Honda CR-V review |
A chic SUV; atleast here in India. Lots of flash
I searched much to find out what this CR-V actually stands for, but couldnt find out. So, not to get dejected, I drove one to find out what this Petrol powered SUV is doing in the Indian market which, though fond of SUVs is not exactly fond of petrol powered versions. This though was different, it cannot be termed a runaway success like a Scorpio, but this car has not exactly done poorly either. This difference with this car lay in the fact that it has times new roman style capital H on its grille, a symbol widely associated with excellent cars, not just well built, but very cleverly engineered with optimum use of all available resources.
It has been a while since the CR-V hit the market and it has made a niche for itself. Far beyond those noisy diesels which though make lots of noise about being just as fast and comfortable, are just blowing their trumpets in vain. This Honda comes loaded in every sense of the word. From that awesome 150BHP engine to that hydraulic clutch enabling the real time four wheel drive (RTFWD). Everything in this car is sophisticated; there is an aura about this car that gives this car an uncanny metrosexual image. It isnt what I would call a compromise, between an SUV and a car; it is rather a car that can go off-road on demand. Many people like to compare this new CR-V to the old one, since I am not a person who like to glorify or crib about the past, I thought I would look at this Honda the way any layman would, without preconceived notions. So here we go.
Design and styling
Well, I have always been a fan of Japanese engineering, just because they can do quite a lot with whatever little they can lay their hands on. Efficiency exudes their every design and work is constantly undertaken with the end user, people like you and me in mind. The CR-V is no exception. The styling is not very SUVish, the entire concept is based on a car like theme and is very soft-roader, not off-roader. The stylish 16 inch alloy wheels studded with large 215/65 profile tires, the black padded (not completely black) bumpers, the large chrome grille and headlamps with twin circular elements look great and somehow make this rather sedated being look just a little bit angry. The design is full of curves and not straight lines, as is the case with most SUVs. Ok, now lets get inside.
The upholstery is a plush blend of brown, beige and tan. The cabin is bright and Honda quality apparent. The instrument cluster has a large central Speedo with a real-time electronic bar to indicate fuel consumption. electro-luminescent dials, which light up when the car is switched on, 2 DIN-sized music system that combines a tape deck, in-dash CD player and tuner placed at eye level so as to not disturb you from the most important and satisfying part of owing a Honda, the driving. The CR-V also comes with a climate control system for hassle free air-conditioning, a chilled storage box that can also store Compact Discs and the unique handbrake design, which seems rather different. Comfort on both front and rear seats is the best in its class. Space which might seem a little less than expected is extremely well utilized thanks to the folding split rear seat.
Engine, transmission, ride, handling and verdict
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![Honda CRV front](javascript:openwin("largephoto.asp?imagename=cr_vf11.jpg&imagetitle=Honda CRV front"))
![Honda CRV interiors](javascript:openwin("largephoto.asp?imagename=cr_vints.jpg&imagetitle=Honda CRV interiors"))