Honda CR-V plug-in hybrid drive by Steve Rogers
This is an embarrassing admission having reviewed cars for 44 years but I couldn’t work out how to move off in the Honda CR-V.
It is not as if I haven’t come across buttons instead of a gear lever before, but the Honda is a bit complicated. At the top of a pad between the seats is a button marked R, which is obviously reverse, and normally a flick back on this switch engages neutral, then drive and off to go. No dice.
I kept looking and had to ask the delivery driver who pointed to the button marked D/B. We didn’t know what it stands for but it engages the gear. My blushes were only saved when later my normally car savvy wife failed the test as well. At least you only need to be told once.
This is the sixth generation of the CR-V which back in 1997 was a real game changer with driving characteristics more akin to a car than the cumbersome 4x4s of the day, so in effect the first SUV and look what’s happened since.
Apart from the boxy original, the CR-V has more or less maintained the same curvy silhouette although this one has some edgy body creases, new style grille, and headlight signature. It is also a smidge longer so the boot, which is the envy of its rivals, is even bigger and leads the space race for a plug-in hybrid.
Power comes from a 2-litre petrol mated to a two stage CVT gearbox and is offered as an all wheel drive hybrid or front wheel drive plug-in which has a potential electric range of 50 miles, more than the Toyota Rav4.
Once spent the system generates a small amount of electric power on the move dipping between power sources but it is petrol power for the majority until the battery is recharged. It is a smooth sophisticated system and the driver barely notices any change.
With the combination of engine and electric motor 181bhp acceleration is acceptable if down on some rivals, but devoid of the screeching at high revs which is often the case with a CVT gearbox.
In fact the whole driving experience is often eerily quiet with very little road noise. Honda has done a really good job on this CR-V.
The seats are superbly comfortable and supportive and you will have no trouble finding the perfect driving position with powered seat adjustment.
Unlike the eye-catching interiors of some rivals the dashboard layout is conventional with some attractive features in particular the full width mesh grille housing the heating vents. A standard digital driver's display offers plenty of information using steering wheel roller switches backed up by a central touchscreen with familiar Honda graphics.
Hats off to Honda for sticking with user friendly chunky switches for the heating along with switches for the heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outer seats are also heated.
It is compliments not complaints about space which is vast. Rear seat legroom is exceptional and the seats slide for greater flexibility and with wide opening rear doors fitting child seats is a doddle. The same can be said for the boot which has a wide aperture and low sill for easy loading. All that is missing are levers in the side walls to drop the back seats.
Honda has always been at the forefront of safety so it is no surprise that CR-V is packed with safety aids. It will emergency stop the car going forward or reversing and features a new 360deg all round camera system eliminating blind spots with an extra nearside camera which is invaluable for negotiating tight entrances or exits.
Right from the start diesel CR-V became a firm favourite with caravanners because of its 2000kg towing capacity, enough to pull a big twin axle outfit, along with its huge boot. But things changed once Honda ditched diesel for petrol hybrid power. Now the CR-V is limited to 1500kg which is a two-berth, or lightweight four berth. I hitched my four-berth to CR-V without a lot of enthusiasm but was pleasantly surprised. It pulled strongly, and quietly for the most part, and managed just over 27mpg, a lot closer to a diesel than I expected.
CR-V is a terrific all rounder and so it should be with prices starting just shy of 50 grand but it is packed with equipment even at entry level while the top of the range Advance Tech wants for nothing.
Fast facts
CR-V Advance Tech Plug-in hybrid
£53,995
2-litre petrol+electric motor
17kWh battery
Full charge: 2hr30min
0-60mph 8 secs; 116mph
42.2-353.1mpg
18g/km. 1st road tax £110
Boot: 587 litres
Insurance group 37
Towing capacity: 1500g/km
%20and%20Dr%20Rhys%20Davies.jpg)
