The Car Auto Review: Honda CR-V 2015 Car Auto Review

This is the fourth-generation Honda CR-V and as part of its 2015 mid-life refresh Honda has made a host of tweaks. These include a new front-grille, a better infotainment set-up and – the main attraction, a new high-powered 1.6-liter diesel, unique to Europe, along with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Now, Honda has said that it aims to challenge models like the BMW X3, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC60 with its latest CR-V incarnation, so it will be interesting to see how its interior luxury and practicality compare. Following the success of the 118bhp 1.6-liter diesel in the last CR-V model, Honda decided to introduce a higher output of the 1.6-liter with 158bhp, and this replaces the previously available 2.2-liter diesel.

This new 158bhp 1.6-liter, which is only available in 4WD and is expected to be the most popular derivative, sprints from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds and our model emits 139g/km and returns a combined 55.3mpg. These figures aren’t massively impressive, however Honda claims that they make for an “unrivaled power to consumption ratio”. The lower powered 2WD 118bhp 1.6-liter diesel is still available however, emitting just 115g/km. A 153bhp 2.0-liter petrol is also available. Although a smooth shifting six-speed manual gearbox is on offer, it’s the new nine-speed automatic that is grabbing headlines. The reason for this is because of its two-stage turbo, which makes it more efficient and allows steady acceleration throughout the gears, as opposed to a regular turbo that tends to give you a single boost of acceleration. And hats off to Honda, it really does work.

Honda has actively looked at cabin insulation by adding the likes of thicker door seals, but the diesel still sounds noisy. Comfort and assurance is still good all-round, with a suspension set-up that is not too stiff or soggy and well-weighted and responsive steering. But it doesn’t offer the same engagement as a BMW. In an attempt to offer that luxury feel of its competitors, Honda has added loads of new soft touch materials about the place, but scratchy plastics are still quite prominent. The seats on the other hand are top notch, with great back support, adjustment and head rests that are more like pillows. These seats also give you a great, superior, high-riding position. Those who know the previous CR-V well will quickly notice the improvements to the infotainment system, as this new 7-inch Honda Connect display gets rid of its numerous buttons. This touchscreen also has a Garmin sat-nav with new smartphone-inspired swipe and pinch feature.

This goes hand-in-hand with its Mirror-link functionality, allowing for wi-fi tethering, again giving a more modern, user-friendly feel. This system is standard on our flagship EX model but optional on all others. There are a host of safety enhancements as well, the halo feature being a new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which can predict if someone is going to cut in front of you in traffic. In terms of overall practicality in the cabin, storage compartments are aplenty, with clever things like these shelves on the doors. Visibility wise, the large wing mirrors and windscreen and relatively skinny A pillars mean it’s very good, but the C pillars seem unnecessarily chunky and as a result, obstruct rear visibility. Rear practicality couldn’t really be any better in the CR-V, with tons of head room and leg room, even if your front passenger over indulges with their own leg room.

The likes of no transmission tunnel and an arm rest with cup holders are also nice features. Now, on to the boot and Honda’s renowned ‘Magic seats’. The boot offers a very handy 589 liters, which is more than the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q3, and also has a low loading level – but its party trick is revealed when you pull this lever, folding the seats down and the headrests away. And this allows for a flat loading surface and up to 1,669 liters of space. The CR-V definitely has impressive family-friendly credentials, but Honda may be aiming a little high when it comes to competition. So instead of BMW, Volvo or Audi, think Nissan, Kia and Volkswagen. But what do you think of the CR-V?