Honda CR-V. Planned revolution.

Honda CR-V. Planned Revolution

As it turned out, the love for dynamic driving is in our blood — and it doesn't depend on which car we choose. Even owners of compact crossovers dream of saving a couple of seconds in acceleration to 100 km/h.

We don't need to look far for examples. When the new generation of RAV 4 appeared on the market, it literally pushed its predecessor off the capital's roads in a couple of years. But soon it turned out: many buyers were dissatisfied with the dynamics. The Japanese didn't hesitate and offered a version with a more powerful 2.4-liter engine. With this step, they killed three birds with one stone: pleased customers, differentiated themselves from the popular Qashqai, and gave a worthy response to competitors from Nissan, who released the X-Trail with two engines — a base 2.0-liter and a top 2.5-liter.

Naturally, such activity by the leaders did not go unnoticed — other players in the segment also started thinking. But not all. For example, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is still sold only with a 2.0-liter engine (not counting the 1.6-liter on three-door versions). But Honda decided on changes. As told in the company's Russian office, a survey of new CR-V owners showed: the main complaint is precisely the lack of dynamics. Therefore, a modification with a 2.4-liter engine was brought to our market.

But first, let's recall what the car itself, which appeared a year ago, is. It was awaited, but, frankly, fans of the predecessor's off-road qualities were disappointed. The main difference of the new CR-V is that it practically ceased to be even a crossover. The car became 105 mm shorter, 35 mm wider, and 30 mm lower. The wheelbase and ground clearance also decreased, but the track, on the contrary, widened. A few more such changes — and only all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance would connect it with real off-roaders.

One can argue, because many classmates also don't shine with off-road capability. But here we have to admit: Honda engineers noticeably shifted the center of gravity, and the car began to resemble a passenger-cargo station wagon more. Such a sharp transition from "off-road" to "passenger" is a bold step even for the democratic "crossover" segment. None of the competitors allowed themselves such a thing.

Perhaps this is the future of the model. Surveys show: 90% of the time such cars spend on asphalt, so they need off-road attributes less and less. Moreover, in our country, front-wheel-drive versions also sell well. Let's recall at least the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson. And the most striking example of the new direction was the Nissan Qashqai — queues at dealers are just for front-wheel-drive modifications.

The first thing that reveals the change in orientation is the exterior. From the old CR-V, only the vertical rear lights and the recognizable profile remain. Everything else is completely new: a different mood, a different philosophy. This is no longer an ordinary clerk with everyday worries, but an athlete who chooses a gym or a run in the park instead of TV. In style, the car has come close to Acura SUVs and moved away from the usual compact SUVs.

The interior has changed in the same vein. Otherwise, it's hard to explain the unusual location of the gearshift lever — like in American minivans. Many will find the cabin stylish and elegant. The Japanese again did not skimp on special effects: an original T-shaped parking brake lever and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel.

In terms of ergonomics, the "Japanese" almost doesn't differ from competitors: the range of longitudinal adjustment of the driver's seat is limited, but the upright seating position compensates for this. The headroom pleased — in the RAV 4 there is less space. But the seats don't cause much delight: the profile of the backrests and cushions is average, and they are clearly designed for a person up to 175 cm tall. The rear row is also not for giants, but if you slide the seats all the way back, any passenger will sit comfortably. True, you'll have to sacrifice part of the trunk for this. However, given the compartment divided by a shelf and its capacity, it's not critical. The fifth door now opens upward, and the "spare tire" is hidden under the floor — access to cargo has become more convenient.

Now about the main thing — the new engine. Previously, the CR-V, like its predecessor, was content with a single 2.0-liter 150-horsepower engine, created on the basis of the 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC from the Civic. Now a more powerful unit has appeared — 166 hp and 220 Nm, and it works so far only with a five-speed "automatic". The hundred is reached a second faster than in the first version. Of course, you can't call the car a racing car, but it drives quite briskly. About 80% of the torque is available almost immediately, so the thrust is smooth and confident at medium revs. Overtaking on the highway is not a problem, though, during kickdown, the gearbox sometimes hesitates.

In the end, it's still the same CR-V, only faster. And more expensive. The new engine is available only in the top trim, with a minimum price of 1,049,000 rubles. For leather upholstery and electric drives, they'll ask another 30,000 rubles.

Magazine "Autoguide" April 4, 2008 No. 60