Winners on and off the track
winner too. Standard kit on this top-of-the-range 1.6 i-DTEC EX auto includes a full length panoramic glass roof, rear camera, full leather interior, power tailgate, adaptive cruise control with lane assist, electric memory drivers seat and keyless access and start.
That is on top of lesser models (S, SE Plus and SR) which all have 17 inch alloys, dual zone auto climate control, Bluetooth and DAB radio, plus cruise control, stop/start and city brake.
The CR-V SE Plus adds parking sensors, fog lamps, and auto lights and wipers. Both S and SE Plus are available as Navi versions with Honda Connect infotainment and Garmin navigation system.
The CR-V SR adds 18 inch alloys, cornering head lamps, standard sat nav and half leather/ half alcantara seats.
There’s three engine choices. The 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel comes with either 118bhp or 158bhp (our car) – the smaller power version only available with 2WD and a six-speed manual gearbox. The 158bhp model is a 4x4 with a choice of manual or nine-speed auto. The 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine can be ordered with two or four-wheel drive, and either manual or automatic gears.
Our EX tops the range with a choice of the 158bhp i-DTEC and 2.0 i-VTEC engines, both with four-wheel drive, and in manual or auto.
It has to be said the CR-V is deceptively large inside, as I found out when the SUV was pressed into service taking son and daughter to Manchester airport with respective girlfriend and boyfriend for a two week holiday to Disney World in Florida.
It is the biggest car Honda sell in the UK and we got all five of us plus four large suitcases and associated hand luggage into the Honda with room to spare.
On the facts and figures front mpg on our 155bhp, 1.6 auto diesel, which is surprisingly quiet unless pushed hard, is up to 55 combined (using Eco mode), 0 to 62 comes up in a shade over 10 seconds and the car’s Co2 figure is 133.
Other plus points are that the CR-V is a relaxed motorway cruiser and the raised driving position feels good.
Although I did not get the chance to find out I suspect the CR-V is no hardcore off-roader, especially the two-wheel drive versions, although the vast majority these kind of cars never see anything more challenging than a damp field.
The biggest issue is going to be price, especially on higher spec versions.
The range starts at a reasonable £23,475 for the 2WD 2-litre petrol S but then climbs to over £30,000 for the mid-range SR with 4WD and our EX is from £35,280.
There are some very competent alternatives that are cheaper but legendary Honda reliability and after sales service plus excellent depreciation figures mean the CR-V really is worth considering.
More information at www. honda.co.uk.