Honda CR-V review (2007 onwards model)

As the Stern Review predicts climatic doom, and Blair calls for more taxes on fuel, and Greenpeace screams for the end of the 4x4, so Honda launches its brand-new CR-V.

That’s why, rather than driving through forests, Honda is stressing how it’s helping to save them. Forget crossing rivers, Honda doesn’t want melting icecaps to fill them in the first place.

For, the Japanese company reckons, this is (and you’re told this before anything else about the vehicle) the greenest, cleanest SUV you can buy. Drive an Audi A4 Avant? Pah – you environmental heathen. The CR-V is positively angelic in comparison, and those who say otherwise are being carried along the wave of ill-conceived anti-4x4 hysteria that Honda is so intent on correcting. In terms of opening salvos, you’re left breathless by all this talk of greenness, before you even set eyes on the new motor: nevertheless, it’s an effective way of underlining the 2.2 diesel’s 43.5mpg and 173g/km CO2 emissions. Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 170 quattro: 41.5mpg, 179g/km.

The chance came to drive it, and for me to catch my breath. The first press shots have shown a very good-looking vehicle, with curves where the old model boasted angles, looking as if the Honda designers discovered the word ‘streamlining’. It works in the metal too, particularly the swooping rear (which looks a bit Mercedes ML) – apart from one aspect. In the red of the test car, the front grille looks like that of a Ssangyong Kyron. Oh dear. Luckily, the effect disappears in silver; be careful with your colour choice. Needless to say, fit and finish are absolutely impeccable, a credit to the Swindon plant where all CR-Vs (and Civics) are built.

Interior

A few shiny plastics were a surprise inside, but it too is ultra-solid, and a fair site better looking than before. The dials are sexy (love the central digi display) and heater controls nicked from the Accord are intuitive. Note also, the daft dash-mounted handbrake of yore has been dumped, replaced by a rather nifty central gripper, while the six-speed ‘box of the test diesel has the cleanest shift of any 4x4. Indeed, so the CR-V does feel in its entirety: what really strikes you is how smooth, solid and well-oiled this new SUV feels.

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The marvellous diesel helps here (also offered is a 2.0-litre petrol). Other than a touch of low-rev clatter, it’s an absolute dream, with an interesting ‘whine’ rather than grumble, impeccable manners and near-instant power delivery. Distinct from all other diesels, it’s a gem to use and, naturally, pleasingly torquey. Clever 4WD running gear that’s front-drive until it detects slip (when drive is sent rearwards in a flash) handles such grunt, making this a 43mpg 4x4 that rewards you for being green.

On the road

At speed, road noise emanating from the rear is more intrusive than the engine, while its complete smoothness is complemented by a fluid ride. Honda has purposely chosen a cushy set-up, yielding pleasing softness that, thanks to decent damping, doesn’t get too floaty unless you’re really pedalling (where the up-down motion is appreciable, but not objectionable). Turn in and there’s noticeable lean, and it feels squidgy over twisty roads, yet still confident thanks to a lower centre of gravity than before. Accurate, well-weighted steering helps here; at times you feel like you’re waiting for the body to roll before it turns in, but it never feels uncontrolled.

And besides, 4x4s are traditionally not driven in this way; it’s the CR-V’s superb engine and cushy manners that fool you into forgetting its height, semi-rugged underpinnings and ability to at least make a decent fist of forest fields. Even the bite of the clutch shuns aggression; the feel is the perfect antidote to SUV haters who may scowl at you as you pass. It’s practical too, an easy five-seater with a semi-flat floor and ample legroom all round. Entering and exiting is easy as the step isn’t excessively high, while comfortable seats meld with the commanding seating position for excellent comfort.

Safety kit

It’s stocked with some hi-tech kit, too. Such as active front lights that swivel around corners, radar-controlled active cruise control (that slows you if the traffic snarls up) and ‘Collision Mitigation Braking’. This is like the system on the latest Mercedes S-Class, and first warns you if cars are slowing ahead, then gently applies brakes and, if there’s still no driver response, slams the anchors on hard. Honda, incidentally, predicts a five-star Euro NCAP crash score – including three stars for pedestrian safety.

It’s hard to dislike the new CR-V, provided you accept that it’s not a sports car. So many aspects are deliciously smooth and fluid, the feel is one of a premium car and the diesel engine is a gem. No, it’ll probably never off-road, but the penalty for that ability is minimal, and the benefits (higher seats, better visibility, superior foul-weather safety) are obvious. Honda has gone far to negate the environmental cost of driving an SUV, meaning we can enjoy its strengths guilt-free. Certainly, on first evidence, it feels up to the challenge of Toyota’s RAV4, while the forthcoming Mitsubishi/Citroen/Peugeot trip could be worried by its strengths.

Peugeot and Citroen announce new SUVs

Verdict

Question is, how will it fare against its other British rival, the Land Rover Freelander II? We’ll be finding out soon, but on this evidence, the Landie had better be good. Mind you, Honda may have won one battle already – that of environmental acceptance. But will that stop those who hate SUVs? What do you think?