The Honda CR-V Sport combines the space and comfort of a passenger vehicle with the capabilities of a real-time 4WD system to provide an all-round car for transporting the family around town to towing a seadoo away for a camping weekend.
With a re-sculptured bonnet, grille and bumpers, halogen headlights (which inconveniently aren’t automatic), sunroof and 17” 7 spoke alloy wheels; the exterior design is sleek and sporty. For young children, climbing in the back seat is easy with a low step and wide door openings.
Once inside, the CR-V projects a spacious feeling with comfortable leg, head and shoulder room for the front and while the CR-V can fit 5 adults, long trips should be restricted to children in the second row seats. The cloth-trimmed seats are manually adjustable for the two front seats and relatively comfortable overall.
The driving position is incredibly comfortable despite the lack of lumbar support, with a footrest, armrest and a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio controls for ease of use.
The Sport also boasts Dual Zone Climate Control air-conditioning and a Multi-Information display easily showcasing instant and average fuel economy, distance till empty, outside temperature and a tripmeter to the driver for their convenience.
NVH levels have also been significantly reduced. The 6 CD audio system is MP3 compatible with AUX and 6 speakers and our test vehicle was fitted with optional Bluetooth.
Storage throughout is more than adequate with an impressively large boot which can be extended with the collapse of the second row seats, roomy center console, front door pockets, upper and lower glove compartment, sunglass box on roof, seat back pockets and with 10 bottle/cup holders, passengers are spoilt for storage choice.
There are some clever ideas in the boot area with the double decker cargo shelf that allows storage space to be maximised. The CR-V also has a luggage cover and cargo restraint hook, adding yet again more convenience to this car.
In the overhaul of the CR-V, safety was improved and it boasts driver and passenger active head restraints, front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, VSA, TCS progressive crumple zones and Honda’s G-Con Technology. For families with children, the CR-V has 3 child seat anchors.
Powering our test vehicle was a 2.4L 5 speed automatic petrol engine, as there is no diesel option, which produces 125kW of power @ 5,800 rpm and 218Nm of torque @ 4,200 rpm. With an official urban consumption of 13.4L/100km, the CRV Sport is hardly economical however I found it to be thirstier than this. The fuel consumption was disappointing, especially when there are so many powerful and economical diesels on the market.
Driving the CR-V is effortless; with a car-like feel around town it is easy to see why it is so popular. With Honda’s outstanding build quality the CRV Sport should be on your list for a small AWD SUV. It is competitive though and if only there was a diesel option.
What is good:
· Car like handling
· Heaps of storage
· Very comfortable
What is not so good:
· Lacks power
· Thirsty and no diesel option
· Still thinking
Model Honda CR-V Sport
Model Price $42,414 RDAP
Drivetrain AWD 2.4L 5-speed auto
Power 125kW @ 5,800 rpm
Torque 218Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Safety 4 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 237 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 3 ½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 10.0 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 1200 kg
Tow Ball Rating 120 kg
Servicing $1,244 – 3yrs/60,000km
Warranty 3yr/unlimited km
Overall OzRoamer Rating 77/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 8
Equipment 8
Performance 7
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 7
Off Road Ability 6
Value for Money 8