Review of the new Honda CR-V Range

Do you know what the most disquieting thing about compact SUVs is? The nagging sense of dishonesty. All too often these vehicles are trying to portray a rugged image when, for the most part, they're utterly hopeless as soon as the tarmac runs out. In the real world, the most owners will actually want to do is to haul a trailer or get out of a muddy car park. And Honda, more than any other car maker, is a company that lives in the real world, designing its products to suit. The latest car to benefit from this rather refreshing approach is the third generation CR-V. Here's a model which, though still able to deal with towing and slimy surfaces, for the most part concentrates on providing what most compact SUV owners really want: a more pragmatic and useful on-road package.

Discussing the suspension of a compact SUV might seem a strange way to kick off but take a look under the CR-V and you'll spot independent suspension all round with a multilink rear set-up. The centre of gravity has been dropped by fully 35mm and Honda claims to have benchmarked the best family hatchbacks in its class (rather than other 4x4s) when it comes to handling. Forget the cumbersome roly-poly road manners and ponderous ride quality still common to some cars in this class. The CR-V has been engineered to be pin sharp straight out of the box.

This matters. It matters because, if you're honest with yourself, you never take small 4x4s off road anyway. It matters because it means you're not trying to portray some sort of lifestyle you don't have. And, above all, it matters because the CR-V now corners more crisply and safely than ever before and, despite the best efforts of the Romans, our roads tend to be very twisty.

The CR-V can handle gentle off-road tracks thanks to its four-wheel drive system but think of this as an all-wheel drive equipped car rather than a 'proper' SUV. The system has been tweaked a little to direct even more torque to the rear wheels when the front wheels start slipping. This is actually more handy if you're planning to use the CR-V in bad weather conditions or on an Alpine skiing jaunt.

"The CR-V has undergone a root and branch update"

The shape of the CR-V hints at the fact that this is no shrunken Hummer. The coupe-like roofline is reminiscent of the Lexus RX series, while the stance is low slung and hunched. The front end is very distinctive, with an unusual 'smiling' grille section that fits flush to the projector-style headlamps. A choice between 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels also underscores the Honda's on-road mission. Other 4x4 cues have also been ditched, one by one. The tail-mounted spare wheel has been excised, replaced by one that sits under the load compartment floor. The tailgate also opens like a conventional hatchback - side openings being deemed a little passe.

The internal dimensions aren't far removed from the old CR-V, a car which always was one of the more spacious compact 4x4s. Load space has been increased, despite the internally housed spare, while access has been improved by bigger doors that open wider. The interior features metallic elements on the dash with soft textured black trim, while the front seats cater for this nation's ever-expanding posteriors, being larger and more comfortable than before. The sunroof on top-spec models has also been supersized and can be closed off with two electric blinds which are trimmed in the same material as the roof lining. This feature was debuted in the Civic and, like the Civic again, the CR-V features a relocated gear lever. Now at the base of the centre stack, it's been brought closer to the steering wheel, creating more floor space. Equipment levels are generous with an eight-way powered driver's seat, leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera offered according to trim level. Should you really want to play the urban gangster, there's even a 19-inch wheel option. No chrome spinners though.

The rear seats split 60:40 at the base and 40:20:40 at the back and slide back and forth to maximise either leg or luggage room. They even recline to really let rear passengers flake out on longer trips. When not required, the rear seats can be tumbled forwards and stowed upright to create a space big enough for a pair of mountain bikes. You won't even need to remove the front wheels. Extra versatility is served up with the 'Double Deck' luggage storage system created by a shelf that sits just over a foot off the load floor. This hinged slab allows luggage below to remain easily accessible but out of view.

Two engine options are available. The petrol powerplant is a 2.0-litre unit based on the 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine found in the Civic range, in this instance pumped up to produce 150bhp. It'll get to 60mph in a respectable 9.9 seconds if you choose the manual transmission, the five-speed auto model lagging with an 11.9 second showing against the watch. Peak power arrives at a nosebleed 6,200rpm, so you'll need to rev this thing to make progress and if you're loaded down with people and gear, the modest 190Nm torque figure may well prompt you to look at the diesel engine. This is the celebrated 2.2-litre i-CTDI diesel good for 140bhp but with a generously stuffed 340Nm of torque. If you're planning on towing anything, look no further than this unit.

The Honda CR-V may not have ever been the most eye-catching SUV around but it has been consistently one of the biggest sellers across Europe. Even here in a country where Land Rover is king, the Honda has threatened to usurp the Freelander's crown. Expect that state of affairs to continue for some time yet.

TOP 5 CR-V DEALS

The results below show the top CR-V deals on buyacar

Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £25,036 Read CR-V Reviews	Save £3,174
Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC ES 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £21,624 Read CR-V Reviews	Save £2,986
Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC ES-T 5dr Auto Diesel Estate
Price £24,218 Read CR-V Reviews	Save £3,077
Honda CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC ES 5dr Auto Estate
Price £20,785 Read CR-V Reviews	Save £3,180
Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX 5dr Auto [Advanced Safety Pack] Diesel Estate
Price £28,334 Read CR-V Reviews	Save £3,326
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