The Honda CR-V is a car much loved by Filipinos. Ever since the first-generation sold in 1995, it became “the car” to have. It displaced the mid-sized sedan as the choice of the business executive and family man alike. It wasn’t uncommon to see a CR-V escorted by bodyguards—it was a sensible and more importantly, upscale choice. Reinventing itself into a 10-seater model in 2002 and priced to compete with the Revos and Crosswinds, it sold like hotcakes, albeit at the expense at some of its upscale image. For a time, it was the country’s best-selling Honda—outselling even the Civic compact sedan. Of course, such success had its share of critics. The second-generation model was beleaguered with complaints about a less than stellar build quality, cheap materials and the lack of all-wheel drive (though it returned back during a mid-cycle facelift). So, after the much hyped wait for the third-generation model—how will the Filipino favorite fair?
First of all, let’s talk technology. The CR-V wears its heart not on its shoulder, but on its shoe—well, actually its platform, which is shared with the Civic. That said, go-anywhere off-roading isn’t the CR-V’s main selling point; though unparalleled riding comfort on pavement is. Everyone loves the Civic’s riding comfort, but the CR-V takes it to the next level. It starts with a bulkier body (1475 kilograms of curb weight) then throw in a revised and re-tuned all-around independent suspension and a helping of amply thick tires (225/65 R 17s) and you have a sport utility vehicle with a ride to mix it up with cars double its price. Forget being based on the Civic—with a ride like this, you’d swear the new CR-V shares more in common with the Accord.
The good news doesn’t stop with the suspension. There’s a choice between two 4-cylinder engines: either a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter, both equipped with i-VTEC. Honda Cars Philippines was gracious to lend the 150 horsepower 2.0-liter, and this reviewer came out ultimately impressed. The 2.0 S (as the front-driver CR-V is officially called), is never short on power and acceleration. Though the usual 5-speed automatic is indeed available on either front-wheel or all-wheel drive models, Honda, being an engineering-based company, makes a 6-speed manual available with the CR-V. Located on the center console, the stick shift is nothing short of sweet with a nice engagement and ‘snick click’ accuracy. The clutch travel, though initially grabby, is easy to master given some time. As a result, the CR-V accelerates without any hesitation. Overtaking is as simple as dropping a gear and seeing the engine speeds climb up as high as 6,800 rpm. And even after all that redline hijinks, the CR-V, as odd as it may sound, is one tree-huging SUV. It manages to do 11.1 km/L in the city. It’s unimaginable what kind of mileage figures it can do once it hits the highway.
Wrapped around this amazing drivetrain is a body shell that’s best described as “unique”. When Honda was in the process of designing the CR-V, its main mission was to alleviate the dullness from its cars. The resulting car is anything but, but at the same time, it’s not exactly considered universally beautiful. From some angles, the CR-V does look good. Though shorter in overall length than the previous model, it actually rides on a longer wheelbase. It results in all four wheels pushed more towards the corners, making the CR-V look sportier and much more athletic than before. The sweeping greenhouse, creased door panels and monotone color all contribute to its sporty demeanor. From the rear, designers have taken a cautious approach, opting to retain the trademark pillar tail lamps on this model. What they did change is the way the hatch opens. From the wonderfully practical split tailgate, the new CR-V makes do with a single large vertically opening tailgate. The touch sensitive button makes for a European touch, but the large opening angle may irk those with tight garage spaces. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the CR-V is its front-end. The two-tier grille certainly looks odd, especially with the 2.0 S, where the lower grille isn’t accented with chrome. The lower grille has been extended too, lending an angler fish appearance.
Controversial the CR-V is from the outside, inside, it is quality by anyone’s standards. It was as if Honda made it a conscious effort to remove any trace of the previous model’s plasticky execution. Touch any part, as in any part, inside and you’ll be greeted with soft-touch plastics. The sophistication and tactility of the different buttons and switches upstage the more expensive Accord. In terms of design, Honda could have gone bonkers and introduce an instrument panel like their Civic; instead they’ve gone traditional, which is just as well since this will certainly age better and look more classic. Despite the traditionally executed cabin, there are still some space age features worth mentioning. Aside from the center console mounted shifter, the large LCD screen sandwiched between the tachometer and speedometer is a nice touch and so is the twin level glove box and the jet inspired parking brake.
People wanting tons of space will be impressed with the CR-V as well. Though the pass-through center console bids adios, there’s still tons of space front or back. The rear too, features a fully-flat floor making comfortable space for three. In addition, there are 5 individual headrests too—making every CR-V passenger comfortable even in the long haul. Feature-wise, the 2.0S is loaded with more or less the features you’ll really need. Dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes and a MP3 capable CD system with auxiliary input are all standard. Perhaps the only thing missing is a rear back-up sensor, which among others, comes as standard on the 2.4 S-X.
Honda is calling the CR-V as the “un-SUV” meaning it excels where most SUVs falter. This is one SUV that retains the most useful abilities of an SUV: high driving position, excellent visibility and highly flexible interior without the penalties of poor handling and abysmal fuel economy. Though pricier than before, the all-new Honda CR-V should soon find itself once again as a Filipino favorite. This writer should know—he wants one too.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos by Ulysses Ang
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