Best SUV plus best buy, equals best choice
The Honda CR-V’s success is underscored by numerous international and local awards, including being identified by the JD Powers CSI and IQS ratings as SA’s most satisfying and best-quality SUV, while it featured as SA’s best compact SUV and best sports recreational vehicle in the annual TopCar best buy guide.
“The CR-V pre-empted the demand for compact SUVs long before that segment became as highly competitive as it is today,” says Graham Eagle, director of operations at Honda Motor Southern Africa. “It’s one of the reasons why the CR-V remains a highly popular compact SUV choice. However, we have no intention of resting on our laurels, and the mid-life updates to the current CR-V have been designed to add further value and satisfaction to the ownership experience, while also reflecting the requirements of our many loyal customers.”
While the silhouette of the Honda CR-V remains unchanged, significant changes to the front and the rear of the compact SUV have created a bolder, more progressive appearance. Style and functionality are at the core of the CR-V’s redesigned interior, which features a brand new seven-inch touchscreen display as the interface for the vehicle’s infotainment system on all models except the entry-level Comfort. However, Bluetooth-based connectivity is standard across the entire model range.
A sliding armrest that can be moved forwards and backwards by 60 mm has been added between the two front seats for convenience, while the 60/40 split rear seat can be folded down flat with the simple pull of a handle to create a massive, flat-floored cargo area with a 1 120 litre capacity. With the seats upright, cargo capacity remains generous at 556 litres.
The new touchscreen-based infotainment system is standard on all 2015 CR-V models except for the entry-level 2.0 Comfort and supports the familiar pinch, swipe and tap interface common to current-generation smartphones, and can be customised by choosing from a selection of two colour schemes.
Under the 2015 CR-V’s skin, upgrades to the chassis have resulted in improved ride and handling characteristics. The changes include a reworked front suspension with
different bushes, new dampers, a revised suspension geometry, all leading to a smoother, more engaging ride.
The 2015 Honda CR-V range offers a comprehensive array of safety and security features. Standard across all models are ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). vehicle stability assist, emergency stop-light system, front and rear fog lamps and LED daytime running lights are also standard, while the automatic transmission models also gain hill start assist.
The revised 2015 Honda CR-V range consists of six models spanning four specification levels, two engine choices and two transmission options.
The updated Honda CR-V range pricing includes a three-year/100 000km warranty, while a five-year/90 000km service plan is included. A one-year AA roadside assistance package is also included. Services on all models are at 15 000km intervals.
