Honda CR-V 2.0S AT – Good Lookin’

Now on its fourth generation, the Honda CR-V is still very much on the wish list of many car owners wanting to upgrade to an SUV. CR-V stands for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle”, but in the UK it reads it as a “Compact Recreational Vehicle”, however you want to refer to it, you can’t deny its latest iteration is macho.

We recently got to drive the 2.0 4×2 variant, now this is already good looking, but Honda managed to make it look better. They’ve managed to make it sleeker, yet more masculine, with changes to the front and rear bumpers, front grille, LED daytime running lights (DRL) and new 17” Alloys.

Powering this face lifted CR-V is a 2.0L iVTEC that puts out 155Ps at 6,500rpm with 190Nm of torque at 4,300rpm mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Its not as quick off the line as the 2.4 variant, but is adequate to move the CR-V with 5 Adults and their luggage. We estimate fuel mileage of about 8-10km/l liter in the city and around 12-15 on the highway which is about right for a vehicle this size, you can probably do better if you follow the Eco-Coaching Ambient Meter to keep your foot light on the gas pedal.

The CR-V is smooth over most roads and surfaces, the suspension set up is comfortable, but when going around corners at speed, there’s not too much body roll. Handling is decent, steering response is accurate and you get a good feel for the road.

The interior is black toned with leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, 8-way electronically adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and smart entry with push start system. The New CR-V has two screens, the intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) which shows information like the trip computer and fuel consumption and the 7-inch touch screen display audio entertainment system with built in navigation with Aux/USB ports and the new HDMI port which allows mirroring of your smartphone on the display screen.

Safety features are the multi-view back up camera capable of showing three views, normal, wide and top down with dynamic guidelines, the smart Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) which flashes the brake lights and hazard lights when it senses an emergency stop associated with heavy braking, driver and passenger SRS airbags. side airbags, Anit-Lock Braking System(ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

This CR-V gives you many features found in higher end SUV’s, priced at PhP1,498,000 and available in Copper Sunset Pearl, White Orchid Pearl, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic.

Specifications: Vehicle Type : Crossover SUV Engine : 2.0L 4cylinder DOHC i-VTEC Fuel : Gasoline Power: 153Ps at 6,500rpm Torque: 190Nm at 4,300rpm Transmission : 5-speed automatic Dimensions: length 4,582mm Width: 1,820mm Height: 1,685mm Wheelbase: 2,620mm Wheel Spec: 225/65R17

Words and Photos by Neil Pagulayan