Honda says the new CR-V is the most fuel efficient soft road SUV
on the market.
It boasts a 12% lower drag co-efficient than its predessor - a
fancier way of saying the aerodynamics have improved. Under the bonnet,
there's an option of a 2.0 petrol unit producing 150 bhp and 192 nm of
torque. Honda is a relative newcomer to the diesel market where European
manufacturers such as Ford, Volkswagen and Volvo have forged a reputation.
Nevertheless, on paper, their diesel offering is impressive - 140bhp and a
whopping 340nm torque from a 2.2l powerplant. Perhaps the most impressive
number is the XXXX wiped off the price of the CRV diesel on July 1st when
VRT brackets suddenly turned green!
So, with all this in mind, we'll focus on the 2.2 i-CDTi ES for this
review - an SUV costing 44,599. The engine is instantly striking for the
vast muscular torque it produces during mid-range overtaking. Even in sixth
gear, it gives an enthusiastic reaction when pressed to accellerate. The
tell-tale diesel rattle is virtually undetectable in the cabin and, while we
haven't collated our own fuel economy figures yet, Honda promises it will
only gobble 6.5 litres per 100km on a combined cycle (around 44mpg.)
Now, in case you think I'm biased and going gooey, check out the link below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/automobiles/autoreviews/18DRIVE.html
You may be familiar with the New York Times?
On the outside, it's an attractive car with ample curves and a strong
presence on the road. It has 17" alloys as standard, with larger options on
the EX models. On the inside, the instrument panel is its tradional spot,
unlike the Civic where it's split into two sections. The cabin is roomy and
well equipped. It certainly made a nice first impression.