Road Test: Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SR 2WD

In fact, that is a bit of an understatement.

People want bigger cars, because of the practicality, comfort, performance, and prestige which they offer.

It is also fair to say that within this particular market, there isn’t much choice for those wanting a bit of frugality.

What is there out there for motorists who want all the things an SUV gives you, but don’t want to be spending a fortune on fuel, or who are concerned about their carbon footprint?

The truth is not a great deal, although that picture is starting to change.

This is where Honda come in.

Their CR-V range boasts nearly two dozen models, and at the greener end of the scale is the 1.6 i-DTEC.

Boasting a fuel economy of 60mpg, this frugal CR-V ensures you won’t be spending half your income on black gold, and half your time on forecourts.

I had the 1.6 for a week and a full tank was easily enough for five 40 mile-round commutes, a journey from Sheffield to York and back, plus the regulation trips to the supermarket and running the kids around.

If you have got kids, then a CR-V is a great option, there is plenty of room and comfort, and very generous boot space.

The model I had may only have been a 1.6, and it may not have been a 4WD, but don’t be fooled, it wasn’t sluggish in the oompth department.

When you step on the gas it is responsive, and it has plenty enough in its locker to be able to handle even the steepest of Sheffield’s seven hills, even when fully loaded.

It showed plenty of presence on the M1 as well, and you can rest assured you won’t get harassed and flashed at by impatient berks in Mercs while in the outside lane.

Don’t be put off by the lack of all wheel drive.

A lot of 4x4 cars only kick into 4x4 mode when the car decides it is necessary.

I found little difference in performance between this 2 wheel drive CR-V, and the AWD Kia Sportage I tested recently.

So what else does this car give you? Quite a lot, really.

The SR model has 18 inch alloy wheels, DAB radio, heated front seats, half leather and Alcantara upholstery, rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, cruise control, and USB and aux sockets.

Performance wise, the model I tested gives you 120bhp, 300Nm of torque, goes from 0-60 in 11.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 113mph.

Importantly the latest generation of CR-Vs are a lot easier on the eye than their predecessors.

The 1.6 i-DTEC SR 2WD version has an OTR price of £27,315, but if that’s too much for you, the range starts at £22,000 OTR.

The Honda CR-V is no flash in the pan. Next year it will be celebrating its 20th year, and more than five million models have been sold worldwide since it was introduced.

And from this evidence, it is going from strength to strength.

Factfile

Price: £27,315 OTR

Engine: 1.6 litre diesel

0-60: 11.2 seconds

Top speed: 113mph

max power: 120bhp

fuel

consumption: 60.1mpg