4x4 review: CR-V satisfies craving for high-end Honda

IT IS a measure of how popular the Honda CR-V is that, driving our review car out of Scotsman Towers one afternoon, we spotted three coming the other way before we’d reached the top of Holyrood Road.

It’s a further measure of how reliable the Honda CR-V is that, by the time we had scaled the north face of The Pleasance, two more CR-Vs, both first-generation models and both well into their teenage years, had scooted down the hill towards the city centre, looking as fresh as the day they left the showroom in the late-1990s.

By the time we’d reached the car park at Ikea (one of the CR-Vs’ many natural habitats) Honda-spotting had lost its novelty value, and we stopped counting at a dozen. So, not a car to make a statement in, then, unless that statement is: “I’ll have what every- one else is having, thanks.”

Mind you, there are a lot of good reasons to follow the flock. The Swindon-built CR-V offers lots of space, a nicely- balanced ride and a healthy dose of practicality, all wrapped up in a handsome body which is underpinned by the sort of bulletproof mechanical bits that make Honda a customer satisfaction table favourite.

Our test car came with a 148bhp 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed auto box. Honda claims 38.3mpg. The six-speed manual improves that to 43mpg. Supple suspension and a good spread of gear ratios make motorway cruising relaxed whichever transmission you opt for.

“So what?” you’re asking. “This is a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Shouldn’t you be discussing approach and departure angles and suchlike?”

Let’s not kid ourselves – the Honda’s limited ground clearance and 4WD system are geared towards on-road surefootedness, rather than taking you to the top of the Eiger. Still, the CR-V will make light of all but the deepest snow, and sending power to all four wheels gives extra reassurance on greasy surfaces.

The CR-V seats five adults, and nobody will complain about lack of legroom or headroom. The boot is one of those clever split-level affairs: a sturdy shelf sits a foot above the loadspace floor, so you can stow valuables, or trays of eggs if the fancy takes you, out of harm’s way.

Our test car, that sparkly white one pictured up there on the right, was fitted with a panoramic glass roof as part of its range-topping EX trim. Honda’s website suggests this is not available as an option on lesser CR-Vs, so you’ll have to loosen the purse strings a bit if you like your cabin awash with light. We reckon it’s worth the extra expense.

Or you could try twisting the Honda salesman’s arm: a fourth-generation CR-V is heading this way in 2012, so now might be a good time to negotiate a good deal before the new stock arrives.