Modern curves
The CR-V' contemporary look is undeniably winning. Compared to the angular earlier models, this vintage makes up for loss of visibility with cool styling. The highly-arched rear side windows and rather small rear window reduce visibility and make parking difficult at times. But here, style takes precedence.
The 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill that the CR-V shares with the Element is no firebrand, as the 10 seconds required for the 0-100-km/h run eloquently conveys. Performance nuts will be quick to point out that the RAV4 V6 with its 100 extra ponies makes the dash two or three seconds faster. While definitely not a hot rod, the CR-V nevertheless accelerates smoothly thanks to an efficient automatic transmission (Honda no longer offers the manual version).
Utterly ready
In any case, you don't buy a CR-V for its rubber burning capabilities. Its all-wheel drive weighs more in the balance. However, there's now an LX model featuring two-wheel drive, allowing the manufacturer to shave around $2,000 off the vehicle's base price. This is an efficient way to counter the offence of the Korean brands embodied by the less expensive Sportage and Tucson. And it's also a way for certain buyers only interested in the SUV look to save face.
But think it over carefully! Aside from the passive safety systems like the airbags and traction control system, the all-wheel-drive system remains one of the most efficient safety features, thanks to which a driver, with a minimum of training, can reduce the risks of an accident.
After all, AWD isn't useful only in the winter. A four-wheel-drive-equipped vehicle helps the driver stay on course on wet pavement or water-filled ruts, even in summer!
This active safety does come at a price, though. According to the manufacturer, a four-wheel-drive CR-V consumes 5% more fuel than a basic LX model. During our weeklong EX-L road test, we managed an average of 11 litres per 100 kilometres. For a yearly tally of 12,000 kilometres, that equals about $1,500 extra. The price of added safety.
The CR-V' contemporary look is undeniably winning. Compared to the angular earlier models, this vintage makes up for loss of visibility with cool styling. The highly-arched rear side windows and rather small rear window reduce visibility and make parking difficult at times. But here, style takes precedence.
The 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill that the CR-V shares with the Element is no firebrand, as the 10 seconds required for the 0-100-km/h run eloquently conveys. Performance nuts will be quick to point out that the RAV4 V6 with its 100 extra ponies makes the dash two or three seconds faster. While definitely not a hot rod, the CR-V nevertheless accelerates smoothly thanks to an efficient automatic transmission (Honda no longer offers the manual version).
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| Contrary to most of the competing brands, Honda only offers a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder mill. |
Utterly ready
In any case, you don't buy a CR-V for its rubber burning capabilities. Its all-wheel drive weighs more in the balance. However, there's now an LX model featuring two-wheel drive, allowing the manufacturer to shave around $2,000 off the vehicle's base price. This is an efficient way to counter the offence of the Korean brands embodied by the less expensive Sportage and Tucson. And it's also a way for certain buyers only interested in the SUV look to save face.
But think it over carefully! Aside from the passive safety systems like the airbags and traction control system, the all-wheel-drive system remains one of the most efficient safety features, thanks to which a driver, with a minimum of training, can reduce the risks of an accident.
After all, AWD isn't useful only in the winter. A four-wheel-drive-equipped vehicle helps the driver stay on course on wet pavement or water-filled ruts, even in summer!
This active safety does come at a price, though. According to the manufacturer, a four-wheel-drive CR-V consumes 5% more fuel than a basic LX model. During our weeklong EX-L road test, we managed an average of 11 litres per 100 kilometres. For a yearly tally of 12,000 kilometres, that equals about $1,500 extra. The price of added safety.
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| All three CR-V models are mounted on 17-inch wheels. The EX and EX-L share these same alloy wheels. |