Honda SIEL introduced its SUV Honda CR-V. The CR-V is look rugged and seat you high up, but trade serious off-road performance for on-road refinement. The CR-V is Honda’s brainchild - created to mix the best of both worlds - sedans plus SUVs.  It has a good styling and the Accord’s 2.4 petrol engine.

 

The large, double-barreled headlights, the integrated bull-bar in the bumper, the tailgate-mounted spare and the tall stance give it SUV credentials. The tailgate glass opens separately for added convenience. The face-lift has also eliminated the black bumpers. A nice touch is the mini wing-mirror, which makes reversing easier. From the side and rear, the styling is conventional, but attractive.  The chassis is a monocoque construction, and comes with a sophisticated, all-independent suspension. A toe-control-link strut suspension makes handling more predictable and stable in the front. The rear has a reactive link double wishbone system.

 

As for the real time 4WD system, it works full time with bulk of the power being transmitted to the front wheels unless called for in sticky situations like dirt or gravel roads, imparting more stability and traction in the bargain. This system is a boon in snowy conditions, but then, this is India, a tropical country. The system helps save on fuel as well compared to regular and conventional 4WD systems. This is not a true off-road system though, without a dual-range transfer case or locking differentials or anything of the sort.

 

A foldable central tray makes good use of the space between the front seats. The central console is also full of storage spaces. To make space for the large central box, the CD player is mounted at eye level, the air-con controls mounted low. The height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering allow you to get that all-important view over the bonnet. The sole problem lies in the quality of the plastics, which doesn’t fit the price tag. The upgrade has made the interior two-tone, which now looks far better, and added good-looking electro-luminescent dials. A new and practical touch is the boot floor, which lifts out to form a picnic table. There is no third row of seats.

 

 

The CR-V manages 7.4kpl in the city, and 9.5kpl on the highway. The CR-V is no match for a car on the road, but it handles well, and with larger, 16-inch wheels and up-rated suspension, it is more stable and grippy than before. The steering is responsive and direct, and instils confidence. The CR-V’s suspension is on the soft side, but it blends ride and handling fairly well. The CR-V feels supple on most surfaces, and yet it doesn’t heave and pitch when hustled across a bad road; only the largest dips cause the CR-V to lose composure. The softer suspension settings and higher centre of gravity mean that it rolls a fair bit in corners.

 

In town, the CR-V is a breeze to drive. The high seating position is a boon, and visibility is good. The CR-V is pretty disappointing off-road, even though the 4WD system is now better. Traction isn’t great, and the real-time four-wheel-drive system doesn’t always kick in quickly enough. The low side step tends to beach the CR-V on high mounds — not good for off-roading.

Filed under: Honda Cars in India