Vehicle: 2012 Honda CR-V Touring
Price as tested: CDN$34990

Performance: Powering up the new CR-V is Honda’s familiar 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve engine. Along with i-VTEC variable valve timing and electronic throttle, this engine has a good 185 ponies and 163 lb/ft of torque. What makes Honda different from other carmakers when redesigned their popular crossover is the lack of an uplevel turbocharged 4-cylinder or V6. Because as good as this 4-banger does, its truly has served CR-V’s purpose exceptionally well. That means the usual array of refinement, smoothness and NVH as we all expect from Honda’s engineering team. Although its only 163 lb/ft of torque, its low-end is peppy without feeling sluggish. When pushed the CR-V through the paces, 185hp has more than asking for in a crossover costing over 1608kg in our loaded Touring trim. As with most Honda engines, they are willing to rev through middle and upper rev ranges without breaking a sweat. Mated with this smooth powertrain is the equally compelling 5-speed automatic. Since Honda has said its customers don’t need manumatic mode, its surely good enough to leave it in “D” as it has perfectly fine gear ratios. The bottom 1st and 2nd are low enough for responsive acceleration while 4th and 5th are tall enough for superb cruising.

Like most Honda, new CR-V has an “Econ” button which helps fuel economy after press that “green” button. Honda has claimed its able to improve fuel economy by up to 15% with that button press, by using ECM to control the throttle response and gearbox mapping to achieve that desired economy. However, it tends to lost a bit of performance.

Handling: CR-V’s dynamic abilities have never been disappointed. In fact, Honda has found a sweetspot for combining confidence handling with superb ride quality which are near perfect compromise for its target audience. The result is a compact crossover which deliver a sure-footness handling sharpness with a sense of comfort dial through the equation. Although its RealTime 4WD is a “slip first before system steps in” reactive variety, it has served 99% of the consumers perfectly right. If you are looking for an advanced full-time AWD in Honda family, one has to upgrade to nearby Acura store for the RDX. In terms of driving feel, it continues Honda’s trend of deliver excellent stering feel and feedback. The electric power steering not only does help save fuel, Honda’s setting won’t be upsetting its responsiveness and feedback too much through the process. There are minimal body rolls, while terminal understeer is expected drama consider CR-V’s reactive system. However, all are able to solve with the advanced VSA which are able to save any drivers from rearing CR-V’s ugly heads when driven above the limits.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, CR-V delivers a brake pedal feel of what it should be. The stopping distance is short, while pedal always feels solid and reassurring. Unlike Honda in the past, ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily while pedal remains fade-free after a couple of harsh stops.

Interior: In the past, one has to open the tailgate to fold down the rear seats in any cars. There is a new party trick with the new CR-V. There are pull levers on both side of the rear seats for folding them completely. With this design, its far more user-friendly when hauling lots of heavy stuffs. Just open the side door and do this little trick. Sometimes, its the smallest thing that makes the biggest difference.

In terms of luggage space, CR-V continues its versatile tradition. Along with a nice low floor and liftover, it has a huge 70.9 cubin feet with the seats down. When the seats are up for extra passengers, it has an already plenty 37.2 cubin feet of cargo space. A privacy cover comes standard to keep goods from thieves, on the other hand, everything has been nicely carpeted and finished. If there is one major flaw, however, its the rear glass doesn’t open independently.

Up front, CR-V’s user-friendliness continues. All the major controls are initutive and ergonomically correct. The auto climate control in our Touring provides effective heating during winter. The i-MID multi-information display has served everything else from Bluetooth incoming call to average fuel economy. The green light on the speedometer tells driver how “green” are they driving. Rest of the interior has completed with nice materials and quality workmanship.

Conclusion: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Honda is obviously getting the 4th generation of CR-V right from the start. As it combines an ideal blend of performance, handling, comfort and feature content with the usual Honda quality. While its not as technologically remarkable as some of its major rivals, its conservative approach would continue to help CR-V keep its compact crossover selling crown for years to come.

Competitions:
BMW X1
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Rogue
Toyota RAV4
VW Tiguan

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Honda CR-V
=====================================
Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5