New Honda CR-V : Not quite SUV, not quite AUV

After all the speculation, the second generation of the sport utility vehicle that’s sold more than 11,566 units since its 1997 introduction is finally here. With an introductory price of P899,000 for the 5-speed manual and P959,000 for the 4-speed automatic, the CR-V is priced below competing SUV brands like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, and a little above top-level AUVs like the Toyota Revo VX200 and Isuzu Crosswind XUV. So, expect this latest Honda to hit hard in both segments.

True to buyers’ expectations that newer should be better, the new CR-V improves on the proven values of performance, safety, practicality, simplicity, and being typically idiot-proof. The body is a derivative of the old design, although larger in dimension, with softer curves, a minimum of brightwork, and a more confident stance. There’s a hint of Mercedes Benz M-class here, and that should appeal to all but snobbish M-class owners.

Being the engine-oriented company that Honda is known for, the balance-shafted DOHC 2.0-liter, 16-valve i-VTEC engine is an all-new design incorporating impressive performance, good fuel economy, low emissions, and low vibration and noise in a compact engine block. It makes a claimed 150 PS at 6,500 rpm and 19.4 kg-m of torque at 4,000 rpm. Variable valve timing and lift (VTEC) combined with variable timing control (VTC) enable it to rev productively up to the redline while still giving usable torque under varying engine loads and speeds. A catalytic converter also helps you do your part for cleaner air.

The all-new 4-speed automatic transmission also uses Grade Logic control for intelligent shifting and reduced shift shock. The CR-V has been tested to achieve 18.53 kilometers per liter during a 60-kph constant speed test.

The new CR-V’s cabin is also faithful to the old one’s characteristic functionality and elegance. A large and expansive greenhouse area provides excellent all-around visibility. The dashboard is replete with pockets and shelves for all the accouterments of a modern family. The gauges (amber lit at night) are simple and precise in layout, the A/C buttons are intuitive, and — this is new — the parking brake handle is also on the dashboard instead of way, way down on the floor like before. The fancy 2-DIN Kenwood is mounted high up on the dash too. Sober moquette upholstery is standard, while leather is an option.

Manual transmission CR-Vs have the shifter on the floor, but automatic-equipped ones have the shifter up on the dash and to the right of the instrument binnacle. Power window switches are on the driver’s armrest instead of on the dash and somewhere behind the steering wheel with the old CR-V. Needless to say – we’ll say it anyway – the CR-V has all-power features.

Technically a Class 1 Commercial Vehicle (read: "AUV"), 10 will fit in this wagon: three in front, four in the middle, and three in the rearmost bench. Few buyers will likely maximize this seating space. The seat between the front driver and passenger can only hold a small person, and the rearmost bench is low and skimpy on legroom. Just as well, because Honda isn’t really too keen on this "AUV" sharing FX terminal space with more utilitarian Tamaraws, Hi-Landers, and Adventures. The rearmost bench can be easily removed and the 2nd row bench folded forward to maximize cargo space. Two 26-inch mountain bikes can be stored standing up and with front wheels in place.

One thing definitely missing is the real-time all-wheel drive of old, which is another price you pay for being an AUV. Few SUV owners (old CR-Vs included) ever use the all-wheel drive or even take their SUVs crawling in the mud, so RealTime probably won’t be missed that much. Honda could bring it back in the future if demand warrants. For now, the front-wheel only drivetrain makes it economical to produce, but probably not as durable for heavy hauling as rear-wheel drive AUVs.

Also, unlike truck-based, ladder-on-frame chassis used by more rugged AUVs like the Revo, Crosswind, or Adventure, the CR-V’s is a unibody design based on the Civic sedan platform. It also uses nearly the same suspension geometry as the Civic, albeit modified for mild off-road duty: front struts with a toe control link and rear reactive link double wishbones. It also uses street-spec, 70-series 15-inch tires mounted on 5-lug alloy wheels. With front wheel drive, a car-based suspension, and street tire setup, the most difficult terrain the CR-V owner can fearlessly tackle is the odd dirt trail.

AUV buyers who need a vehicle for serious hauling and ferrying won’t likely get the CR-V. SUV buyers really intent on getting off-road capability won’t get this CR-V either. Rather, the CR-V appeals best to those who want something approaching the image of an SUV, the performance and sophistication of a car, and the versatility of an AUV, all for a price somewhere in between a top-level AUV and a mini-SUV.

What the CR-V may lose in overall durability and capability compared to the truck-based AUVs and all-wheel drive SUVs, it makes up for in refinement. Key stress areas like the shock absorber mounts, floor, and pillars have been strengthened for the stresses of "soft-roader" duty. Addressing criticisms that the old CR-V was a bit noisy, more sound insulation material and techniques have been strategically placed in the cabin than there’s space here to enumerate.

Additional features include a removable picnic table and two-piece tailgate/flip-up rear window that were introduced in the first generation; a waterproof plastic bucket under the cargo area floor; an auxiliary 12V socket; a "Wave" key that’s difficult to duplicate (better not lose it then); keyless entry with anti-theft; and more safety features than most SUVs and AUVs.

Frontal, offset, side, rear end impacts... you name it, they’ve crashed it with the CR-V’s "omni-directional, impact absorbing body structure". All-disk brakes are supplemented with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Brake Assist. Dual SRS airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for the driver and right-front passenger are also standard.

Given all these improvements, don’t be surprised to see quite a good number of this newest CR-V on our roads within the next few months. Honda aims for first year sales of 5,000 units, or 417 units a month on average. The global sales target is 250,000 a year in more than 160 countries. It’s already out in Thailand, Malaysia, and the mega-market US, where it’s been "warmly received", according to Honda Motor Company Senior Managing Director Katsuro Suzuki. Not quite AUV (but not quite SUV anymore either), expect this competitively priced, elegantly designed, and consummately functional "global recreational vehicle" to be just as popular in our spot of the world nonetheless.