Comfortable Re-Creation for Seven

What we like:

Decently good performer

Front and middle rows have plenty of room

Good steering response

Nice horn

What we dislike:

Lacking in space at the third row

No memory seats for the driver

Infotainment unit could be better

Engine noise intrudes into the cabin

The CR-V is powered by a turbo charged 1.5 four-cylinder, the same one in the Civic 1.5 Turbo, and linked to a CVT transmission. While the engine does come across as rather noisy, Honda got the transmission behaviour correct, unlike how Nissan had included virtual gear changing jolts in its X-Trail’s CVT setup (that SUV also has seven seats). Honda had opted to keep the transmission as natural as possible, in-turn rewarding with a smooth drive. Century sprint timing is a respectable 9.4 seconds, with maximum twist of 243Nm delivered at 2,000Nm.

Ride quality is decently good, although we do feel that the car does jolt a little over rougher terrain. Steering response is excellent, and the CR-V is comfortable with going up and down twisty roads.

Driver goodies also include the Honda LaneWatch System, which displays the left side of the car on the infotainment screen, whenever you pop the left-hand signal on. Helping to keep drivers alert, the Driver Attention Monitor adds another dimension to keeping all in the car safe, by monitoring the driver’s attention at the wheel, and would prompt the driver if senses that one is needed.

The seven-seater CRV makes plenty of sensed in a time when a buyer is spoilt for choice. While it does cost more, the added ability to seat two more makes this an attractive car, where there are very few SUVs which can match this.

While the ride height helps if ever there is a requirement to place a child in a child seat, the CRV’s limited third row passenger room does not help much if you are planning to drive around with a full load of adults.

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