2013 Honda CR-V Launch Review
2013 HONDA CRV REVIEW
Vehicle category: Compact SUV Wagon
Variants Reviewed | |||
Model | Power/Torque | Fuel (listed) | Fuel (tested) |
VTi 2.0 litre 2WD Auto | 114kW/190Nm | 7.8 l/100km | 9.5 l/100km |
VTi 2.4 litre 4WD Auto | 140kW/222Nm | 8.7 l/100km | 10.5 l/100km |
VTi-L 2.4 litre 4WD Auto | 140kW/222Nm | 8.7 l/100km | 10.7 l/100km |
OVERVIEW
Honda’s new CR-V SUV does something the older model struggled to do – it commands attention. Shorter, lower, but with a longer roof, there is a nice balance to its fresh new lines.
Where the older model looked a bit of a frump, the higher-set nose of the new model, strong curved grille and angular chopped tail, injects a little class and carpark presence into Honda’s new midsized SUV.
Smaller outside, but bigger inside, few, we’d reckon, will find the distinctly sharper styling lacking.
Importantly, with a more potent 2.4 litre petrol engine standard across 4WD models, and a new 2.0 litre 2WD model at a sub-$30k entry-point to the range, it’s packing some showroom punch for Honda.
We drove both 2WD and 4WD models at launch in and around the Adelaide Hills. It might be sitting on the old platform, but this is a greatly improved car.
- CR-V | Honda | SUVs | Family Cars
THE INTERIOR
The interior too is an improvement over the older model. While the plastics look and feel about the same – in other words, it’s not over-endowed with soft-touch surfaces - the lines are strong, uncluttered and well organised.
Honda’s now trademark large speedometer dominating the sports-style instrument binnacle is clear, modern and appealing (its borders glow green or amber depending upon the fuel use), and the steering wheel – never a disappointment with Honda – has a nice ‘square-on’ feel and well laid-out audio and cruise control buttons.
The layout of the controls and switchgear in the centre stack is also ‘just right’.
The gearshift is high on the console (sitting in a cheap-looking brushed metal surround) and the paddles in the 4WD models are placed nicely for fingertip control behind the wheel.
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