By Paul Gover.
It’s been a long time since the Honda CR-V was just a Civic on stilts.
The latest evolution of the CR-V takes it squarely into the family-car feud with the latest developments in seven-seater layouts.
The CR-V has become a 5+2 car, just like a wide range of its rivals including the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, for people who are occasional seven-seater families.
It means the Honda can carry a big bunch but is also more user-friendly for five-seater duties, or even as a one-up commuter car.
Officially known as the E7, there are two versions of this CR-V – based on equipment – but both have the same 2-litre petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Priced from $34,490, the VTi missed a few trinkets that come in the VRi-L, but satnav can be covered by Apple CarPlay and does everyone really want a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats or paddles on the steering wheel for shifting?
Anyway, it still comes with leather seats – ideal for kiddie spills – a proximity key, cruise control, auto aircon and four USB ports.
Basically, the CR-V headliner is large and effective. There is plenty of space in the front and middle-row seats, although the third row- even with aircon vents – is only for youngsters. The back doors are particularly good, with nearly 90-degrees of opening that provides excellent access, and folding and sliding the various seats is easy.
The cabin finish is just as I expect from Honda, with classy materials and excellent finishing, although the driver’s seat is not particulary supportive and – whisper it – I missed the shift paddles when the going gets turning.
First impressions are good, but the Honda is noticeably noisier than the Renault Kadjar I was driving before the CR-V. It is likely down to the tyres, which generate too much thrum and rumble, but perhaps the French maker also fits more sound proofing.
The car cruises nicely and the economy is good, although my distaste for CVT transmission is triggered by too much noise and not enough response away from the lights. I know Japanese makers have gone CVT for economy and emissions, but I still believe an old-school auto or VW-style DCT is a better move.
The display screen is a bit underwhelming, 7 inches in size when the pace-setters are all beyond 12, and I really cannot understand the thinking behind deleting automatic headlights – a major safety boost as well as a way to avoid a flat battery – just to save money.
As I’m writing, more quibbles are coming to mind but the basics of the CR-V are good and it works well when I load it at IKEA and later with a bunch of youngsters spread across the three rows.
It’s a car that does what it says, with honesty and quality, and is a sensible choice for a family.
The CR-V might trail my personal favourite, the Tiguan Allspace, but it the E7 models are a significant move by Honda and one that will be welcome by a lot of Aussie families.
THE BASICS
HONDA CR-V
Price: from $34,490
Power: 113kW/189Nm
Position: family seven-seater SUV
Plus: flexibility, space, quality
Minus: CVT auto, short on tech
THE TICK: Yes
