an SUV, and recently I heard that the Skoda Octavia Scout is almost an SUV. As for our Honda, its first version was indeed created in the 4th year, but then it was not called by the nickname so popular today.
key question
Without the right looks, the CR-V wouldn't be as popular. For many buyers, this is a key issue when choosing a car, even more important than technical excellence or price. The Japanese SUV conquered its customers with a discreet silhouette, not without interesting stylistic accents. The test car came to us on 18-inch aluminum wheels with a stylish design, the size of which fits perfectly into the large wheel arches. There is another feature that is typical for many Honda models - beautiful, chrome-plated handles - seemingly a trifle, but essential and adding chic. All of these elements create an unbroken silhouette that has been Honda's recipe for success since 2006, when production of the second generation CR-V began.
Equipment
The presented copy is the third version of the configuration called Elegance Lifestyle and cost 116 thousand rubles. zloty. Outside, it is distinguished only by the aforementioned aluminum wheels and xenon light pouring from biconvex headlights. On the other hand, the upholstery, which is a combination of leather and Alcantara, and a very good-sounding Premium audio system with a 6-disc changer built into the center console, attract attention in the center of attention. More demanding customers have to pay extra 10 thousand. PLN for the best-equipped executive variant - for the money they get nice, full leather upholstery on power seats, torsion bar headlights and active cruise control.
The order must be
The interior of the CR-V is not an example of luxury, but rather solidity and ergonomics. The plastic has an interesting texture, but it is hard and unfortunately prone to scratches. However, they are all firmly mounted and do not make any sounds either during movement or when strongly pressed by hand. I think this is Honda's recipe for longevity.
Working with equipment elements is intuitive and every driver will find himself here very quickly. No one will have problems using the radio from both the steering wheel and the center console. The only annoying disadvantage of operating a car is the need to manually turn on and off the light. It is a pity that they did not go out on their own some time after the car was blocked. If I got one point for every trip without lights, I would probably lose my driver's license at the end of the test because I kept forgetting about it. I hope the new generation will have daylight. Continuing the theme - the dipped beam on the turn signal lever is marked with a high beam symbol - we agree that this is a Japanese joke.
The interior of the CR-V is very spacious for a midsize SUV. The front seats have a very large range of vertical adjustment, so that at the lowest level you can sit almost in a hat. The problem, however, is that they do not have lumbar adjustment, and in this section they are too poorly defined and after a short ride you feel your back. It is not known why only leather seats on the Executive trim have this setting. The rear seat has an adjustable backrest angle, which will be useful on long trips. It can also be moved longitudinally by 15 cm, thus increasing the luggage compartment (standard 556 litres).
Classic Honda
The Japanese manufacturer has been accustoming us to cars with a touch of aggressiveness for years, mainly through high-revving gasoline engines, the production of which he has mastered to perfection. Our test SUV benefits from the Japanese expertise in the field, with a 2-litre VTEC petrol engine under the hood that revs easily in high gear. Having exceeded the number 4 on the tachometer, the car gains momentum in the sails and joyfully turns into a red field. The sound that then reaches the cabin is loud but not fatiguing. You can feel like you're in a sports car rather than a higher-suspension family station wagon. Although the manufacturer's data speaks of 10,2 seconds to 100 km / h, the sensations are more positive. It's also paired with a short-range 6-speed manual transmission. It is not as perfect as, for example, in the Accord, but it is ideal for the engine and character of the car. At a speed of 80 km / h, it is easy to ride in last gear. Here, too, the engine deserves praise, which already feels good from 1500 rpm and encourages a quiet ride and at the same time saves fuel. Fuel consumption is very reasonable - at a constant speed of up to 110 km / h, you can achieve a result of 8 liters per 100 km without much sacrifice. The city will have about 2 liters more - which is interesting, almost regardless of driving style. A reasonable demand for fuel is also due to the small, for this segment of cars, car weight, which is only 1495 kg.
About 75% of SUVs sold in Poland are equipped with diesel engines. In such cars, they have undeniable advantages. Thanks to their flexibility and impressive torque, they handle the mass of large bodies well. Honda also introduced a budget version, offering a 2.2-liter engine with the same power as the gasoline engine (150 hp). True, a little faster, more economical and with an incredible culture of work, but it costs as much as 20. more zlotys. So it is better to calculate whether the savings will not be only apparent and whether it is better to stop at the gasoline version.
The Honda CR-V has confident handling and lets you go through corners faster if you want to. The suspension does not allow dangerous body tilt, but the car can bounce a little on bumps. During normal road traffic, the front wheels are driven. However, when traction is lost, the rear wheels come into play - they actually crawl, because they do it with a significant delay. Of course, for winter and snowdrifts, such a not very sharp drive on two axles is better than just on the front.
Fixed place in the bet
Honda CR-V has a strong position on the market for several years and is one of the best-selling SUVs in Poland. It found over 2009 buyers in 2400, second only to the Mitsubishi Outlander, followed by the VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga and Suzuki Grand Vitara. In addition to the versatility of the car, this state of affairs is influenced by the image of a trouble-free brand built over the years. Although the price tags on the CR-V only start at 98. PLN, this does not scare off buyers, because the reduction in the value of this model in the secondary market is small.
With the third generation Honda CR-V fast approaching, it's worth keeping an eye on the current model as there's a good chance of discounts. In addition, the end of the year is the period when you can count on discounts associated with the sale of old vintages.
