Honda have been experiencing one or two setbacks recently, what with the disaster in Japan, the flooding of Thailand and, most recently, Consumer Reports giving the company its first seriously negative ear-bashing in years.
It was with these thoughts running through my mind that I journeyed to California for an introduction to the company’s latest offering, the completely redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V.
Since 1997, this compact SUV has held the hearts of many a loyal Honda fan. It’s been a favourite of soccer mums, university-bound kids, and pretty much anyone seeking reliable and economical sure-footed transportation. Put simply, it’s been a winner, so if any redesign was going to uphold my faith in Honda, this would be the vehicle to do it!
So how does the new CR-V shape up?
Well, if I’m totally honest, the vehicle hasn’t changed a great deal exterior-wise, other than a few alterations here and there to please the eye, and perhaps to bring the vehicle a tad more up-to-date. The new CR-V takes on a slightly more aggressive appearance for 2012, with deeply sculptured bodylines and a bolder front fascia, which is complimented by a stylish 3-bar grille that flows seamlessly into some smart looking headlamps. I must say, it’s a rather nice look!
The interior follows along somewhat similar lines, as it still looks and feels like a CR-V, albeit one which has perhaps found a slightly snazzier tailor.
The roof height has been lowered by a small amount for 2012, resulting in a lower cargo area, which should aid with loading/unloading. This also led to the seating being dropped a tad, and although occupants still retain the much-loved elevated view of the road ahead, it has added perhaps a little more sportiness to the feel of the vehicle.
One rather significant change to the interior is the new Easy Fold-Down 60/40-split rear seatbacks which make accessing the full cargo area a breeze. To operate, you simply pull one of the small levers positioned close to the rear tailgate or tug one of the straps located on the seat front, and the desired seat folds down flat automatically. I must say, this is one of the best seat-folding systems I’ve ever experienced. Kudos to the design team!
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| The new CR-V takes on a slightly more aggressive appearance for 2012, with deeply sculptured bodylines and a bolder front fascia. (Photo: Honda) |
It was with these thoughts running through my mind that I journeyed to California for an introduction to the company’s latest offering, the completely redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V.
Since 1997, this compact SUV has held the hearts of many a loyal Honda fan. It’s been a favourite of soccer mums, university-bound kids, and pretty much anyone seeking reliable and economical sure-footed transportation. Put simply, it’s been a winner, so if any redesign was going to uphold my faith in Honda, this would be the vehicle to do it!
So how does the new CR-V shape up?
Well, if I’m totally honest, the vehicle hasn’t changed a great deal exterior-wise, other than a few alterations here and there to please the eye, and perhaps to bring the vehicle a tad more up-to-date. The new CR-V takes on a slightly more aggressive appearance for 2012, with deeply sculptured bodylines and a bolder front fascia, which is complimented by a stylish 3-bar grille that flows seamlessly into some smart looking headlamps. I must say, it’s a rather nice look!
The interior follows along somewhat similar lines, as it still looks and feels like a CR-V, albeit one which has perhaps found a slightly snazzier tailor.
The roof height has been lowered by a small amount for 2012, resulting in a lower cargo area, which should aid with loading/unloading. This also led to the seating being dropped a tad, and although occupants still retain the much-loved elevated view of the road ahead, it has added perhaps a little more sportiness to the feel of the vehicle.
One rather significant change to the interior is the new Easy Fold-Down 60/40-split rear seatbacks which make accessing the full cargo area a breeze. To operate, you simply pull one of the small levers positioned close to the rear tailgate or tug one of the straps located on the seat front, and the desired seat folds down flat automatically. I must say, this is one of the best seat-folding systems I’ve ever experienced. Kudos to the design team!
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| The new Easy Fold-Down 60/40-split rear seatbacks which make accessing the full cargo area a breeze. (Photo: Honda) |