2018 Honda CR-V Review
Car Tested: 2018 Honda CR-V; Road Test No. 993; Test Location: Jaipur
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 30 – 34 lakhs (est.)
The new Honda CR-V packs in a lot of potential, especially the diesel variant
Owning a petrol powered SUV may seem bizarre in the current scenario. Petrol prices are at a record high but even back then, it was still not considered to be a good idea. However, going back to when Honda launched the CR-V in India, through the 3 generations, it did find a lot of takers. Based on the CR-V’s success, Maruti got the Vitara but it bombed quite miserably. Now Honda is back with the 5th generation CR-V and they are hoping it can create a buzz similar to what the Civic created in 2005. But things seem to be going well for Honda as the CR-V finally gets what Indians really love…a diesel engine and 7 seats.
Motor Quest: The Honda CR-V came to India in its second generation and since then, Honda has sold all subsequent generations of CR-Vs in India. Globally the CR-V is the second highest selling Honda nameplate having sold more than 9.9 million vehicles over the generations.
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The CR-V has grown in dimensions over the previous car
Exteriors – The CR-V’s design cues are very evolutionary with Honda carrying forward the same design DNA. It looks more aggressive and sporty and has the typical SUV stance. It is now 47 mm longer, 4 mm taller and has a 40 mm longer wheelbase as compared to the previous generation model. The front end is now sharper and gets LED headlamps with LED turn signals & LED fog lamps. The front grille has good use of chrome while the flared wheel arches, long hood, longer wheelbase and short rear overhangs give the CR-V a very upmarket presence. The Volvo inspired tail lamps blend well into the rear profile while the chunky 18-inch alloys and the panoramic sunroof add a premium touch.
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The quality of interior materials is very good
Interiors – Honda has taken the interiors a notch above in this generation model. Quality of materials and the attention to detail is spot on. The wooden garnish too looks quite pleasant. The front seats offer good amount of support and feel comfortable over long drives. The middle seat is wide and also gets a recline option but under thigh support and headroom is just average, especially for tall passengers. The panoramic sunroof further eats away the headroom. Both front and middle rows over ample amount of legroom.
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The petrol variant doesn’t get a 7-seater option
The cabin is quite practical in terms of storage spaces and gets good features
The 3rd row is only available in the diesel variants. The petrol version misses on the third row of seats and roof mounted AC vents. This row of seats is strictly for children as there is barely any legroom to sit in comfort. Besides, when the last row of seats are upright, there is barely any luggage room in the boot. It is best to assume that the CR-V is a 5-seater with occasional 7-seater usability. On the upside, the middle and last row can be folded flat when carrying luggage is a priority.
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The seats can be folded to increase cargo capacity
The petrol variant uses the standard stick shifter while the cabin of the diesel looks more minimalistic due to the absence of the stick shifter. The diesel variant uses shift-by-wire technology which uses buttons to select the gears. Honda has loaded the CR-V with a lot of features and driver assists. You now have a TFT Mid Meter, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which gets Apple Car Play and Android Auto, rear AC for the 7-seater variants, segment first electronic parking brake and brake hold, 8-way electrically adjustable driver seat, dual zone automatic climate control, remote operation of windows and sunroof, multi-angle reversing camera, keyless entry & lane watch.
