The CR-V Hybrid raises the bar in terms of quality, feel and looks. The 2019 version you see before you today has a fresher and more sophisticated exterior design, and a bolder and more broader contour.
Then comes the powertrain – which sits at the heart of the car, with an Atkinson-cycle IC engine that works in conjunction with two electric motors; one propulsion and one generator motor. All overseen and controlled by Honda’s unique intelligent Multi-Mode-Drive (i-MMD) software. This drivetrain offers the user three driving modes and alternates between the three depending on the current driving scenario.
Power and Efficiency:
Fitted with a 2.0 litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, which means 107kW and 220/243 Nm of torque which is good – and all thanks to Honda doing such a wonderful job of getting the best out of both the petrol engine and the electric motors. The CR-V will also return a combined 51.4 MPG (AWD) & 53.5 (2WD) if driven with a very light right foot. As for the emissions, that came in at a very respectable 120/126 g/km dependent on drive mode (AWD or 2WD) Top speed will also max out at around 112mph and 0-62 will come in at around 9.2 seconds.
On the road:
The CR-V doesn’t feel heavy or cumbersome at all – and you can sense that Honda has put a lot of effort in setting up the suspension and chassis to help deal with the many different surfaces the CR-V will come across in its lifetime– be that the morning school run or that camping trip away with the family. Plus, I was recently in Hereford for a weekend away with her indoors. The weather turned out to be shocking with large puddles of water strewn across the roads, along with mud and debris. For the CR-V, this was not a problem – it just waded its way through everything that mother nature threw in its path.
Design & Technology:
The interior is of a good standard and the controls are well set out and all the dials are clear. I did not like the driver’s seat as I found I just couldn’t get the seating position perfect for me – but then I am quite fussy. The space inside is also good – better than most, and you could easily fit in a very large amount of luggage plus the bicycles which we used to forge our way through the hills of Ross-on-Wye and Bridstow.
Plus – everything inside the CR-V feels well put together because it’s a Honda and you know it will last till the end of time. Passenger legroom is also fine, as is the boot space with a seat up capacity of (497 litres to windows) and a seat folded flat capacity of (1064 litres to windows).
Standard equipment on the EX model includes; Forward collision warning, brake assist, front & rear curtain airbags, land departure warning, adaptive cruise control, 9 speakers and subwoofer, Honda connect with GARMIN navigation, blind-spot and cross-traffic monitor system, 7” touchscreen for audio controls, hands free power tailgate, electric driver’s seat, heated rear seats and head-up display.
The list does not stop there either – you also get; LED daytime running lights, high beam support, and rear combi LED lighting,
To sum up:
A good buy – If you are searching for one of the best-looking SUV’s currently on the market with the addition of some good specification even in basic (S) trim – and enough space to keep any large family happy, then the CR-V could be the perfect fit for you.
Price: £37,305 (from) not including fitted options By Anthony Yates
