Honda CR-V Black Edition
FIRST UK DRIVE Does special new SUV deliver on the promise of its racy looks?
SUV gets a touch of bling with racy new special
THE Black Edition name is fast becoming synonymous with sporty specials – not just at Honda, but also Ford, Skoda, Nissan and even Audi. While the changes are often merely cosmetic, they add lots of desirable kit for little extra outlay.
The latest in the line is this CR-V Black Edition. It’s based on the existing SE Navi trim, but commands a premium of nearly £3,000, and brings aggressive bodywork, big 19-inch wheels and glittering gloss paint. There’s a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines, as well as sixspeed manual and nine-speed automatic gearboxes – although each Black Edition comes exclusively with all-wheel drive.
In addition to the bumpers, wheels and paint, all versions get leather seats with Black Edition-embossed headrests, unique floor mats, a tailgate spoiler and special skid plates. Also emphasising the black theme are sporty metal running boards, a gloss black grille and subtle badges on the bootlid. The scratchy dash plastics remain, however, and the two central screens look painfully old-fashioned.
While style is subjective, there’s no denying that the tweaks give the CR-V a more purposeful look. Like the standard car, the big boot and spacious interior offer plenty of room for luggage and passengers, but all the extra bits and bobs are at odds with the standard car’s practical nature. After all, the Black Edition is only available with four-wheel drive.
Not only does that make it more expensive to buy and run, it also feels heavier and less nimble on the road. We rather like the front-wheel-drive diesel, but as a 4x4, this CR-V seems sluggish and less responsive. That’s thanks in part to the nine-speed automatic gearbox, too, which can struggle to find ratios when you ask it to change multiple gears in quick succession. It also feels like Honda has simply installed too many gears in the pursuit of ultimate fuel economy, and those with a hastier driving style will find it frustratingly hesitant when subjected to less predictable throttle input.
The car doesn’t live up to its sporty addons, either. The steering is slow, and there’s a fair amount of body roll. Also, the ride is really disappointing, with those big wheels sending sharp shocks reverberating into the cabin around town and at higher speeds. Road noise is another issue not found in other CR-VS, but it’s a by-product of such big rims and low-profile tyres.
Plus, at nearly £34,000, our diesel auto is almost as pricey as an entry-level Jaguar F-pace – our current Car of the Year. A top-ofthe-range BMW X1 xdrive20d M Sport auto is £34,390, while a faster, more powerful and similarly well equipped Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav is nearly £3,000 cheaper than this CR-V.
Frustratingly, the CR-V Black Edition misses out on kit that comes standard on many competitor models – including heated seats, an electric tailgate and keyless start.
Elsewhere, you’ll find fuel economy is good but not quite class-leading. The
X1 claims an identical 55.4mpg with an automatic gearbox, but crucially comes with the option of a six-speed manual. That not only boosts mpg, but also lowers the list price by £1,600 – allowing you to add a few choice options such as adaptive dampers or a panoramic roof.
However, the Black Edition claws back ground when you look at Honda’s current finance deals. While the standard CR-V is still subject to steep 5.9 per cent APR representative interest, the Black Edition model can be bought on zero per cent finance. This could seal the deal for many potential customers, because the monthly payments allow the CR-V to significantly undercut rivals on whole life costs.
“All versions get leather seats, unique floor mats, a tailgate spoiler and special skid plates”