Review: Honda CR-V by Trish Whelan

Honda's CR-V has become the world’s best-selling SUV since it was first introduced in 1995, writes Trish Whelan. With the third generation Honda has focused on petrol engines and there is no diesel alternative. There are 2WD and 4WD versions, and the new car is offered for the first time with a hybrid petrol electric powertrain.

The new CR-V is higher and wider while keeping the same length. An increased wheelbase allows a larger and more comfortable cabin and the option of seven seats.

A new grille echoes that in the Civic. A-pillars have been moved forward and reduced. The bonnet length has also been shortened and overall there's better front quarter visibility especially when approaching a roundabout. Full marks to Honda for this.


The doors have been redesigned to keep sills clean, so clothes don’t get dirty while people get in and out of the car. Ground clearance has increased over the previous version, and so too have the wheel sizes.

The premium interior has high quality materials, gloss and metallic trims, which all make for a really welcoming interior and a comfy place to travel in.

Technology includes a head-up display, and smartphones connectivity via a 7-inch touchscreen.

There's a decent glovebox, large cup holders and a useful open storage area below the drive selector lever on the lower dash. There’s also a big space below the front armrest.

The car is available with five or seven seats. The middle row can slide forward to provide more space behind and the rear door opening has been increased to make getting in and out of the back seats easier. The large boot can fit a 19.5-inch frame mountain bike. The petrol version has a capacity of 561 litres, the hybrid 497L. The automatic tailgate can be programmed to avoid contact with low ceilings.

The 5-seat hybrid CR-V is powered by a 184hp 2.0 petrol engine with a fuel consumption of 5.3L/100kms for the FWD and 5.5L/100kms for the AWD. The car works as an automatic, though there's no transmission as we know it. Drive modes include EV, in which the car always starts, standard hybrid for mixed load driving, and a direct engine drive at highway cruising speeds. A screen shows the current drive status and the active power source.

The CR-V petrol version is powered by a 170hp 1.5 with either front- or all-wheel drive. It is offered with either 6-speed manual as in my review car, or automatic.

This is a quiet engine which packs quite a punch when you get going. I achieved a combined fuel return of 7.4 L/100kms. The official figure is from 6.1-6.3 L/100kms.

Features included auto wipers, parking sensors front and rear, a rear camera, dual zone climate, cruise control and speed limiter, and an electric parking brake with hold function.

All in all, in either guise, a very well put together car that will appeal to a growing family.

Trims are Comfort, Lifestyle, Elegance, and Executive. The starting price is €33,500. My version was the Lifestyle priced from €35,500-€45,300. The hybrid is priced from €39,500, less relevant state incentives.