Yes ok Honda It is a brand with a great reputation worldwide and is even seen by the public as a little superior to other general companies, it still has a massive and popular reach. In Argentina, on the other hand, it is seen almost as a semi-premium company. And part of that perception is due to CR-V.
This SUV, which has been sold since the 90s in our market, now arrives with its sixth generation, which greatly increases its equipment and preserves the model’s historical qualities, but also greatly changes the proposal it has always had.
The reputation of the Japanese brand in the country is supported by the reliability of its products, with the CR-V in the lead (to this day you can see first generation units circulating without problems), but also with the response that it has always given to its users.
In fact, even when the company had complications in offering new vehicles, after the cessation of national production of the HR-V (today that plant is the largest motorcycle factory in the country) and the difficulties in importing vehicles, many customers decided to wait until let the wind change.
That change It started happening last year., when Honda Argentina began the renewal with the new ZR-V and HR-V and will continue this second half with the return of the Civic (it will only be in a hybrid version) and other models not yet announced. In the middle of that update is this new generation of the company’s maximum benchmark: the CR-V.
What is the new CR-V like?
At first glance, the Honda SUV looks modern and current. You can see the evolution and current seal of the brand. But it doesn’t look like a CR-V. The current style moves away from the more loaded image that previous generations had, with more striking shapes and lines and a heavy load of chrome.
Now everything is simpler, with sharper lines but cleaner surfaces. This is accompanied by “less decorated”: what is not body color is black, except for a subtle chrome strip on the nose and the fine framing of the windows with the same finish.
This description does not seek to define whether it is better or worse. There are those who prefer more striking vehicles and others the opposite. The truth is that those who are very familiar with the CR-V over time will notice the change in this new generation.
The ride comfort of the Honda CR-V continues to be one of its high points.While it is true that the tested version (EX) will be the middle of the range once the EXL arrives (whose arrival is imminent), the reality is that the top-of-the-range options of this generation in this market tThey are not so striking.
Inside, Honda’s new SUV conveys a similar feeling. Its style is sober, there is no combination of colors or materials that stand out. The most striking thing is the original way that the brand found to hide the air conditioning outlets (behind a black grille), a solution already seen in the ZR-V.
For many, even The multimedia center in the center console may be too small for you. or that the instrument panel is not 100% digital. Ultimately, it will be a matter of taste, since the operation in both cases shows great efficiency.
The Honda CR-V has a simple interior stripped of luxury finishes.Another situation that will attract attention is related to the materials chosen for this intermediate version. Practically everything is plastic and looks like plastic, with perfect fittings and finishes, but with a perception that can disappoint a little.
For example, The steering wheel rim does not have any coating and the seat upholstery is fabric. Again, it’s more a matter of perception and what this version conveys than a lack of quality. But that is going to attract the attention of more than one.
What will also surprise you is the interior space. The driving position has enough space for drivers of different anatomies. The seat adjustment is electric and offers wide ranges of movement.
The large rear space of the Honda CR-V demonstrates its family vocation.Everything is within reach of the driver and has several analog commands that allow execute functions without having to deal with the multimedia screen.
The rear section is also significantly spacious. People taller than 1.85 meters can travel there without having discomfort with their legs or head height.
In addition, the backrest can be adjusted to go a little more reclined. And there shouldn’t be much problem with space in the trunk since in any of the positions there is still a lot of space. Entering the vehicle is also very comfortable, since The door opens at an angle of almost 90°.
The Honda CR-V’s multimedia center may be small but also fast and effective.Where it is decidedly uncomfortable is in the rear center position, since the backrest is significantly harder and has an arched shape that generates a lot of discomfort.
The mechanics offered in this new generation are the same as those that came before. A motor 1.5-liter turbo gasoline and 191 horsepower and a CVT automatic transmission. It is a set that allows for a very comfortable ride, thanks to the serenity with which the engine operates and the very low level of vibrations it transmits. The drive is front and we will see the 4×4 variant in the aforementioned EXL version.
It offers three driving modes, ECO, Normal and Sport, but all are governed by a good serenity of macha. The sport option makes it react a little faster, but the real limitation to the response not being more immediate is the CVT box.
The Honda CR-V has a clever solution to hide the climate control air diffusers.Like almost all transmissions of this type, shows a small delay when recovering speedin addition to causing sudden movements if the need for traction is great.
Despite those sensations that the mechanical assembly delivers at times, the numbers do not lie: it reaches a maximum speed of 200 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is around 9.5 seconds. And the consumption is good for a vehicle of this size and with this power, with an average of 8.5 L/100 km.
Its ride is comfortable and robust, with a very good attitude when turning quickly. Its large, high-profile tires contribute significantly to this. Good choice for a vehicle that boasts of being family-friendly.
Where it does not admit reproaches is in its equipment, especially that which refers to safety. In terms of passive safety, its 10 airbags (front, front and rear sides, curtain and knee for driver and passenger). In addition, it equips the package that the brand calls Honda Sensing and which includes a wide variety of driving assistance systems.
The rear lights on the sides of the rear window are the only style element that unites it with previous generations of the Honda CR-V.This new generation is going to catch the attention of anyone who has owned a CR-V, there is no doubt about that. But if you do have the possibility of getting on, you will notice that the good thing about the model is still there plus the logical evolution in safety and equipment.
Datasheet
Wheelbase 2,700 mm
Fuel tank 57 liters
Power 191 HP at 6,600 rpm
Torque 235 Nm a 1.700 rpm
CVT Automatic Transmission
Maximum speed 200 km/h
Acel. 0-100 km/h 9.5 seconds
Average consumption 8.5 L/100 km
Front side airbags
Rear side airbags
Knee airbags for driver and passenger
Autonomous emergency brake
adaptive cruise control
Camera to reduce blind spot
Lane keeping system
Two-zone climate control
Electric tailgate
Electric adjustment of front seats
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Wireless cell phone charger
Versions and prices
LX 2WD: US$56,000 (entry version)
EX 2WD: US$60,000 (tested version)
