Review: Honda CR-V

Who doesn't remember the CR-V from the Honda stable? It was a petrol SUV and was among the most popular imported cars in India. Honda, however, has not been able to sustain this popularity. Partly because, the CR-V was only available in the petrol motor but now there is a new one and in its fourth generation, it will be the first CR-V to be assembled here.

If you've seen the previous generation, there is no way you are going to mistake this for anything other than a CR-V. With time though, it has changed a lot in looks. The CR-V now looks sharper and there are a lot of cuts and creases to give it that futuristic look. It still plays its part when it comes to its looks and you won't be disappointed at all.

Honda is offering the CR-V with the same 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol motors as before but they have given it a bit more power now. The 2.0-litre mill now develops 154bhp while the 2.4 pumps out 187bhp. The smaller motor is offered with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The 2.4 motor is only offered as an auto and comes with Honda's on-demand four-wheel-drive system.

The five-speed automatic gearbox, however, is a bit slow, so don't expect the big beast to get off the starting line in a hurry. Flat out though, the CR-V is a much better car and even the gear changes are sleeker.

Inside the CR-V oozes brilliance. The high-quality steering wheel and multiple screens give the interiors a modern feel. The instrument panel is just wow and it is well finished. The instrument panel also incorporates a digital display at the centre, along with a layered 3D effect.

Honda has priced the base 2.0L MT variant at Rs 19.95 lakh and the 2.0L AT at Rs 20.85 lakh. The 2.4L AT comes priced at Rs 22.40 lakh and the top-end 2.4L AVN at Rs 23.85 lakh. The CR-V still comes at a price but what it lacks is a diesel powertrain and that, for Honda is the need of the hour.