Honda CR-V Tested Feb 2010

Rating Quick Summary Average. A family focussed SUV - comfortable and well-built but dull to drive.

Full Road Test

Despite never having made a true off-roader, Honda has enjoyed a fair amount of success with its CR-V 4x4.

So it is no surprise that a mid-life facelift has not drastically altered the looks of the popular SUV. The changes it has undergone are recognisable, but not radical. Swoopier headlights and a slightly flatter rear end are all that mark the latest CR-V out from its predecessor, but it remains a good looking vehicle and the changes are for the better.

The biggest change to the CR-V line up comes with the inclusion of an automatic diesel for the first time. It sees a five-speed auto box paired with the 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine that is now the diesel choice for the whole range. The gearbox was developed by Honda, and is an impressive set up. There is no lurch when switching between any of the ratios and it copes well with motorway speeds, although a sixth gear might be a good addition.

This may be one of the contributions towards a comparatively poor emissions and fuel economy performance. The auto only boasts a CO2 emission rating of 195g/km, which is not great even when compared to the manual figure of 171g/km. This translates to fuel economy of 38.2 and 43.5mpg for the two respectively. A smooth-revving 2.0 litre petrol unit is also available that is actually cleaner than the diesel at 193g/km, although economy is distinctly worse at 33.8mpg.

The big sell for the CR-V is its practicality, and this remains the case with the latest version. A dividable boot space allows the ability to hide plenty of kit out of sight, and includes a handy shelf that can take loads of up to 10kg. There are an assortment of cubby holes and segments for cabin storage in the front of the car as well, with arm rests for the front two seats making the front of the car a comfortable and practical place to be. The only real niggle is with over-complicated control layout, including no fewer than 17 buttons on the "multi-function" steering wheel.

Back seat passengers are not forgotten either as they benefit from a fantastic view as the seats are set high and boast plenty of legroom. This shows the CR-V is aiming more at the family than the off-roading market, and the driving dynamics certainly major on comfort.

The CR-V 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, even if it won?t be taking the car off road on many occasions.