2008 Honda CR-V review
December 14, 2007 by Matt Brogan
The cargo area is versatile and utilitarian whilst loosing none of the cabin’s attention to detail. A handy split level shelving system, 40/20/40 rear seating and retractable cargo blind all ensure this SUV maintains the practicality so sought after in this type of vehicle. The obligatory 12V outlet has not been forgotten, for those planning on taking the fridge, and as if all that cargo space isn’t enough, CR-V can tow up to 1500kg (braked).
Driving SUVs is usually an awkward and top heavy experience full of drumming tyre noise, body roll, wind whistles and sluggish handling. CR-V presents none of these qualities.
Increased noise and vibration dampening in key areas has somewhat solved road noise issues in the CR-V though it is still noticeable, especially on coarsely sealed roads. Thanks to well sorted aerodynamics wind noise is non-existent, the sum total of which also achieves better fuel economy, but more on that later.
CR-V’s handling is agile and more sedan-like thanks to a more rigid ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body which coincidentally employs high strength steel in strategic areas to improve crash safety.
Scoring an unbeatable five stars in stringent NHTSA tests, CR-V is among the safest SUVs on the market featuring front and side airbags across the range with curtain airbags standard on Sport and Luxury variants.
CR-V’s ride is lithe and sinuous maintaining its composure even on unsealed country roads and gravel verges. The VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist – incorporates Traction Control) is delightfully well tuned maintaining on-road equanimity whilst at the same time providing a delayed threshold for soft-roading competence.
Braking is very positive and with tight, sure pedal feedback instilling confidence inspiring stopping not too disimilar to that of a small hatch back.
Anti-squat rear suspension assists FWD traction under initial acceleration which can be further assisted by the on-demand Real Time 4WD system sending drive to the rear wheels as required. It’s an ingenious system which provides ample traction for light off-road capabilities which realistically are all any SUV with a 185mm ground clearance is ever likely to face.
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?