Honda CR-V

Overview

The Midsize crossover from Honda, the Honda CR-V, is currently in its fifth generation and has become sleeker and bigger than ever before. While the CR-V is sold with a variety of engine options and a seven-seater version in many other markets, the one sold in UAE is available with a single powertrain, 5-seater configuration and a total of seven paint schemes – Lunar Silver, Modern Steel, White Diamond, Crystal Black, Obsidian Blue, Basque Red, and Gunmetal.

Interior & Features

On the inside, the Honda CR-V carries forward the futuristic appeal of the exterior design with a simple but elegant layout of the dashboard which looks like if it belongs to a vehicle from tomorrow.

The multifunctional steering wheel as well as partitioned fully digital instrument console from the Honda Civic make up for a sci-fi driver’s cockpit. However, the centre console of the dashboard remains unique to the CR-V with a trapezoidal touchscreen infotainment system and a free-standing lower console which houses the transmission lever as well. The lower part of the all-black dashboard is finished in faux wood, thus adding a good contrast to the interior cabin.

For a five-seater SUV, the Honda CR-V feels very spacious with ample amount of space in the back seat compartment, with the SUV getting many premium features like dual-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifters, Honda Lane watch camera, active noise cancellation, push-button start with keyless entry and many more. In the UAE market though, Honda has skipped on the seven-seater variant which is sold overseas.

Exterior

Honda has beautifully managed to evolve the design of the CR-V over the years, and while the SUV still manages to retain the original shape and stance, it still has got freshness in vast levels in its design.

The front fascia of the Honda CR-V now looks much sharper, thanks to a sleeker and bigger chrome grille, which blends in well with the angular full LED headlamps. The entire front fascia has an angular stance that lends it a unique look to the CR-V.

The Honda CR-V looks very much familiar when viewed from the side, with the SUV having an angular glass area in the D-pillar and bulging wheel arches much like its predecessor models. The side cladding running throughout the side profile along with the machined alloy wheels give it the required rugged appeal of an SUV.

At the rear, this new iteration of the Honda CR-V looks elegant and distinctive with its horizontal layout of LED tail lamps, along with vertical elements of tail lamps on the sides of the rear windscreen.

Ride & Handling

The Honda CR-V is offered as a soft-roader, which is the reason why its performance is not as aggressive and bold in tough terrains as other ladders on frame SUVs. The overall suspension and steering setups are kept on a softer side in order to give a calmer and smoother performance in the urban driving conditions.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Honda CR-V’s sole powertrain option for the UAE market is its tried and tested 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired to a CVT gearbox and produces a maximum power output of 185 PS and a peak torque output of 244 Nm. In the lower LX variant, the power is channeled to front wheels, while in the other two variants – EX Plus and Touring – all-wheel drive is offered as standard.

Braking & Safety

The Honda CR-V is fitted with safety essentials like the front, side and curtain airbags, driver attention monitoring system, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, traction control, hill start assist, agile handling assist, vehicle stability assist, tire pressure monitoring system and electric parking brake.

Verdict

The Honda CR-V might not be a go-getter SUV for your extreme rough road driving conditions, however, with its softer approach towards motoring, it provides a softer car-like experience in the way it drives and feels. With a premium appeal in its design in and out, spacious cabin and powertrain refinement, the Honda CR-V offers a plush experience like no other SUV.