BY EOIN CUTTLE
Now in its sixth-generation, the new Honda CR-V boasts a bolder appearance and class-leading levels of practicality, combined with exceptional connectivity and comfort.
With the latest iteration of its best-selling SUV, the Japanese brand has truly served up a masterclass in common sense for the modern-day car; the cabin of the CR-V is an exemplar of design excellence and has been designed with the driver in mind.
The myriad of simple controls (dials for fan speed and volume etc. ) and a non-intrusive infotainment system, really puts a lot of other car maker's so-called innovative ideas to shame.
Irish buyers have the choice of two hybrid powertrains: a full hybrid (e:HEV ) or, for the first time in Europe, a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV ). Both variants feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an CVT automatic gearbox. The e:PHEV, only available as front-wheel-drive, utilises the same lightweight and high-output on-board electric motors as its e:HEV stablemate to provide one of the smoothest plug-in hybrid rides out there, and with a highly competitive 82km all-electric only range to match.
As part of the connected services offered on the e:PHEV, owners can select a range of preconditioning and climate functions when charging to further improve efficiencies, reduce costs and increase comfort in all weathers. The e:HEV is the four-wheel-drive option, and features a power-dense lithium-ion battery and two lightweight electric motors to help shift between electric, hybrid and petrol driving.
The e:PHEV version is only offered in the 'Advance Tech' spec (tested here ), and is priced from €67,995 with €140 annual road tax. This grade comes fully loaded with a high build quality evident.
Some features include front and rear heated seats, dark coloured roof lining and panoramic glass roof, keyless entry and start, power tailgate, heated leather steering wheel, 18-inch black alloy wheels, black and chrome grille, and a 360-degree camera. There's also a handy blind spot camera that projects onto the centre touchscreen when indicating left.
As is the norm these days, this successor model is now wider, longer, and taller than before. A 40mm longer wheelbase helps to create more interior space, including a huge amount of rear legroom and an impressive 617-litre boot (e:PHEV version ). Putting the rear seats flat gives you up to 1,710-litres of luggage capacity.
Outside, Honda has drastically improved the visual appeal of its CR-V. A greater road presence is offered by a more aggressive front-end, distinguishing e:HEV and e:PHEV variants by their own exclusive grille design. The thin headlights and new signature daytime running lights combine to enhance this visual appeal further, while at the rear, the vertical brake light and turn signal combination is a smart upgrade.
There's a choice of three pearl and three metallic exterior colours. My pearl 'Platinum White' press car turned heads.
Performance figures of the new Honda CR-V won't win you a round of Top Trumps, but power output felt more than adequate on the road. A zero to 100km/h sprint takes just over nine seconds, while 35Nm of torque and 184hp are on tap. Honda quotes a bizarre fuel consumption of 0.8l/100km on the combined WLTP, but expect an average of around 7.0l/100km from the 46.5-litre fuel tank.
Honda has really laid down a marker with its latest CR-V, providing the sound blueprint on how to design the modern car.
