By Ian Strachan.
Since the first Honda CR-V hit the showrooms in 1995 it has become the world’s best selling SUV, as well as being Honda’s largest premium SUV.
And the good news is that CR-V is available as a plug-in hybrid with electric power to help fuel consumption and an electric-only range of just over 50 miles – plenty for most short commutes.
The car is powered by battery on start-up, at low speed and on deceleration, saving fuel. Battery power supplements the Honda’s 2.0 litre 148 PS petrol engine.
The latest CR-V, despite having car-like driving dynamics, has a rugged look, with a purposeful front end and black mesh grille, deep rear bumper, and the chunky black alloys fitted to my Advance Tech specification test vehicle. It’s available as a 4×4 but with no plans to take it off-road I tested the two-wheel drive version.
The CR-V has a smart interior with high quality materials and finish and effective sound-deadening treatment, meaning this is a very quiet car.
The inside is an extremely comfortable and airy place to be, with excellent visibility all round and pleasant trim materials, including leather upholstery. The Advance Tech spec gets an opening glass roof, further adding to the feeling of light and space. Clear, uncluttered, centrally-placed well-lit instruments and easily accessible controls help the overall feeling of well-being inside the cabin.
Specification is good, with dual-zone climate control, all-round airbags, audio system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and MP3 capability, satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, front fog lights, powered folding door mirrors, heated and cooled seats, powered tailgate, smartphone charger and cruise control. An app can help you view fuel and charge levels, and vehicle security from a Smartphone, as well as setting the climate control.
The 2.0 petrol engine is a smooth unit with adequate power across the range. At motorway speeds it feels comfortable, quiet and unfussed. It is linked to a stepless CVT automatic gearbox.
Handling is good, with crisp steering. The suspension set-up is quite soft but bodyroll on cornering is minimal.
The CR-V has made a good impression on the market to date and this Hybrid version, with all the sustainable benefits it brings, will do it no harm, particularly with good engine options. It looks good, has a nice driving environment with a high driving position, and good performance.
The Honda CR-V Advance Tech plug-in hybrid comes at a competitive £54,670 on the road, and that includes £675 for metallic paint.
