Road Test: 2009 Honda CR-V EX

When the compact sport-utility vehicle (a.k.a. cute-ute) craze began, Honda and its compact CR-V was one of the first players to market. Back in 1997, it was an ungainly looking box that arrived with an anemic 128-horsepower engine, four-speed automatic transmission and the bare basics in terms of standard equipment. Since those early days, the CR-V has evolved into a comfortable crossover that is offered with as many or as few amenities as any potential owner might want or need.

Swing the CR-V's door open and there's a mechanical theme to the interior - the door pulls look like oversized con rods and there's some brushed metal-like trim on the doors, dash fascia and centre stack. The EX tester also came with most of the modern conveniences, everything from the usual power toys and air conditioning to a power sunroof and a 160-watt AM/FM/six-disc CD audio system. Mind you, if you want to plug in your iPod, it will cost $340 for the i-Linc accessory, not a bright idea when most other manufacturers offer it - along with Bluetooth - as standard equipment.

The CR-V driver's lot in life is hunky-dory. The manual seat height and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustments make it a snap to establish a comfortable driving position. The large side mirrors then eliminate the usual blind spots, which give the CR-V better than average sightlines. The combination makes piloting a CR-V through today's cramped urban environment a painless venture.

One of the most significant improvements in the new CR-V - and there are plenty of noteworthy upgrades - is the fact that the cargo door (which was hinged on the wrong side of the vehicle on the last- generation version) has been replaced by a proper liftgate that comes with a much needed washer and wiper. That might not seem like much, but not having to negotiate that dumb door whenever loading or unloading the vehicle curbside makes a big difference. The unspoken benefit is that when the liftgate is open it provides some welcome shelter from the elements.

The rest of the back end has been equally thought through. There's plenty of space - 35.7 cubic feet with the 60/40-split/folding rear seats upright and 72.9 cu. ft. with them flat - a flat floor, tie-downs to secure cargo and a handy privacy cover-cum-tray. The latter is a privacy cover when put in one position, and it allows two-tier storage when put in another. The CR-V would greatly benefit from an independently opening back glass and a fold-forward front passenger seat.

The CR-V comes with an invigorated 2.4-litre four- cylinder engine. Using Honda's i-VTEC system, it puts 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque at the driver's disposal. When fired through the five-speed automatic transmission, there's more than enough power to deliver a decent turn of speed. The CR-V clips off 100 kilometres an hour in 10.3 seconds and turns the 80-to-120-km/h passing move in 8.7 seconds. The transmission certainly helps matters as it keeps the free-revving engine in its sweet spot where it is happy to dish out its all. The fact the shifts are impeccable is a bonus.

From here, power reaches the road through Honda's optional Real Time four-wheel-drive system ($2,000), the one item in the CR-V that would benefit from an upgrade. While it is reasonably proficient at divvying up the power and sending it to where it can best be put to use, the initial wheelspin needed to initiate the transfer of power means the electronic traction/stability control system steps in too often.

Ride and handling in the CR-V is about as good as it gets in its segment. The amount of body roll is limited to a few degrees and, as soon as the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspensions take a set, the CR-V rides out a fast on-ramp with little drama. Likewise, the feel and feedback afforded by the steering is very good. At slow speeds, its light effort makes it easy to get into a tight spot, while at speed it delivers the right sort of feel and feedback.

The same applies to the anti-lock brakes. In the past, Honda's system has tended to dive in way too early. Now, the system only steps to the fore when needed. The system also provides short 41.8-metre stops from 100 km/h. The oversized P225/65R17 tires and the grip they deliver rounds out a decent package.

If capacity, comfort and utility are the prime drivers behind a potential purchase, the CR-V EX nicely fits the bill. There is a ton of usable space, plenty of comfort and most of the right toys. It also handles well, has plenty of pep and delivers surprisingly good fuel economy - my test average for the week averaged 10.2 litres per 100 km.

The Specs:
Type of vehicle: Four-wheel-drive compact SUV
Engine: 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder
Power: 166 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 161 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P265/65R17
Price: base/as tested: $27,790/$32,690
Destination charge $1,560
Transport Canada :fuel economy L/100 km: 10.7 city, 7.8 hwy.
Standard features: Manual air conditioning with filtration, power locks,

windows and heated mirrors, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, cloth upholstery, manual driver's seat height adjustment, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power sunroof, rear washer/wiper, trip computer, outside temperature and average fuel consumption readouts, privacy glass, retractable centre tray table, under-seat storage bin, remote entry, engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control system.

Source;
http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=1596278