2008 Honda CR-V review
December 14, 2007 by Matt Brogan
From the outset, CR-V presents a smooth, clean silhouette all the way from its double split grille, through the arched side windows and rearward to an all new top hinged tailgate.
The tailgate, which incidentally has lost the ungainly spare tyre (now found under the cargo area reducing overall vehicle length by 79mm to a total of 4520mm bumper to bumper), also has its sheet metal pressed with a subtle hexagonal shape, the theme of which is carried through several elements of the car, most noticeably on the wing mirrors.
A fluid side-on presence sits on 17-inch alloys, with a standard tilt/slide sunroof and deep, rich paint work only add to the overall neat, tight finish of a car who’s bold looks combine style with practicality, something notably lacking from the others who maintain their ‘boxy is good’ philosophy.
Projector style front headlamps hint at a more aggressive frontal stance whilst the rear lights are stacked vertically on the D pillar. Not dissimilar to previous models or indeed those of CR-V’s rivals.
Once inside, Honda’s quality is again on show with a fantastic array of gadgets and features sure to please even the most discerning of compact SUV shopper. The heated leather seats are first rate, in fact I was a little surprised at their quality given this is a soft-roader.
Seating height has been reduced from CR-V’s predecessor meaning that from the ground it is now level with an adult’s hip height making for easier entry and egress. The seating is remarkably comfortable and supportive, and the driving position is easily adaptable thanks to the eight-way electric adjustment.
Honda’s audio systems always seem to be a step above the rest, and CR-V is no exception. The integrated six stack CD unit boasts a clarity and depth of sound unexpected from an SUV and with iPod/auxiliary audio plug standard on all models, music portability is not an issue.
An adjustable leather wrapped steering wheel, which shares styling ques from the front grille, also has cruise and audio controls within a thumbs reach, and to grip feels both elegant and sporty at the same time.
The dashboard is clean, functional and upmarket, both texturally and aesthetically with a blue/white backlit instrument cluster lending even more sophistication to what’s already a purposeful and presentable cluster of stylish yet easily read displays.
Dual zone climate maintains comfortable cabin temperature with ease whilst at the same time being quiet enough not to arouse any bother. Visibility is excellent, even through the shorter rear third window would seemingly indicate to the contrary, and with standard reverse park assist means even average parkers look like pros.
After working in the Sahara in Libya I am a died-in-the-wool Landcruiser fan. The only 4wd of it’s size range to return constantly good behaviour in all types of desert.
I’m now looking at a mid-size but nobody is talking about the ‘real’ raison detre for a 4wd – how does it perform offroad? I live in WA and sand is a major part of going offroad here – especially when surfing north of Perth.
Any thoughts on how it rates offroad?
I love the new design and don’t think it’s ugly at all. I can’t wait to get mine in Jan.
I can’t answer David’s request re off roadability; but having sold my Landcruiser Sahara 100 series this month and bought a CRV Luxury I can give him some thoughts about comparing both vehicles.
Little surpasses the smooothness of the Toyota V8 and gearbox, but the not yet run in CRV performs seamlessly in the city and appears to be pretty swift, though not startling.
It feels light and airy and space wise it has loads of room, in fact better than the cruiser for second row passangers. Plenty of capacity in the load compartment too, though not matching the albeit huge cruiser.
Ergonomics are excellant everything comes to hand and has a quality feel. Seats are great, very supportive and with a wide range of adjustment.
For a city dweller, like me, the big advantage is parking, agility and fuel consumption. Honda quality is also second to none, including the luxury Sahara; panel and plastics fit are very high quality.
Cruisers,even 200 series have many good features, but it is now yesterday’s vehicle for city drivers anyway and the CRV feels like it will be at home on the beach and not too far off the road.
To BoggedAgain. Please don’t make stuff up. Roads in Australia have a natural camber to allow the water to run off. If you are driving to the left, then your car will follow the camber and drift left. It has nothing to do with “drift” being built into the car.
Thanks for the thoughts. Have ended up with a Suzuky Grand Vitara turbo diesel – great reviews on & off road & 7l/100k’s – pick it up in a couple of weeks.
have one almost a year now, but the suspension is not as good as expected.
lol at Curt “I just got one and the front is ugly”!!! Good one Curt!
I would rather buy a decent looking car/4WD instead of this ugly one, even if its got less features/quality or buy the previous model which looked allright…
That gave me a laugh, Maneesh. I wonder if he realises the sides are crook, too.
And, as for those who bought the previous model Camry…have ANY of them woken up, yet?