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Also known as - the Honda CR-V. Comfortable and easy it is. It’s a people’s car. Like the VW Beetle of the 50s, the CR-V represents where we are as a civilization.

 

Its astonishing versatility makes it ideal for families or for those who run a business and need a vehicle that supports their dynamic needs. 

 

The CR-V is built on the optimally sized Civic platform - only raised. The CR-V has five doors (the rear ones open to almost 90 degrees making it dead easy for people to get in and out of), there’s loads of knee and headroom in the rear too, and the completely flat floor makes fitting a third passenger in the rear as easy as pie. Additionally, the CR-V feature a highly versatile boot. You can convert the boot in a cavernous storage space by flicking a button and lowering the rear seats to a flattened position.

 

Being the fifth generation, the new CR-V is a honed version of itself - a Swiss Army knife of cars if you will. Its list of clever conveniences is vast. 

 

So, from a functionality perspective, the CR-V scores a 10/10.

 

Looks are a subjective topic, so I’m not going to unpack the CR-V lines other than to point out that its bold design has an American aesthetic. On a side note, during 2016, 360 000 CR-Vs were sold in the USA. Another interesting fact: globally, the CR-V has held the title of the world’s best-selling Crossover a couple of times. 

 

Locally, our CR-V line up is driven by two engine derivatives - all petrol - 2.0-L or a 1.5-L turbocharged motor. The 2.0-L offers adequate performance (113 kW) with the turbocharged motor packing a zesty punch, both offering 140 kW. As a preference, I’d opt for the turbocharged motor – it’s modern, efficient and light albeit it does affect the CR-V price. 

If you enjoy driving - accelerating, overtaking and being playful through a corner - this car isn’t for you. Its soft, supple suspension and CVT (Continually Variable Transmission) aren’t designed for such childish joy. What they have been designed for - comfort. Period. So smooth is the ride you’d be forgiven for thinking it has air suspension. The gearbox too - when coaxed gently - is as relaxing as a gin and tonic on an ocean view holiday. Manhandle the accelerator pedal while wrestling it to the ground, and the gearbox gets unsettled by your precocious behaviour. 

 

In keeping with its comfortable labelling, the CR-V is very quiet. Steering is light with some feedback, and its brakes are condiment in retarding its pace. The entire experience is reassuring, and as a by-product, you feel comforted. 

Plus +

Spacious

Economical

Solid

Lovely ride quality 

 

Minus

CVT gearbox

Fiddly Android interface 

Not the cheapest within its peer group

 

The competition 

VW Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV. 

 

Service and warranty 

Warranty (km)

5 years/200 000km

Service plan (km)

5 years / 90 000km

Service intervals (km)

10 000km

AA Roadside Assist

3 Year

 

Pricing

Model Range

Model Derivative

Base Price (Manual)

Base Price (Automatic)

CR-V

2.0 Comfort FWD CVT

-

R422 900

CR-V

2.0 Elegance FWD CVT

-

R477 900

CR-V

1.5T Executive AWD CVT

-

R584 900

CR-V

1.5T Exclusive AWD CVT

-

R626 900

 

My choice

2.0 Elegance FWD CVT R477 900

 

Overall score 

8/10 

 

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