Honda CR-V 2.4. / Honda test drives

The long-awaited 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine has finally appeared in the CR-V lineup, and it did not disappoint. The power of 166 hp added the very dynamics that the version with the two-liter engine lacked. When developing the new engine, Honda focused mainly on torque and flexibility. Compared to its predecessor, peak torque has grown by 28 Nm and now amounts to 220 Nm at 4200 rpm. However, the main trump card of the new unit is not the torque figure itself, but how wide its rpm range is. The intelligent VTC variable valve timing system and the VTEC valve lift mechanism allow the engine to deliver 80% of maximum torque already at 2000 rpm.

Combined with its not-so-heavy curb weight (1595 kg) and a responsive five-speed automatic transmission, the flexible engine provides the crossover with truly confident acceleration. Moreover, the 2.4-liter version is capable of reaching 100 km/h faster than the "benchmark" ten seconds for crossovers. Subjectively, driving such a CR-V has become much more pleasant: it has that very excitement that the car with the two-liter engine lacked.

Driving
The sharp handling of the CR-V has gained worthy support in the form of a powerful engine that gives the car excellent dynamics.

Interior
The modern interior is not only comfortable but also instills a sense of confidence in safety.

Price
It looks quite justified.

Pros and cons

+ Excellent handling, torquey engine, comfortable interior.
- Instead of a full-size spare wheel, only a space-saver spare.

Specifications

Make and model - Honda CR-V 2.4
Dimensions - 4530x1820x1675 mm
Engine - petrol, 2354 cm3, 166 hp/5800 rpm
Transmission - all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic
Dynamics - 190 km/h; 10.0 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Toyota RAV 4, Land Rover Freelander, Opel Antara