2.0 Hybrid SR

Everything I expected and More

I spent many months trying to decide what car to get. The CR-V was one of the first I looked at, having had many Hondas in the past, but I felt it was just out of my price range. I test-drove several SUVs, but none got me excited enough to part with my money. I just kept going back to the CR-V as the one I really wanted. Eventually, after yet another test drive, I finally had a hard negotiation with the dealer and got the Hybrid version, which was the one I wanted from the start.

The Hybrid is a completely different “drive” to the standard petrol version, it feels much more lively and urgent, with an immediate response from the throttle. For a car this size (it’s a big car by any standards) it can be hustled along. The steering is nicely weighted, with a good turn-in and with a little roll, it all engenders a great feeling of security. The way the engine and hybrid system seamlessly work together is very sophisticated, half the time I cannot tell if the engine is running or not.

The car's great virtue is comfort, particularly on long runs, where it just eats up the miles. There is plenty of room in the back and the boot is very large. We carry five people and all their luggage easily and comfortably for long distances.

I find the interior to be attractive, it feels very solid and well put together. As has been mentioned elsewhere, the “entertainment system” is a bit slow to react and over-complicated. It sounds great, but there are too many configuration options – that said, the other cars I test-drove were similarly complex needing me to take my eyes off the road to change a function. I’m pleased to say the climate control has some old-fashioned knobs and simple buttons to press!

On short suburban journeys around North London I average about 42 mpg, with mixed suburban and country trips I can average close to 50 mpg and on long motorway excursions at 70 mpg I can average about 48 mpg. I have been pleased with these figures.

Overall, it feels like a big “step-up” from the Avensis Estate Sport the CR-V replaced. It’s good to drive, comfortable, has good fuel consumption and it feels like you are driving something special – or perhaps that’s just my inferiority complex showing!

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