Honda CR-V VTi-L 4WD Luxury car model

Honda CR-V VTi-L 4WD

Make Honda Family CR-V Series RM Year 2012 Badge Description VTi-L 4WD Doors 4 Seats 5 Transmission Automatic Engine Configuration Description In-line Gear Num 5 Cylinders 4 Build Country Origin Description THAILAND ANCAPRating 5 Overall Green Star Rating 4 Fuel Type Description Petrol - Unleaded ULP Drive Description 4X4 On Demand Warranty KM 100000

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It's been a tough few years for Honda, a brand that not long ago had aspirations of topping 100,000 sales locally but in 2012 will sell well under half that. Sharper pricing and additional equipment sprinkled across the range in the past couple of years have helped pop the well-regarded Japanese brand back on shopping lists, which makes the arrival of an all-new CR-V all the more important. The CR-V was one of the earlier soft-roaders and accounts for a big chunk of Honda sales.

For the first time, Honda is offering a two-wheel-drive version of its CR-V in Australia, bringing it into line with the vast majority of SUVs on sale here. That means a lower entry price for 2WD versions, which also make do with a smaller (2.0-litre), less powerful engine.

Price and equipment

The CR-V conforms to all the compact SUV expectations, which stretch to Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, reversing camera, trip computer, 17-inch alloy wheels (with a full-size spare), six airbags and stability control on even the entry-level VTi model, which sells from $27,490, plus on-road and dealer costs. An auto transmission adds $2300 while the auto-only four-wheel-drive system (with bigger 2.4-litre engine) adds another $3000.

Jump up to the VTi-S (4WD only) and dual-zone automatic airconditioning, rear parking sensors, satellite-navigation, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a leather steering wheel come as part of the $36,290 deal.

The flagship VTi-L (for luxury, and also only available in 4WD) tested here adds push-button start, front parking sensors, sunroof, electric front seats, leather trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. While $42,490 isn't cheap, there's a fair bit for the money.

Under the bonnet

The 2.4-litre engine is a familiar unit, bringing honest if uninspiring performance.

The engine itself is certainly willing enough and musters 140kW on regular unleaded.

Mid-rev response is acceptable but there's more zing at higher revs, with the engine's pitch changing at 5000rpm as the VTEC variable valve timing system (Honda pioneered the now widely used variable valve timing technology) goes about its business.

If anything, the engine is too focused on its upper rev range, where most buyers will overlook it. Peak power, for example, is created at 7000rpm, yet the auto shifts gears at 6700rpm when left to its own devices, meaning the only way to access all 140kW is by using the paddle shifters and temporarily holding it in a gear.

The engine always feels somewhat hamstrung, though, by its five-speed auto; an extra ratio would allow the gearbox to make better use of the engine's modest output.

Fuel use is claimed at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres, but the reality in everyday driving is likely to be north of 10L/100km; we managed a bit more than 11L/100km.

You can save a fraction here and there with the green ECON button, which adjusts the throttle sensitivity, gear change points and airconditioning; the latter means less of an arctic blast on hot days.

How it drives

The CR-V has the requisite SUV fundamentals: you're sitting above regular passenger cars and further away from the bitumen.

Despite the higher centre of gravity, it's generally well controlled over bumps and settles quickly, albeit with a tendency to lean when driven with enthusiasm.

If you run too fast into a corner, there's a predictability to the way the front wheels scrub wide, scrabbling for grip, which most of the time is on par for a family SUV.

The steering is a bit slow but otherwise light enough and faithful to what's going on at ground level.

Comfort levels are OK and there's a good blend of control and suppleness. The CR-V isn't soft in its bump absorption, but it's compliant enough.

Not as impressive is the tyre noise, which makes some surfaces and higher speeds more of a chore than they need be.
Comfort and practicality

Interiors are a Honda strong suit and it's no different with the latest-generation CR-V. While some of the surfaces aren't as soft as they could be, the finishes are good quality and everything fits together nicely. Even the instrument cluster is well presented and classy.

A stylish sweep of wood-look trim lifts the dashboard appearance, and controls and knobs are laid out logically and in an ergonomically sound manner.

One gripe, though, is the volume push buttons, which aren't nearly as quick as a knob for adjusting the audio level. The foot-operated park brake is also clunky.

The centre console has a covered storage area, cupholders and a quality feel.

It's indicative of the cabin treatment generally, which is characterised by plenty of cubby holes. The smaller phone-size pockets above the main door storage areas are among the more thoughtful additions.

Those in the rear aren't overlooked, either, with decent legroom and headroom and a folding centre armrest complete with cupholders. Rear air vents - not a given in compact SUVs - are also a welcome addition. The boot is spacious enough, with split-fold seats to maximise the load capacity.

A luggage cover keeps prying eyes at bay but must be retracted manually, unlike some that are mechanically linked to the tailgate.

Other minor oversights for families are the outer child-seat anchor points mounted on the roof, meaning the top tether will restrict the view in the rear-vision mirror.