Review
The new CRV looks set to develop on the success of the first two generations, with its combination of distinctive design, solid construction and a pain-free driving experience.
Honda is keen to pitch the CRV's green credentials, claiming to have created a car that the environmentally aware can buy with a clear conscience, and the fuel economy and emissions figures are certainly very respectable by the standards of the segment.
The CRV's striking design should be enough to guarantee it gets noticed, although not everyone will like the slightly nose-heavy proportions. The cabin is unambiguously brilliant, though - spacious, well finished and packed with standard kit. Both front and rear seat passengers enjoy plenty of room and the large boot is now accessed by a proper tailgate rather than the previous generation's side-hinged door. The only real niggle is with over-complicated control layout, including no fewer than 17 buttons on the "multi-function" steering wheel.
Driving dynamics major on comfort. The CRV is a talented mile-eater, with compliant suspension settings ensuring smooth progress over choppy road surfaces and excellent refinement at motorway speeds. The flip-side is an indifferent performance on twisty roads, where the Honda rolls and pitches too much for comfort or confidence. At least the four-wheel drive system provides reassurance on low-grip road surfaces.
Only two engines are available from launch, with the majority of buyers set to opt for the excellent 2.2 litre CTDi diesel unit that has already impressed us in other applications. A smooth-revving 2.0 litre petrol unit is also available.