Something for everyone  |
| 2007 Honda CR-V (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
I am going to begin this review with my conclusion. The seemingly never ending search for the perfect vehicle may have come to an end. The
Honda CR-V represents the total package; my opinion of course but hear me out.
If you have been keeping an eye on the automotive industry of late, you may have noticed that car builders are presently trying hard to incorporate everything they know into one vehicle or one line of vehicles. These agglomerations of knowledge are known as Crossovers. The name says a lot. Crossover comes from mixing, or crossing DNA, from different body styles, powertrains and interior configurations. Many of us know this because this segment is the fastest growing in the business. Everything that used to be known as a soft-roader or a tall station-wagon has been incorporated into the CUV.
Many argue about whom or what was the original CUV or who has the best
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| 2007 Honda CR-V (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
one. Some, like Honda, do not seem to care so much. This Japanese maker has had its ear to the ground for quite some time and that is why they have been so successful with the CR-V; they created a roomy, versatile, economical, safe, family oriented fun to drive go almost anywhere family vehicle.
The evolutionFrom 1997 until 2001, the CR-V received only a minor facelift and some power upgrades.
In 2002, the CR-V came into its own with a clearer sense of self and identity. It was a little larger, had a bit more power but retained all the strong values first introduced with the first CR-V. Ten years after the launch of the originator, the 2007 CR-V has a whole new outlook on life. Its new lines, front end, hatch and wheels give it a jovial purposeful look. When facing it, the grill and bumper design give the impression that the Honda is grinning. And why not? It knows it will be popular. The side window treatment is slick and car-like and it really works. 17" wheels are now standard; steelies for the LX and alloys for every other trim.
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| 2007 Honda CR-V (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Getting back to the rear door, the previous two CR-Vs were equipped with a barn-door like opening. It was often criticized mostly because it opened up to the traffic (when parking on the right side of the street) as opposed to blocking it. Also, visibility was affected by the spare tire which was mounted on said door. As of now, the backup wheel is under the cargo floor and the rear door is a proper hatch. I think that Honda designers could not decide on where to locate the handle for the hatch because it is poorly located at the bottom of the door, atop a small lip. Snow and dirt will accumulate and render the operation more annoying than it would be if it was located above the license plate.
Don't need a V6Honda has purposely not introduced a V6 with the CR-V. Their logic is simple: most people that buy this type of automobile is looking for sensible and economical transportation and that because of this, 90 + % of buyers
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| 2007 Honda CR-V (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
would opt for the 4-banger regardless. The 166 hp 2.4L I4 is carried over from the 2nd gen CR-V. The only available transmission is now a 5-speed automatic. Together, they make good with the 161 lb/ft of torque on tap. Acceleration and passing manoeuvres, especially when loaded, require a firm and sustained application of the gas pedal to the floor. Normal day-to-day driving is a breeze and best of all, it is relatively inexpensive. I averaged 10.5L of regular per 100 km. The slick shifting transmission is always on call ready to pounce.
