What’s hot?
- Honda’s new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel, with 160 ps, is lighter, cleaner and more frugal than the outgoing 2.2 i-DTEC. Plus power’s up 10 ps.
- Big drop in C02 emissions (to 129 g/km) versus the 144 g/km of the outgoing 2.2. Economy also improves: 57.7 mpg vs 50.4 mpg.
- Lower C02 means cheaper company car taxes. BIK at 21% (£5778) for this 6-speed manual CR-V compared to 24% (£7274) for previous 2.2.
- New two-stage turbo instrumental in boosting engine output and delivery. New engine/transmission also weighs 65 kgs less than previous powertrain.
- New 9-speed automatic now on offer across the revised CR-V diesel range, versus the 5-speed auto of the old 2.2.
- On the road, keen response, good torque and smooth delivery from Honda’s new 1.6 diesel. No drop off in performance compared to 2.2.
- Solid, stable handling. Reassurance of standard 4WD
- Update brings revised suspension geometry, new dampers and wider tracks to improve stability and ride. Steering response 8% improved.
- Standard City-Brake Active system lowers insurance grouping four levels, from 28 to 24.
- New CR-V premieres Honda’s new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC). This ‘Active Safety feature’ senses other vehicles’ position on the road and is capable of predicting, and automatically reacting to, other vehicles “cutting in” to your lane, Honda says.
- All-new Honda Connect app-driven audio and information system includes DAB and internet radio, Bluetooth, sat nav and rear-view parking camera.
What’s not?
- While the new CR-V cruises well, is quiet, comfortable and refined, it is not high on pure driver appeal. Put another way, even with the efficient new 1.6 diesel on board, it’s a slightly dull drive
- Slight deterioration in CO2 emissions and economy with the new 9AT box, ie 134 g/km and 55.4 mpg. Price inevitably creeps higher, too.
- Some cheap looking hard plastics still evident in the cabin, despite facelift.
- Has the facelift (new lights, bumpers, wheels?) improved the CR-V’s looks? Differing opinions on that one.
