NEW HONDA CR-V RAISES BENCHMARK

GOH THEAN HOWE

THE Honda CR-V is one of the best selling sport utility vehicles (SUV) in the world and the introduction of the fifth generation Honda CR-V has further raised the benchmark for the SUV segment.

We spent a few days with the range-topping Honda CR-V 1.5-litre Turbocharged Premium 2WD for a closer look at Honda’s hot seller.

Powering the CR-V is a 1.5-litre direct injection turbocharged VTEC engine that is mated to the Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT transmission with paddle shifters. The mill generates 190hp at 5,600rpm and 243 Nm torque from 2,000 to 5,000rpm.

Honda claims that the 1.5-litre Turbocharged Premium 2WD can sprint from standstill to 100kph in 8.8 seconds and has a top speed of 200kph.

It is 4,584mm in length with a width of 1,855mm, height of 1,689 mm and a wheelbase of 2,660mm. The 1.5-litre Turbocharged Premium 2WD weighs 1,549kg and has a boot space of 522 litres with all seats up, as well as a 57-litre fuel tank capacity.

The range topping 1.5-litre Turbocharged Premium 2WD has the Honda Sensing advanced safety technology installed to assist drivers in various driving conditions.

It features the adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation and lane keeping assist system.

In terms of its equipment, it is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, wood finishing trims on its interior, auto LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, black combination leather seats, walkaway auto door locking system, smart keyless entry with push-to-start button, full colour LCD TFT instrument cluster, dual-zone air-conditioning system, rear air-vent, eight-way powered seat with lumbar support for the driver, fourway powered passenger seat and auto dimming rear view mirror.

It is also equipped with auto high beam, active cornering lights, programmable powered tailgate, two rear USB charging ports, rear parking sensors, multi-function leather steering wheel, one-touch folding seats at the rear, seven-inch advance display audio system with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto ready and hands-free telephone connectivity, two USB charging and a HDMI ports in front, and an eightspeaker sound system.

The safety features include six airbags, anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability assist, agile handle assist, electronic brake distribution, auto brake hold, brake assist, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, multiangle rear view camera and ISOFIX child seat mounting points. It has been rated five-star by the Asean NCAP.

The all-new Honda CR-V 1.5-litre Turbocharged Premium 2WD is priced at RM158,226 excluding insurance. It is covered by a five-year unlimited warranty programme, with the service interval set at every 10,000km.

We were impressed with how the allnew Honda CR-V 1.5-litre Turbocharged Premium 2WD has raised the bar in the Japanese SUV segment.

The vehicle is based on an allnew platform and has a host of a new technologies called Honda Sensing. It features collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, road departure mitigation and lane keeping assist.

With all these features, it gives the driver a peace of mind by assisting during long distance travelling, and also during traffic jams. We just need to keep our hands on the steering and the system will help with the acceleration and braking.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged mill is pow rful enough to push the over 1,500k SUV to its top speed on the highwa , and is fuel efficient for daily city dri ing.

It sits steadily during high speed corner , handling like a sedan.

The medium lightweight steering reacts accurately, and provides sufficient feedback to the driver.

The suspension system absorbs most rough and damage road conditi ns giving the occupants a smooth and comfortable ride.

The ride is quieter and more supple than t e predecessor. The engine, wind and tyre noise were under control while driving within speed limits. Howev r, at high speed driving, the tyre no se penetrates into the cabin.

The e is generous legroom, shoulder room, head room for all occupants. The eight-way powered adjustable, lumbar support seat provide the driver a supportive and comfortable sitting positio even for long distance driving.

The design of the interior is modern, cozy and premium. Even though we are no a big fan of wood trim, but th selection of wood trim used in the CR-V is an elegant touch.

The CR-V is a master of practicality. From its enormous and configurable