Take to hy-er ground with updated CR-V

Minor cosmetic upgrades hide a significant shift under the skin of this family SUV, writes Matt Allan

Honda’s CR-V has been praised over the years for many things but the economy of its petrol engines isn’t one of them, so this new model aims to address that.

The 2019 model has been gently updated visually and equipment-wise but the big news is the addition of a hytotal brid system for the first time.

Honda say that it allows the CR-V to offer strong onroad behaviour with far better economy and environmental performance than before.

Under the skin a 2.0-litre petrol engine is matched to two electric motors to offer power of 181bhp.

In two-wheel-drive guise that’s good for 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds while the fourwheel-drive (the expected big seller) it means 62mph in 9.2.

The CR-V is a self-charging rather than plug-in hybrid so while it will run under electric power alone it’s limited to just over a mile of zero-emissions driving. However, Honda estimate that at a steady 62mph cruise the CR-V will run in EV drive a third of the time thanks to its automatic shifting between modes. Official NEDC figures put the CRV’s economy at 51.4mpg but, on test we saw mid-30s. The economy is, at least, better than the alternative standalone petrol model.

The hybrid system shifts between modes unnoticed and the engine is well refined and punchy enough for a car of its size. Sadly, it’s hampered by the CVT transmission, which leaves it sounding overworked under anything more than the gentlest throttle.

The CR-V’s chassis has been heavily reworked to make it stiffer and lighter. Honda says this has allowed improvements to ride, handling and refinement and it does have just the right balance of body control and there are no surprises in the handling. Refinement could be better - tyre roar is a constant companion.

The noise intrusion aside, the CR-V’s interior impresses. It’s fairly plain and its design is still some way behind many rivals. However, the simplicity means its user-friendly and everything looks and feels like it has been put together with precision.

Its real strength is cabin space. Rear space in particular is incredibly generous, shaming SUVs from the class above with its leg and head room. Boot space, too, is generous and higher-end models come with a powered tailgate.

All CR-Vs also come with the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of safety features, with prices starting at £29,105 for two-wheel-drive in S trim, reaching £37,255 for an all-wheel-drive EX.

Without a diesel option, the hybrid is the more sensible version of the CR-V to go for. Its inherent strengths of space, practicality and sturdiness are matched to the most economical drivetrain option.

For people making lots of short or urban journeys where diesel is weak it makes sense but for others the better economy of diesel rivals could prove more attractive.