Air conditioning with micron air-filtration is standard, along with driver and passenger front and side airbags. Power windows, the driver's with an automatic up and down button, are standard, along with a power sunroof, keyless remote entry with rear window release, and a dual mode trip odometer with external temperature gauge. These are all very handy features, especially in the summer sun.
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| The CR-V's 2.4-L DOHC 4-cylinder engine performs suprisingly well. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
So how does the CR-V perform? I was surprised at how much zing this machine had considering its 2.4-L, DOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. It rips up hills and still offers passing power at high speeds. All 160 horsepower kicks in at 6,000 rpm and its 162 lb-ft of torque felt strong when it reached its peak at a low 3,600 rpm.
Honda's compact SUV also displays great composure on the highway, plus it's stable while executing turns despite what seems like a high center of gravity. In addition, its 15" alloy wheels wrapped in all season P205/70 R15 95S tires are a good pavement/gravel road compromise. Braking? Its front ventilated discs and solid rear discs bring the little SUV to a controlled stop in a hurry - ABS is standard across the CR-V line.
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| The 'Real Time' 4WD CR-V won't put a dent in your pocket book in terms of fill-ups, unlike many other SUVs. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Like almost all Honda's the CR-V is gas friendly. That's not always the case when it comes to SUVs. Let me put it into perspective. I drove from Downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver, then up to Whistler and filled up in Squamish on the way back for a mere $14.00. For those unfamiliar with the mileage it's about 240 km. Impressive, no? My trip was not too costly because the price of gas was at 69.9 cents per liter, but even with higher gas prices this machine, designed for regular unleaded fuel, wouldn't be hard on the pocketbook. Most of it was highway driving but still, I often used all of its power and its 'Real Time' 4WD is always engaged - two fuel robbers.