Honda
CR-V e-PHEV first drive by Steve Rogers
Here
it is then, the new CR-V. Bigger, better, we hope, and a lot more expensive.
Honda
has its sights set on the premier league with the sixth generation model and
has packed it with new technology, a raft of driver safety aids and, for the
first time, a plug-in hybrid model.
A
quarter of a century ago CR-V was something of a trailblazer, an SUV designed
for families, not farmers. A bit of a gamble but it paid off becoming its best
seller in the UK and a firm favourite with caravaners because it was a great
tow car with a sizeable flat floored boot.
Times
have changed and Honda is facing up to the challenges of a totally different
motoring world. It ditched diesel some time ago so this model is powered by a 2-litre
petrol hybrid engine with a plug-in model to stretch economy and drastically
lower the car’s exhaust emissions.
It
is the plug-in we are looking at here
and it is fair to say it is long overdue given Honda’s expertise in
electric power trains that stretches back to the Insight of 1999.
That
said with the switch to electric put back to 2035 the plug-in hybrid will very
likely become the preferred choice. They are a stopgap for those not ready to
commit to full electric and although pricey will become more affordable as used
cars feed into the system.
The
plug-in gives an electric only range of up to 50 mikes, more than some rivals.
I managed around 43 before the gauge said empty and switched to engine power,
not that I noticed because the transition was seamless. Using my Podpoint wall
charger the CR-Vs 17.7kWh battery was topped up in just over two hours which is
also faster than some rivals. Using a domestic socket will take just under
eight hours.
Once
the battery is spent petrol power only should be good for mid forties to the
gallon on a light foot but some electric power can be recovered using
regenerative braking.
The
complete overhaul of CR-V is obvious from the styling. It has lost that
distinctive profile although the more mainstream design is still appealing and
bolder, particularly the in-your face grille and slimline headlight signature.
Honda
has always been ahead of the game on safety and has gone even further with
driver aids. It is protected like a fortress with all round camera and sensors.
Emergency braking to help avoid a front end shunt is standard across the range
while the new ‘traffic jam assist’ keeps the car in its lane at low speeds,
switching to the basic lane assist when the road clears.
Passengers
are protected by 11 airbags but what about this for a useful addition. A front
centre airbag to prevent a coming together of driver and passenger in a
collision.
There
is a now familiar look to the dashboard with a digital driver’s binnacle backed
up by a large head-up display and central touchscreen for the everyday
functions, but at least Honda has given us buttons for the heating and radio
volume which is pleasing.
Generous
space has always been a given on CR-V and there is even more now with the
increase in length. Legroom is excellent front and back and the reclining back
seats were a big hit with my adult nieces. This is also a useful way of
increasing headroom for overly tall passengers who will find it tight with the
seats in the upright position.
I
often wonder why car testers, me included, sometimes dwell on the way SUVs
handle when no one expects them to drive them like a sports car. Of the CR-V I
will just say it is commendably comfortable, no matter what rubbish surfaces it
has to cope with, and has more than adequate handling abilities.
A
bone of contention that has been resolved is the CVT gearbox. Until now it has been annoyingly
noisy hanging on to the revs but that
has been overcome by introducing a second gear and has done the trick so no
more screaming under hard acceleration.
Sadly
CR-V will never be the tow car it once was with a 1500 kg limit, provided you
have the plug-in hybrid which is only available with front wheel drive. But
here is the anomaly. You can only get all wheel drive with the hybrid which has
a towing capacity of just 750kg. That seems to be the wrong way round?
The
new model is without doubt a big step forward in quality, comfort and safety.
The SUV net is huge and as well as traditional rivals like Toyota Rav4 and
Mazda CX-5 the CR-V has put itself up against the likes of BMW, Audi and Lexus.
The
biggest question is will buyers be put off by the higher price. Time will tell.
Fast
facts
CR-V
e:PHEV Advance Tech
£54,670
(£45,895 e:Hybrid)
2-litre
petrol; 326bhp
0-62mph
9.4secs; 121 mph
50.3mpg
(353mpg full charge)
17.7kWh
battery; 6.8kW on board charge
19g/km. First tax zero
Insurance group 37
Boot: 617-1710 litres
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