Honda’s popular CR-V has been a mainstay of the compact crossover segment since its introduction, and there’s very good reason for that, not the least of which is its everyday practicality.
Improvement over the years is also visual
The CR-V is now in its third generation. Along the way it’s gained additional power, improved operational refinement and livelier driving dynamics in addition to a bolder, more distinctive appearance. The advances have served the CR-V remarkably well, and its attractive styling is a testament to that.
It’s taken me some time to adjust to the “smiley face” grille on the latest CR-V iteration but now that I have, I find the entire design package to be balanced and well executed. Worthy of particular mention is the dramatic crescent-shaped cut line of the side glass.
The interior architecture of the CR-V is most pleasing as well but not particularly expressive. Nonetheless, it’s one of the cleanest, most functional designs out there. From the simplistic but logical layout of the instrument panel and centre stack to the flip and fold rear seats, everything is straightforward to work with easy to figure out.
I like this sort of uncomplicated, unequivocal engineering and design. Apart from tiny buttons surrounding the navigation screen in my fully loaded tester, the cabin of the CR-V is a lesson in practicality and commonsense.
Quietest CR-V
Honda has taken steps to ensure that today’s CR-V is quieter on the road and more refined than in the past. This is evident from the first drive. Less road noise is generated, and unless pushed hard, the CR-V’s 4-cylinder powerplant is less intrusive.
When it is pushed to the max, the four-banger gets a little growly and loud. Still in all, within its highly competitive crossover class, I’d argue that the CR-V is among the quietest.
In addition to its operational decorum, I was pleased with the rock-solid structural rigidity of the 2011 CR-V; this vehicle is free of suspension thumps and other cabin intrusions typical when road abuse is encountered. Overall, the CR-V feels as though it’s been well engineered and tightly assembled.
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| Honda’s popular CR-V has been a mainstay of the compact crossover segment since its introduction. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Improvement over the years is also visual
The CR-V is now in its third generation. Along the way it’s gained additional power, improved operational refinement and livelier driving dynamics in addition to a bolder, more distinctive appearance. The advances have served the CR-V remarkably well, and its attractive styling is a testament to that.
It’s taken me some time to adjust to the “smiley face” grille on the latest CR-V iteration but now that I have, I find the entire design package to be balanced and well executed. Worthy of particular mention is the dramatic crescent-shaped cut line of the side glass.
The interior architecture of the CR-V is most pleasing as well but not particularly expressive. Nonetheless, it’s one of the cleanest, most functional designs out there. From the simplistic but logical layout of the instrument panel and centre stack to the flip and fold rear seats, everything is straightforward to work with easy to figure out.
I like this sort of uncomplicated, unequivocal engineering and design. Apart from tiny buttons surrounding the navigation screen in my fully loaded tester, the cabin of the CR-V is a lesson in practicality and commonsense.
Quietest CR-V
Honda has taken steps to ensure that today’s CR-V is quieter on the road and more refined than in the past. This is evident from the first drive. Less road noise is generated, and unless pushed hard, the CR-V’s 4-cylinder powerplant is less intrusive.
When it is pushed to the max, the four-banger gets a little growly and loud. Still in all, within its highly competitive crossover class, I’d argue that the CR-V is among the quietest.
In addition to its operational decorum, I was pleased with the rock-solid structural rigidity of the 2011 CR-V; this vehicle is free of suspension thumps and other cabin intrusions typical when road abuse is encountered. Overall, the CR-V feels as though it’s been well engineered and tightly assembled.
 |
| The interior architecture of the CR-V is most pleasing as well but not particularly expressive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |