2008 Honda CR-V review
December 14, 2007 by Matt Brogan
Under the bonnet CR-V’s 2.4 litre i-VTEC engine produces 125kW and 218Nm which carries a broader, flatter torque curve than the out-going model, as well as gaining an additional 7kW.
It’s a linear, subtle kind of power which whilst by no means lacking, is a little gentle in its approach to sudden or rapid acceleration requirements feeling perhaps slightly challenged by the brawny 1620kg tare weight. Fortunately the drive-by-wire throttle works harmoniously with the five speed auto to keep things moving along swiftly (a six speed manual is also available).
The advanced nature of all the electronic wizardry on board not only grants smoother gear shifts, but also achieves leaner fuel economy with CR-V managing to extract a claimed 10.0 litres / 100km (combined).
This is where things get interesting. You see claimed fuel economy stats are usually no more an accurate a representation of real world consumption figures than I am the Stig, but I was staggered to find my figures came in well under the claimed stats – twice!
Not convinced the first time, believing I’d miscalculated, I again drove the fully refuelled car until empty over the same course the following day, achieving the same result.
Through combined city/highway driving (roughly 40:60) I achieved an amazing 8.9 litres / 100km on the first tank and 9.1 litres / 100km on the second, bringing the average combined consumption down by an impressive whole litre!
So if a compact SUV is on your wish list, I practically guarantee the CR-V will ensure years of contented motoring and will sustain those warm gushy feelings long after the novelty of owning a new car has subsided.
It’s a pleasure to drive, is both practical and stylish and to be frank, leaves its competitors floundering in the past (and before you comment, no I am not on Honda’s pay roll). With a bit more punch under the hood, the CR-V would have come very close to five stars, but for now it’s as close as an SUV gets.
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?