Is Honda CR-V 2.0S enough to sway Pinoy buyers from the Koreans?

The Japanese carmaker launched the Honda CR-V as a segment topper in an arena currently dominated by the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage. 

 

Despite the improvements, is it enough to sway buyers away from the Koreans?  

 

The growth spurt is noticeable in the hulking exterior — a far cry from its third generation 2007-2012 precursor. The high angled lower front and rear bumper allow for easier transition over humps and dips. The boxlike rear end may be homely for some, but the design aspect allows for cargo loading up to a balikbayan box and 2 large travel bags without the tonneau cover pulled over. 

 

Much like the 2007-2012 predecessor, the wide and steep angle of the front windshield and the narrow rear windshield allows for a wider view fore and aft from the driver’s seat. 



Space + ergonomics 

 

Inside the CR-V is spacious and ergonomic, evoking relaxation, enforcing its badge of “Comfortable Roundabout Vehicle.” Every button, knob, lever and switch is within easy reach of any occupant, and the rear seat takes three average Filipinos comfortably without shoulder or leg room issues. High marks are earned by the front passenger, power-assist, lock/unlock door switch, the air conditioning blower speed knob parallel to the driver’s left knee, the audio entertainment buttons/knobs, and the volume/audio, source/radio station toggle controls at the steering wheel’s nine o’clock. 

 

The fabric lining each door armrest and center console lid — between the front seats — wicks away sweat from what seems to be durable but easily scratched plastic. 

 

All doors open 90 degrees, making it easier for people with disabilities and knee problems to access the car. Storage for small items is impressive, with the doors housing two tiers of cubbyholes, and the nine cup holders can handle up to  large cup of soda from your favorite burger joint. Storing odd-shaped lumber and potted plants, the rear doors tumble and fold. The rear backrests — however — don’t fold flush with the cargo bay floor. 



Greath throttle response

 

Throttle response is great, despite the two-liter straight four lugging 1,515 kg of curb weight. Engaging the “ECON” button below the extreme left aircon vent chokes acceleration, preventing the rev counter from going beyond 4,000 rpm and decreasing gas consumption. Turn off “ECON” — a leaf icon within the gauge cluster goes off— and the CR-V is free, with the five-speed slushbox willing to downshift at half throttle and the tachometer needle going up to 6,000 rpm. For city driving, the “ECON” is recommended, but best turned off for highway jaunts.

 

A big downer is lateral behavior. Planted on turns, rarely displaying list or lateral lean, the absorption of road harshness is wanting. The ride is stiff. You can feel even small potholes under your bum. Steering too is wanting. Despite the lightness in steering efforts, feedback is numbing like: Are the front rollers actually responding to steering wheel inputs? The front end dawdles somewhat in agreeing with what motions you prompt the wheel, particularly in rapid lane-to-lane transitions. 

A marked improvement

 

Also, certain safety features aren’t on a par with Honda’s strong safety advocacy. The side view mirrors are narrow, displaying just one lane of sight on both lateral flanks. The brakes on this P1.39 million 2.0S RWD A/T base model for testing displays a lot of fade. Meaning, there’s a one or two seconds of delay before the speedometer needle goes down or momentum decreases. 
 

The base model should have parking sensors installed at the rear bumper. Given the small rear-hatch glass — and granted that the top end P1.525 million 2.4SX 4WD CR-V has parking sensors and a reverse-gear activated camera for viewing rear end activity via an overhead monitor — the base model should have at least parking sensors. Parallel parking and long backing wouldn’t be a problem with the parking sensors installed. 

 

At least the high intensity discharge headlights are bright even at the dim setting, and the wide front windshield allows for a panoramic view of what’s ahead. 

 

For sure, the base model CR-V is a marked improvement over its forebear, but road damping, steering and safety issues give it the proverbial two steps forward, one step backward thing. — VS, GMA News