Driving the latest Honda CR-V – on sale this weekend and I drove the range a significant distance this week – one engine 2.0-litre 140kW turbo petrol engine driving through a vastly improved CVT or continuously variable automatic. The previous model displayed too much slip and felt disconnected – a far cry from the conventional six-speed automatic in the Mazda CX-5 – however the latest CR-V CVT locks up quicker and has stepped ratios as the speed increases for a more natural feel. Some high points – a great 2-litre turbo engine with 240Nm of torque, revised electric steering now with just 2.2 turns lock to lock – on a fairly long test drive this week I found this aspect was less tiring with great turn in – on top of that even the brake booster is now electric and the brake feel and pedal response first class. For my money, the second tier two-wheel drive VT-iS five seater is the one to own – $33,290 in all-wheel- drive another $2,200. This latest model has a lot going for it – in four grades, with depending on model a choice of 2 or all-wheel- drive and in the third tier VTi-L the benefit of a third-row seat, although definitely best suited to small children.
The five seater has near class leading cargo space while the power tailgate from the VT-iS model up has an adjustable lift height and some excellent safety elements. If you’re in the market for a mid-sized SUV this latest Honda CR-V deserves to be on your road test list. I’m David Berthon

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