Driven: Honda’s all-new CR-V arrives in SA
The launch drive took us over some of the Cape’s most scenic (read: twisty) drives, as well as through some nasty traffic. The CR-V impressed, firstly, with its quiet, refined ride; the CVT transmission is at its best in an urban environment, seamlessly adjusting to suit conditions, feeling relaxed and in control.
Out in the country, the new variable-ratio electric power steering came into its own, taking the car exactly where we pointed it with impressive precision.
A little body roll (more apparent watching the CR-V ahead of us in front than it was in the cabin) came into the equation, but that’s the flipside of a comfortable ride, and it never became an issue.
Slingshotting past heavy trucks uphill, however, is not the CR-V’s forte; with either drivetrain, you need to ensure the transmission is in Sport mode and make judicious use of the paddle shifters, but in particular the 1.5-litre turbo can be heard working hard, and the two-litre gets appreciably gruffer.
Equipment-wise, the base twolitre Comfort model opens the bidding with halogen headlights, low-mounted foglights, LED daytime riding lights and tail-lights, and 17” alloys wearing 235/65 radials.
The cabin is trimmed in fabric, with a 12.5cm centre colour touchscreen controlling the fourspeaker Leather seats and large touchscreen to be found in the upper models.
audio system, while auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth connectivity allows for music streaming and hands-free telephony.
Standard kit includes dual-zone automatic aircon, rear parking sensors, electric windows all round, automatic headlights and a multifunction steering wheel with satellite controls for audio,
phone and cruise control. A driver awareness system - standard across the range - monitors the frequency and severity of your steering inputs and warns you that it’s time to take a break.
The Elegance version, also twolitre and front-wheel drive, ups the ante with paddle shift, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and
heated front seats, automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers and parking sensors front and rear.
A larger, 17.5cm centre touchscreen not only controls the eight-speaker sound system (one mid/bass in each door and a pair of tweeters front and rear) but is also Apple CarPlay-capable. There’s an HDMI connection and a second USB port in front, as well as two more for rear-seat passengers.
The 1.5-litre Executive is only available in all-wheel drive, rolls on 18” rims and 235/60 radials, and lights the way with self-leveling full LED headlights.
It also boasts active noise control, a panoramic sunroof, and keyless entry and start.
The only way to tell the flagship Exclusive from less privileged siblings is its three-element LED front fog lamps - but the interior hides a number of extra features, starting with satnav and including a power-operated tailgate with programmable opening height so it doesn’t hit the garage roof.
It also has a full suite of driver aids, including collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation with lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and auto high-beam headlights.
PRICES:
2.0 Comfort
2.0 Elegance
1.5T Executive AWD 1.5T Exclusive AWD
Prices include a five-year or 200 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan and three years’ roadside assistance.
Two-litre CR-Vs need to go home to mama every 15 000km, 1.5-litre turbos every 10 000km.