2017 Honda CR-V review
Australian families have never been short of space. The country itself is one of the most sparsely populated in the world and even in our largest cities most of us live in sprawling suburbs, littered with McMansion homes with big backyards.
It's a luxury we often take for granted. And yet, within the automotive landscape, space is something we're willing to pay a price for, usually reserved for large luxury cars.
But the latest Honda CR-V proves that space isn't all that expensive.
The Japanese soft-roader has long been a pioneer of the modern, compact SUV class and one that has set the benchmark for roominess among its rivals over the last two generations.
Now, it has expanded - quite literally - on the concept with the fifth-generation model, which has arrived in Australian showrooms this month, bringing with it the option of a seven-seat configuration for the first time.
Available in five models with a starting price of $30,690 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level VTi and topping out at $44,290 for the flagship, fully-loaded VTi-LX, the new CR-V brings new, more efficient engine technology, more features and greater convenience to modern families.
All variants share the same powertrain, with an upgraded version of the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four cylinder that first arrived in the Civic sedan now producing 140kW and 240Nm and hooked up to a CVT automatic. The lower-grade VTi and the seven-seat VTi-L7 (which costs $38,990 plus on-roads) are available exclusively with a front-wheel drive layout while the VTi-LX is only available with all-wheel drive. The mid-level VTi-S can be had with either transmission, with the added security of all-paw traction commanding a $2200 premium over the front-driver's $33,290 sticker price.
Even in its most basic spec, the CR-V has keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, a reverse camera and a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
Step-up to the VTi-S and you get larger 18-inch alloys, a power-opening tailgate, in-built sat nav, front and rear parking sensors and Honda's unique Lane Watch camera, which displays a wide-angle view of the inside lane on the on the screen.
Apart from the additional seating capacity, the VTi-L7 adds heated front seats and leather trim along with roof-mounted air vents for the third row occupants.
Beyond the extra safety of all-wheel drive, the VTi-LX is the only model currently available with a suite of advanced electronic driver aids, including automated emergency braking, forward collision and lane departure warnings, although Honda Australia has conceded it is working on adding its Honda Sensing technology as standard equipment across the range in the future. It also picks-up a full length panoramic sunroof, leather trim, digital radio and LED headlights.
Having sampled the range during a preview drive around Canberra this week, finding the sweet spot in the CR-V depends on where your priorities lie as they all share the same driving character.
The engine is more than adequate for the task of a suburban family runabout. It won't win any green light grands prix, as there's a degree of initial lag away from a standstill while the turbo builds up boost and the CVT engages the right ratio according the driver's input. But, once on the move, it is nice and quiet at leisurely speeds and has a decent spread of mid-range torque to keep momentum flowing out on the open road.
The CVT has the elastic qualities that are typical of its type, flaring under heavy acceleration and lacking the instant response of a fixed-gear transmission, but it won't matter to most that simply want to drop it into D for drive and leave it to its own devices.
As for how it rides, the CR-V is neither the most dynamic nor the comfiest in its class, but it manages to balance both elements quite well. The suspension is supple enough to soak up most of the road irregularities and yet has enough control to offer a sure-footed and neutral stance through the corners. It does, of course, have a degree of body roll due to its raised ride height and the front-end will push wide when driven enthusiastically, but any surprises are restrained by the well-calibrated electronic stability control that doesn't intervene too savagely when its limits are reached.
The steering has a nice, natural feel to it with consistent weighting across the ratio and the brakes feel extremely solid thanks to a unique electric booster system adapted from the NSX hybrid supercar.
But there is one glaring blemish on its copybook and that is there is a significant amount of road noise entering the cabin, even on the smoothest of surfaces, even though Honda claims it has an active noise-cancelling system.
Where the CR-V really excels is inside the cabin. Despite the fact it is only 11mm longer than its predecessor, theres is significantly more space no matter which seat you're sitting in.
From the driver's pew, there's excellent vision out of the expansive windscreen thanks to the concave centre section of the bonnet and angled A-pillars, plus good adjustment in the seat and a clear digital instrument panel with a large numerical speed display in the centre and an F1-style tacho that floats across the top.
The rest of the dash is well laid out with the touchscreen and ventilation controls easily accessible and it feels well built with good quality materials throughout.
There's plenty of cubby holes around the cockpit as well, with a binnacle at the bottom of the dash, two large cupholders and a massive bin (with a clever three-stage partition) that can hold a handbag or laptop computer making up the centre console. There are also deep pockets with bottle holders in each of the doors, 12V and USB outlets in the front and two USB outlets in the rear to keep the kids' mobile devices charged-up (which, let's face it, will be a god send for family road trips).
Those in the back are also treated to huge amount of legroom in all variants and decent headroom in models without the panoramic sunroof, which will see anyone over 180cm tall scraping their scalp on the roof lining.
Five-seat models have a massive 522L boot with a completely flat floor while the seven-seat option reduces cargo carrying capacity by 100L when the third row isn't being used, and also eliminates the boot when they are. But for those that may need to cart an extra couple of kids every now and then, it is easy to access the third row through the large rear-door aperture and via a simple flip-and fold function while the seats themselves will easily accommodate small children on short trips.
The CR-V sets the benchmark for interior space and functionality among the compact SUV segment, without challenging its rivals in any other area. It's more flexible, more efficient and has more features than before while still maintaining a comfortable driving character and an affordable pricetag, making it perfectly suited to modern suburban families.
2017 Honda CR-V VTi-S Price and Specification
On-sale: Now
Price: From $33,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 140kW at 5600rpm
Torque: 240Nm at 2000-5000rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic, FWD or AWD
Fuel use: 7.0L/100km
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