The CR-V is probably one of the nicest looking vehicles in the segment, with superior handling and comfort, and that undeniable Honda attention to detail.
Review: Peta Lee
Although the CR-V has been around for a while, having first been introduced to the market back in 1995, it just keeps getting better, thanks to increased demand for quality and premium products in the SUV market. This latest fourth generation version is awesome, combining the SUV practicality you need with more car-like driving dynamics and even sportier styling.
My model of choice would probably be the CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC Elegance (R414 700), although the range starts from the two-wheel-drive CR-V 2.0 Comfort (from R306 800) and extends up to the 2.2 i-DTEC Exclusive (from R497 400).
The Elegance I drove is a beaut: I’m a rabid fan of diesel, all-wheel-drive and, of course, anything that’s ever emerged from the Honda stable, so this one was just perfect for me. The new styling from the designers has transformed the SUV into a head-turner, and from any angle, the car is absolutely gorgeous.
Compared with the previous generation, the new model has a more aggressive stance, with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a more in-your-face and bolder front fascia, highlighted by a three-bar grille and deep-set multi-reflector headlights.
I loved the sumptuous leather interior, with its super-comfy seating, fabulous leg and headroom, and tasteful and uber refined layout. I was piloting the five-speed manual version, and there’s no mistaking that traditional slick, smooth and easy Honda gearbox. The SUV is powered by a 350Nm/110kW common-rail (turbo-diesel) motor, and offers more than enough grunt to make any journey appear absolutely effortless.
Having driven the previous older version of the CR-V all the way from Durban to Swakopmund and back over a 10-day holiday-from-heaven a few years ago, I was impressed by the technological and other advances made by the engineers. The 2.2 i-DTEC Elegance also comes with everything you need to make a journey a pleasure. There’s cruise control, for those long boring stretches, park sensors, climate control, daytime front and rear LED lights, and execs can take advantage of the telephone system as well. And the ride, over any surface, is a whole lot smoother and quieter than before.
This is a brilliant family car, ideal for anyone who enjoys the journey more than the destination. There’s also oodles of space for luggage and road and suspension noise are pretty much inaudible.
Remember, Honda offers six derivatives of the CR-V, with a choice of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, three engine options and four specification levels.
Naturally, they come with an impressive list of safety features, like Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist, an emergency stop system, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (MA-EPS) which stabilises braking, mitigates understeer, mitigates oversteer, a host of Advanced Driver Assist Systems, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking system, numerous airbags, and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.