Car Review: Honda CR-V 2.0i VTEC Elegance 2WD

Many times we fell in love with a car for whatever reason, usually for aesthetics or the attachment we have to a certain brand, and we prefer that car even in a less equipped or less prestacional before anything else. Aware of this and, I must say, to offer a price of entry-level model that allows them more attractive announce a "From" competitive brands ranges complete with less powerful versions or lacking some of the features that have given a certificate of naturalization to certain models. This is the case of this CR-V two-wheel drive.

The Honda CR-V is an SUV medium segment sailing halfway between generalists and premium models. For dimensions is in the heart of the segment, with 4.53 meters long, generous roominess and good luggage capacity (524 liters with five seats), which makes him a calramente car for family use.

In the market, the CR-V models fight generalist brands (Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV-4 (both compared here), Mazda CX-5 (here compared with own CR-V 4x4 diesel versions), Kia Sportage (compared here with the Ssangyong Korando), Hyundai IX35, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan) and try to enter the territory of a more premium vehicles as more equipped 4x4 versions may arise as alternatives to cars like the Audi Q5, the Mercedes GLK, Volvo XC60 (tested here before its recent restyling) and the BMW X3, always in their basic versions.

 It is obvious that the version we tested this time remains solidly anchored in the field of general models since neither their technology nor their equipment allow premium cars attack. This time we have conducted a variant that is becoming less exotic within the ranges of the media SUV and although it is clear that in a segment as dieselizado have minimal sales, it would still be interesting. Today we tested the engine variant with 155 bhp with manual gearbox and, above all, drive to the front axle.

Since its birth, the different generations of the CR-V had been always 4x4. Honda debuted a system of electronic AWD torque split in the first generation which was subsequently improved in the following to make it one of the most effective on the market. This version, however, purely and simply ignores it and passes the engine power to the front axle.

These types of cars, SUVs clearly asphalt with two-wheel drive cars are difficult to justify. The reason for an SUV, what difference will a compact or break through, for example, is that it offers the possibility of off-road driving and travel on tracks. This has a higher ground clearance and 4x4 wheel drive system that facilitates the motor on slippery surfaces.

If we eliminate this second feature, a SUV car becomes distorted but if all brands do, there must be. This CR-V, therefore, is no better car than, say, an Accord Tourer with the same engine but for all those in love with SUV aesthetics, there are, and many, without 4x4 system can be a remarkable lowering of the vehicle final bill without sacrificing aesthetic characteristics that both please and maintaining the functionality of the body and the greater height in this case is to climb curbs smoothly.

A engine to the former 

 

Stated, let's see how he responds this CR-V to a 100% asphalt use. The car has the usual two-liter engine 155 bhp brand. It's an aluminum engine with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder which maintains, however, indirect injection system. Multivalve engine is the typical atmospheric engine that saves your high offer poor performance but has an inadequate torque delivery to highway driving.

 As always in the multivalve, has a margin of not very wide use and high speeds. The maximum torque is achieved at 4,300 laps meaning or carry high engine we run laps or expected response of a 155 hp engine. Below 3,500 missing turns the engine thrust and it shows especially in recovery if we pull no change.

The brand has partially alleviated this problem with a very successful developments in the first four gears but in fifth or sixth forced down to a lower ratio-and even two-to get some momentum. That is also the Consumer counterproductive since 7.2 liters approved by the manufacturer, virtually impossible to replicate in normal use, easily go 9-10 by little we want to drive with a minimum of joy.

The little "chicha" low-end engine and the implication it has on the consumer is the only one but who can resist a car that is dynamically best segment. It is not a sports sedan, of course, but the scheme McPherson front axle and multi-link rear axle with a suspension well suited for asphalt make this CR-V, the lightest long range, in a car with a remarkable dynamic equilibrium.

The suspension can not be considered hard but firm, the brakes have good stopping power as the engine is a big boost at low rpm, the front axle does not have the slightest problem to go down engine power without the contest rear axle counterpart.

The only problem is that some slip front axle turning down hairpin turns and accelerate thoroughly gears but that's more due to less weight on the front axle of the petrol version than anything else. In any case, traction and stability controls do their job and if not disconnected, this lack of traction in output is even more lazy curve to electronically limit torque delivery.

The firm suspension contributes to ride comfort, although it seems a contradiction. CR-V This is not a car soft and therefore not tide. The suspensions SUV with more travel than passenger cars, often offer softer elastic to copy the terrain better when they move on track and that becomes cash certain unpleasant oscillations asphalt. Not the case. In all kinds of ways, the CR-V offers a high linear stability and a feeling of complete control behind the wheel.

The electric steering informs little of what happens under the wheels but it is accurate and fair assistance for normal driving and for the brakes, the 315 mm diameter ventilated front discs make him one of the best in the segment this section. 

A car for family use 

 

The CR-V is a vehicle clearly aimed at family use. It has a large interior, with good front and rear seats. In the rear is played the usual problem of all five-seater car, the plant is uncomfortable and is best reserved for a child in an adult elevator, especially if the journey is long because the hardness of the backrest remains comfort.

The interior offers plenty of space to ceiling and leg and also, despite being an SUV, the interior floor is completely flat, with no transmission tunnel that this version obviously 4x4 but do not need another. In this model, goes under the floor and not above it.

The trunk is large, with fairly regular shapes and low load level, something not very common in an SUV. It has a roller tray but double bottom and the rear seats fold down from the trunk in one motion. The back support, party asymmetrically generated once killed a completely flat floor if we care to raise first the sidewalk, also split by halves. This achieves optimal load capacity and very noticeable, especially for transporting large lumps or, for example, bicycles.

The interior finish is really good. The feeling is that the fit is better than the quality of the materials, but in any case, is a car that is a notch above other manufacturers generalists and dashboard, for example, produces a solid feel and remarkable durability.

The design is modern but without fanfare, with everything in place except the browser screen. Honda maintains a small screen on top of the dashboard that is used to control the audio system but ignores browser. This version can not even equip it as an option and this is one of the negative points of a car that lends itself to a traveler use.

Moreover, there are numerous storage objects, the glove is refrigerated and equipment includes everything you need on a mid-size car. Certainly there are other variants of the CR-V more equipped but with this engine and two-wheel drive only, this finish Elegance is the maximum. To have the Lifestyle, Luxury and Innovation with this engine is required to use the system driving all four wheels.

Honda is one of the brands that offer their cars without optional items. The facilities are closed and, in the case of the CR-V, the only option is metallic paint billed at 500 euros. If you want to customize it is necessary to use the accessories that mount to the factory dealer and that goes exactly as you see in the pictures.

It has front, side and roof, ESP with hill start aid, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors and electrically folding, stereo Bluetooth, USB and controls the steering wheel, parking sensors with rear view camera, steering wheel and leather gear knob, automatic headlamps and clean, climate control and alloy wheels among other things. Currently, its selling price, encryption rate is EUR 29,500 27,200 2,300 thanks to the discount applied by the brand.

Below there is a deluxe version that dispenses with the rear camera and parking sensors, the fog lights, dimming interior mirror, electrically folding mirrors, the light and rain sensors, light in the vanity mirrors , the steering wheel and gearknob, lighting the glovebox, Bluetooth system and two of the six speakers. With that done, the CR-V reduces its price to 24,900 euros with discount applied.

 This is, therefore, a car for someone looking for an SUV because he likes this type of car and want quality and reasonably priced. The petrol engine choice will depend on the miles you do a year since given the imminent arrival of the front-drive 1.6 diesel, gasoline is difficult to recommend. If it was a turbo engine with more low-end push, would dawn but I get the diesel, although it has only 120 hp, will be superior in performance, pleasure to use and, particularly, consumption. No wonder, when I tried it in the Civic (here's proof) loved.

People who make few miles, that will not step on the ground rather than in the state courts, which determined commitment to driving a car and looking for broad, well done, with trunk and SUV aesthetics. This is the client profile that you will love what this CR-V will provide "access" to the range.