There are some quite fundamental changes to the oily bits of the latest generation CR-V. The big one is that you can now buy a CR-V in either front or all-wheel drive with the 2.0-litre 153bhp i-VTEC petrol engine. Go for the base 1.6-litre diesel and it’s 2WD only, while the pokier 2.0-litre diesel is 4WD only. Very clever electrically-assisted power steering works in concert with the car’s stability-control system to initiate counter-steering in the event of a skid, so as to prompt the driver to steer in the right direction.
Honda believes the majority of CR-Vs sold will continue to be all-wheel-drive models and, with a run of bad winters behind us, it’s easy to see why.
The hydraulically activated “dual-pump” system of the third generation CR-V has been replaced by an electronically activated set-up that provides a faster response when a loss of traction is detected. It also reduces weight by 17% and minimises internal friction by 59%.
Hill Start Assist (HAS) is standard across the range and stops the vehicle rolling backwards during hill starts. Hill Descent Control (HDC) makes its debut on the CR-V and is available on automatic versions. It operates at up to 5mph and helps the CR-V descend difficult terrain safely and consistently.
The first-generation CR-V was handsome in a generic kind of way, with the second-generation car being a better finished and bigger version of much the same styling theme. Generation three debuted a slicker look with a sweeping coupe-like window line while the fourth generation car makes a departure from that with a kinked side window and huge swept-back headlamp pods. It’s undoubtedly a more assertive look.
With the rear seats folded flat, the boot capacity of the CR-V has grown by 148 litres to 1,648 litres and with the seats folded up, the boot capacity is a capacious 589 litres. The load length has been increased by 140mm to 1,570mm, while the height of the load lip has been reduced by 25mm to make it easier to load heavy or awkward items. The boot of the CR-V can now accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs.
The introduction of 2WD has allowed this fourth-generation CR-V to come to market with a lower asking price starting from under £22,000. You only get this option on petrol variants and choosing it gives you a saving of about £1,100 over the equivalent 4WD model.
Across the line-up, there are four trim levels S, SE, SR and EX. All are decently equipped, with even the entry-level S featuring a 5in Intelligent Multi Info Display, driver power lumbar support, Stop/Start for the engine, Dual Zone Climate Control, cruise control, 17in alloy wheels, fabric interior, Hill Start Assist, Steering wheel stereo controls, USB/iPod auxiliary input and one-touch folding rear seats.
The CR-V has always commanded some of the very best residual values in the market and it’s hard to see this latest version diverging from that script. It’s also been voted the most reliable of all SUVs, which only underscores the fact that this is as bulletproof a buy as it’s possible to make in this segment. It even betters Land Rover’s Freelander in both retained value and overall cost per mile figures. If you want to go off road, choose the Land Rover, if not go for the Honda. Some choices are as easy as that.
Improvements in fuel economy and reduction of emissions in the CR-V were among some of the development team’s key priorities. The power and torque outputs of the i-DTEC engine remain at 148bhp and 258lb/ft respectively, but figures for CO2 emissions have improved, with the 2.2i diesel returning 149g/km of CO2 and 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, figures that fall to 174g/km and 42.8mpg if you opt for the automatic model. The 118bhp 1.6 i-DTEC entry-level diesel of course does better, managing 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and 119g/km of CO2.
If you go for 2.0-litre petrol power, your figures will depend not only on the gearbox you choose but also on your selection between two and four-wheel drive. The entry level 2WD model manages 39.2mpg on the combined cycle and 168g/km of CO2. Go for the same car with 4WD and the figures are little different, 173g/km and 38.2mpg. As an auto, you’ll get 175g/km and 37.7mpg.
It’s hard to see how Honda can fail with this fourth-generation CR-V. To be honest, not a lot really needed changing. The engines have been tweaked for better efficiency and, to this eye at least, it looks a good deal better both inside and out. Otherwise the recipe is very much the same and it’s wise of Honda not to stray too far from the established and hugely successful theme.
It still only seats five, but moving to a genuinely useful seven-seat body would have meant upsizing this vehicle quite considerably: five million CR-V sales to date indicate that Honda’s customers don’t want that. Listening to them is what has made this model so successful. Yes, there are more dynamic and exciting SUVs for sale, but in a maturing marketplace that’s increasingly defined by what the vehicle can do rather than what it says, the CR-V looks set to remain the boss.
Model: Honda CR-V range
Price: From under £22,000
Engine: 2.0-litre 153bhp i-VTEC petrol engine / 1.6-litre diesel
Performance: 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds; top speed of 118mph (2.0 litre petrol)
Economy: 39.2mpg (combined) (2.0 litre petrol)
CO2 rating: 168g/km (2.0 litre petrol)