Honda CR-V Review (2007)

Inside the information pack that arrived with the new CR-V from Honda, was a window sticker declaring that, ‘Not all 4x4s are the same’.

Well, in this case it’s true. Moreover, the new CR-V is nothing like the old one. In fact, I’m not sure how I would now categorise it. What I can tell you is that Honda insists that the CR-V is still an SUV but more car-like and in keeping with current market trends.

But is it a good thing? I really liked the bulkiness and performance of the old CR-V and spent the first few days in the new one humming, ‘Look what they’ve done to my car, Ma’.

The shape has shifted from fairly upright and boxy to a sleeker and more aerodynamic vehicle that should find as much, if not more favour with the ‘school-run’ brigade than the old car. The spare wheel has disappeared from the tailgate, which itself has changed from a side-opening door, and is now replaced by a ‘space-saver’ spare under the boot floor.

The new CR-V looks longer than the old one because of the lower roofline but is in fact 100mm shorter, due in part to the missing spare wheel. However, it is some 40mm wider in the body and track making it more stable and car-like to drive.

The extra body width allows for larger, wider seats in the front, which also benefit from improved height-adjustment via a ratchet-lever in place of rotary controls. EX models have 8-way power adjustment and lumbar support for the driver. The good news for taller people is that there is an extra 20mm travel on the slide rails and the steering wheel now has reach-adjustment as well as rake.