Model Update

There’s a lot to like about the new Honda CR-V. Tweaks in the exterior detailing give the AWD Honda CR-V smart looks which, in fact, are class leading in my book. Modern looks coupled with plenty of off-road talent and fun for the average adventurer, well engineered reliability and abundant practicality make the 2011 Honda CR-V a superb buy for the adventurer at heart or urban jungle driver who carries plenty of bods on board.

The Honda CR-V boasts a pleasant interior that is incredibly nice to sit inside. Cup-holders, a tiered glove box, dual-zone climate control, blue LED cabin illumination, crisp clear instrumentation and even luxury heated seats are part of the CR-V package. Premium safety features have helped give the vehicle top honours for crash test results.

Awarded the best small 4wd in a recent “drive.com” test, you know for sure that the nimble and punchy Honda CR-V is a satisfying AWD.

Honda CR-V keeps getting better. Since entering the light four wheel drive market, the Honda CR-V has been one of the class leaders.

The new design, for some, may take a little getting used to but I sit in the other camp. Honda have, like they did in the Accord Euro, gone for something a little more special in the new CR-V. It is very elegant, considering the high stance. The windows are framed with silverlook trim which is curvaceous and swooping. The chunky nose and angular Xenon headlights give a muscular look to the front hand, which is neatly balanced by the very high-rise tail lights.

The new Honda CR-V’s bodyshell is wonderfully rigid and strong, and, when driven over the roughest surfaces, the Honda CR-V is capable of superb control and has an unruffled feeling to its handling that builds confidence in its ability. The higher driving position gives great visibility of the road ahead, allowing you both to see and be seen. On the smooth stuff, the steering is nicely weighted and accurate, and though there is some roll in hard corners, the Honda CR-V offers commendable levels of grip thanks to the Vehicle Stability Assist which works in tandem with the traction control and ABS brakes. The electric power steering unit makes manoeuvring this big beauty a breeze. This excellent handling owes a lot to Honda’s design team, who kept the centre of gravity low which, combined with a wider stance than the previous model and big 17″ wheels, makes the Honda CR-V very stable.

The powerhouse inside the Honda CR-V is harnessed through a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. The powerhouse itself is a strongly performing 2.4 litre engine that offers 125 kW of power and 218 Nm of torque.

Sitting in the cloth seats at the front, both occupants enjoy good legroom inside the Honda CR-V. The front dash and panelling is pleasantly designed in attractive neutral tones. Little touches of shiny silver add to the Honda CR-V’s class and the components have a solid feel to them. The rear also has abundant space for legs and other body parts – three adults fit in easily side by side. The front seats slide back and forth for extra legroom and also recline for extra comfort during longer journeys. And there’s plenty of space to stow travelling needs around the cabin. The boot space is very versatile and comes with a dividing tray to give a “two storey” layout to the space – perfect if you need to take lunchboxes and the dog in the back but need to keep them separate.

There are three variants in the Honda CR-V range, all of which are packed with decent safety features such as front and side airbags. The Honda CR-V sport and luxury models have curtain airbags front and back as well. If leather trim is what you prefer, the Honda CR-V luxury model caters to your whim. The luxury model also has a power driver’s seat which is heated, as is the front passenger seat – delicious! Perhaps a more practical item offered in the Honda CR-V luxury model are the reverse parking sensors to prevent you dinging whatever’s parked behind you – everyone’s nightmare in a crowded parking lot.

Whether you’re driving up to a skifield with snow and ice outside, or over the dustiest Outback roads, the cabin inside the Honda CR-V will remain equable with the dual zone automatic climate control system. The Honda CR-V sport and luxury models have an overhead conversation mirror which means that front occupants can interact with the ones in the back, putting an end to the passenger having to turn into The Amazing Rubber Man to hold a conversation. Even in the base model, the quality 160 W CD system with four speakers comes as standard. The sport and luxury Honda CR-Vs have six speakers and an auxiliary jack, allowing plug-in portable devices to be used in the cabin. Honda’s superb satellite navigation system is available in the luxury version of the Honda CR-V.

The clever RealTime four wheel drive system, under normal driving conditions, reverts to only front wheel drive. When a surface causes any wheels to lose traction, the system automatically engages the rear wheels to help regain grip. Top marks, Honda CR-V!

Current model series include:

• Honda CRV 2.4
• Honda CRV Luxury 2.4
• Honda CRV Sports 2.5

For any more information on the Honda CR-V, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Honda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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